Major FAQs

In today’s information society, a degree in Communication and Media has a wide variety of applications. In addition to a broad liberal arts education, you will acquire a set of analytical skills and a core of knowledge that is widely applicable to different jobs within the communications field. Some of these include corporate communications, news and social media, public relations, consumer communications, advertising, marketing, market research, print media, radio/television, publishing, public affairs and journalism (print/broadcast). The curriculum is also excellent preparation for students who plan to continue their education in graduate or professional school programs.

To declare the Communication and Media major, you must complete each of the prerequisite courses (COMM 101 and 102) with a grade of C- or above. After completion, or while enrolled in the courses, you are eligible to fill out the Major Declaration Form.

You may meet with a Communication and Media department advisor as early as freshman year. Scheduling an advising appointment may be helpful if you have questions about major requirements or declaration process, course scheduling and academic planning, or the transfer/study abroad credit and course evaluation process.

Make an advising appointment.

Prospective U-M students and those struggling to make an appointment online may make an appointment by contacting the Undergraduate Program Coordinator at commadvisor@umich.edu.

After completion of the prerequisite courses (Comm 101 and 102) and declaration of the major, students must complete the following requirements:

• One (1) Communication in Action course
• 25 additional elective credits from courses numbered Comm 200-499, with: 
  • 6 credits at the 400-level or above
  • a maximum of 12 credits from 200-level coursework
  • a maximum of 3 credits from: COMM 322, COMM 441, or COMM 442
    

Yes! Many students choose to combine their major in Communication Studies with a major in another department. Double majors with Communication and Media commonly include:

• Political Science for students interested in law and government service
• Psychology for students interested in advertising or public relations
• English for those interested in print or broadcast journalism
• International Studies for those interested in international media.
• Screen Arts and Cultures for students interested in the entertainment industry. 

The department does not offer a minor in Communication and Media and does not have any plans to offer a minor. Many Communication and Media majors combine the major with minors in Political Science, International Studies, Global Media Studies (through Screen Arts and Culture), Writing (through Sweetland), Digital Studies (through American Culture), and Entrepreneurship (through Innovate Blue).

Yes, sometimes. Several “topics” courses are offered in the department. These courses may be repeated for credit. Please read the course details on the course guide carefully to verify its repeatability.

The prerequisite courses (Comm 101 and 102) are offered every Fall and Winter term. In addition, the Department attempts to offer Comm 101 and/or 102 during the Spring and/or Summer half-terms. A variety of 300-level ULWR, 400-level capstone seminars and  200, 300 and 400-level elective courses are offered each Fall and Winter term. During the Spring and Summer half-terms, the department generally offers two or three 300 and 400-level courses. 

Due to the popularity of the Communication and Media major, the department manages waitlists and issues permissions based on established priorities. Please ensure you are on the waitlist in Wolverine Access for any classes you're interested in so that you will be considered as spots open up.

A full explanation of the department’s waitlist policies can be found at the link below.

Waitlist and permission policies

Check the notes in Wolverine Access to see if the class is closed or reserved. Student Help pages in Wolverine Access contain information about registration. If you still experience difficulties, contact Student Services at the Registrar’s Office at 734-764-6280. 

Yes! The department solicits applications for academic awards for fall, winter, and summer terms. Any declared Communication and Media major with at least junior standing may apply for departmental awards. Award information, criteria, and applications can be found at the link below.

Departmental Awards

The department does not place students in internships. You must research and find your own internships. Resources for this can be found through the department’s undergraduate blog; LSA Opportunity Hub; U-M’s Career Center; the undergraduate student group, MCMP; and various other online sources.

Each year the department offers a limited number of summer internship stipends and awards to declared Communication and Media majors participating in unpaid summer internships. More information can be found on the department’s website, linked below.

Departmental Awards