Majoring in Communication | Department of Communication

Gain in-demand skills in a way that works for you.

Offering an undergraduate major, minor, and certificate program, the Department of Communication can set you up for career success in a way that fits your degree program. Speak with an advisor to find the right option for you.

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Major

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 120 hours to graduate and satisfy the Campus General Education requirements (including the campus general education language requirement).

REQUIRED COURSEWORK
Students must complete a minimum of 37 hours of communication courses. At least 15 hours of those must be at the 300-level or above. Twelve hours of 300- or 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.

Breakdown of required coursework
COURSE	HOURS
CMN 101: Public Speaking or CMN 112: Oral & Written Comm II	3
CMN 102: Introduction to Communication	4
Option A: General communication studies (see below for details) or Option B: Specialization (see below for details)	30
Total	37

CMN 111 is a prerequisite for CMN 112. Credit in CMN 111 will not count towards the minimum of 37 hours of Communication courses required for the major.

DEPARTMENTAL DISTINCTION
Superior students are encouraged to discuss the requirements and opportunities for participation in the departmental honors program with the departmental honors advisor.

Options for Majors

Option A: General Communication

Students who wish a general course of study will take at least one course from five of the following six areas. The remaining hours should be selected in consultation with an advisor.

Communication and Culture
Communication and Health
Communication and Organizations
Interpersonal Communication
Mediated Communication and Technology
Rhetoric and Public Communication

Option B: Specialization

Students who choose to specialize within a concentration must take four courses from one of the six areas listed below. The remaining hours should be selected in consultation with an advisor.

Students may complete more than one specialization by completing four courses in each area desired; however, individual courses may not be counted toward more than one specialization.

Special topics courses (CMN 199, CMN 396, or CMN 496) may count toward a specialization with the approval of an advisor; however, CMN 199, CMN 390, CMN 491, and CMN 493 taken as independent studies may not count toward the four required courses for a specialization.

CONCENTRATIONS:

Communication and Culture
Communication and Health
Communication and Organizations
Interpersonal Communication
Mediated Communication and Technology
Rhetoric and Public Communication

Minor and Certificate

Undergraduate Minor

Our undergraduate minor is designed for students who wish to obtain a deeper understanding of communication processes and how they influence social, cultural, and political processes. It is appropriate for students majoring in a variety of disciplines in the social sciences of humanities and for students in professionally oriented programs.

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Communication in Healthcare Certificate

The certificate is open to all undergraduate students at UIUC, particularly those considering careers in medicine, veterinary practice, physical therapy, social work, or any other healthcare profession. The Communication in Healthcare Certificate will help students learn about and develop skills related to communication in health professions.

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READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Gain the skills to stand out in the job market

The Department of Communication's student-centered degree programs empower you to transform your interests into a successful and fulfilling career in any industry. Learn and collaborate with your peers in courses taught by award-winning instructors who are leading researchers in their fields. Choose from engaging courses relevant to modern society and culture that connect cutting-edge theory with the practical skills you need to make an impact in the real world.

Explore how our major, minor, or certificate programs help you build the expertise and marketable skills that employers seek.

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