Undergraduate

Faqs

• Is there an interview required for admission into the program?
  No, there is no interview required for admission to the department. For any other questions about admissions as a freshman or transfer student from another university, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.
• Can I transfer into the Comm Studies department if I am currently a student?
  Yes, if you would like to transfer in to the Department you must have a 3.0 GPA and obtain a B (or better) in Introduction to Communications and Public Speaking. If you have met the prerequisites*, please come to 101 Lake Hall with a copy of your transcript (official or unofficial) to be signed into the major.
  _{* Acceptance into the major will be based on students meeting the department's criteria for admission and availability of space in the program.}
• Can I minor in Communication Studies?
  Students who are in good academic standing in any college of the university may minor in Communication Studies. The minor consists of six courses and prepares students to speak persuasively in a variety or situations, understand the history and traditions of the field of communication and organizations, as well as comprehend the business and technology of the communication industry. Students are advised to meet with their major advisor before beginning any minor.
• When I should see my dean's office advisor and my faculty advisor?
  Your Dean's Office Academic Advisor can help answer your questions about the college core curriculum and graduation requirements. He or she is also available to assist with scheduling and registration problems, dropping or withdrawing from a class, taking a leave for personal or medical reasons, among other things. You should see your faculty advisor to discuss specific questions about your major, such as choosing a concentration, planning for graduate school or with basic career-related questions.
  Faculty advisors know most about the content of specific courses and the various fields for which your major prepares you. If you do not know who your faculty advisor is please go to the Communication Studies Department office in 101 Lake.
• I want to take five courses. How do I do that?
  A regular full-time course load consists of 3-4 courses. However, students can overload and take 5 courses, but must receive permission from their dean's office advisor. In general, first year students are not allowed to overload and upper class students who want to overload must be in good academic standing (have at least a 2.0 QPA* overall). Students are charged additional tuition for an overload, and therefore, should be sure to contact the Customer Service Center (formerly the Bursar's Office) in 254 Richards Hall about the cost to overload.
  _{*quality point average, similar to GPA}
• I am doing an internship this quarter? Can I receive credit for it?
  In order to receive academic credit for an internship you must receive approval prior to starting. You will register for CMN U902 Internship in Communication Studies to receive credit and should contact our office before you begin your internship. Students normally take this class as part of a regular full time course load (along with 2-3 other classes).
• I am really interested in the dual major in Communication Studies and Cinema Studies. Where can I find more information?
  Students interested in this dual major should begin by visiting the Cinema Studies web site and meet with an advisor in that department. Dual majors develop their course of study with an advisor from both Communication Studies and Cinema Studies.