Major FAQs

About the Major

What kind of job can I find with a Communication and Media degree?

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.

Can I double major?

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.

How do I become a Communication and Media major?

What are the Communication and Media major requirements?

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

When should I schedule an advising appointment?

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.

Does the department offer undergraduate awards?

Classes and Programs

I’m waitlisted for a course. How do I get in?

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

I’m having difficulty registering for a class.

Can the credits of a repeated COMM course with a different topic titles count towards major requirements?

What classes are being offered next semester?

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.

Is there a minor in Communication and Media?

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).

What is the senior thesis program?

The senior thesis program is an optional program that allows students to design and conduct an individual research project and write a thesis during their senior year. Students admitted into the senior thesis program take a year-long seminar during their senior year (Communication and Media 451/491 and 452/492) while they are conducting their research and writing their theses. Additional information and application can be found through the link below.

Senior Thesis Program

Graduation

What is a major release and how do I get one?

A major release is a way for the department to tell the college auditors that you are done (or almost done) with the major. You should begin this process the semester BEFORE you plan to graduate, to ensure all major requirements will be met.

An advising appointment is not required for this process. Please fill out our Major Release Request Form and one of our advisors will submit your release within two weeks.

Please note that you must also apply for graduation online through Wolverine Access.

Internships

How do I find an internship?

Can I get academic credit for an internship?

Is financial assistance available for summer internships?

Study Abroad and Transfer Credits

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