Undergraduate Programs
Your path to a career in communication
The University of Delaware's undergraduate programs in communication are designed around two central goals:
- Increasing knowledge about communication processes and their impact on society.
- Developing communication skills and competencies.
Undergraduate students study communication in a wide variety of contexts, including interpersonal communication, media communication, and public relations in both mediated and face-to-face settings. Communication graduates have pursued careers in a variety of communication-related fields, including television and radio; publishing; public relations; advertising; the news industry; personnel and employee relations; various forms of counseling; sales and marketing; and politics. Others have entered graduate school or law school.
The communication faculty is committed to turning theory into effective skills for speaking, critical thinking, writing, and media production so that academic knowledge and experience extend beyond the classroom into future opportunities for our students.
Our graduates will achieve the following objectives, which are linked to the University of Delaware's general education objectives:
- Deliver clear and effective oral presentations.
- Write clearly, concisely, and effectively.
- Locate, interpret, and evaluate information.
- Comprehend social scientific research.
- Apply communication theory and research to real-world contexts.
- Graduates of the media communication concentration will also be able to critique the legal, political, ethical, social or cultural forces on the media.
The concentration in interpersonal communication focuses on the forms of communication that occur among individuals and groups. The orientation of this concentration focuses on theoretical principles that can be successfully applied for the understanding of communication as it occurs within the widest range of personal, business, and social settings.
The concentration in media communication focuses on the analysis, explanation, and interpretation of mediated forms of communication, such as television, film, radio, newspapers, and books. The emphasis is on theories of communication that help explain the historical development of the mass media, and the effects of these media on social, institutional, and interpersonal formation. Students acquire experience in the techniques and methods of media production, but emphasis is on theory and basic principles, rather than on preparation for a particular role in a communication organization.
The concentration in public relations focuses on applying communication models and theories to the public relations planning process. Students will recognize the importance of ethical principles, diversity and inclusion competencies, and legal considerations in the practice of public relations. Upon completion of the concentration, students will be able to demonstrate a wide range of technical skills, such as writing, media relations, public speaking, and social media management in order to create strategic communication campaigns reflecting the four-step management process of public relations.
Available to students in UD's Honors College, the honors degree and honors degree with distinction are comprehensive enriched undergraduate degree experiences. Students complete all requirements for the communication B.A. and, where appropriate, the concentrations. They must also meet the University's requirements for the honors degree.
Notice: Students interested in changing their major to Communication must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. If they have completed any COMM courses, they must have grades of C- or better. Acceptance into the program will be made based on the number of open seats, seniority and academic performance.
Specialize your skills with a minor
In keeping with the University of Delaware's commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, research and learning, the Department of Communication works in collaboration with other academic departments on campus to provide students with diverse and highly usable skills that are valuable in the workplace. Depending on their career goals, students can complete a minor in advertising, interactive media, journalism or political communication.
Offered through UD's Lerner School of Business, the minor in advertising builds your understanding of marketing and economics, develops your communication and public relations skills, demonstrates practical tactics in advertising management, and examines social and cultural issues inherent in new media and technology.
Taught by faculty representing Computer Science, Art & Design, Communication, and English at the University of Delaware, this minor gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills applicable to various forms of interactive/digital media. Focusing on internet-based technologies, courses teach skills in web programming, interactive design, writing, and project management.
An interdisciplinary minor between UD's Departments of English, Communication, Political Science & International Relations, and Economics, students will learn how to report with words, images, and sound, honing your writing skills and adapting your reporting approach to fit the platform whether it's print or web magazines, newspapers, streaming media, or radio/TV stations.
Offered by UD's Department of Political Science and International Relations, the political communication minor provides students with the opportunity to experience multidisciplinary teaching and research in the leading edge concepts of political communication and digital technology, as expressed and experienced in political campaigns and public policy debates at the local and national levels.
4+1 Accelerated Degree
To meet the increasing demand of employers for professionals with advanced degrees, the University of Delaware offers current communication students the opportunity to apply to the 4+1 accelerated degree program. Students in the program can complete a B.A. degree in communication and an M.A. degree in strategic communication within five years. Students build on the strong foundation of their undergraduate education, then use their graduate degree to specialize in the fields of strategic communication, public relations, digital media and social media.
Earn credit for research and Internships
Undergraduate students can earn academic credit for research and independent study while building transferable skills, leadership, and educational competencies in the communication discipline. Students work closely with faculty who are widely recognized not only for their published research but also for their commitment to teaching and advisement. To learn more, email the Department of Communication at comm-staff@udel.edu.
Work one-on-one with a communication professor on an in-depth, specialized project
Independent Study
For academic credit, students register for COMM366 or COMM466. Communication majors in their junior and senior years must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their major and 2.75 overall. Communication-related projects by non-majors will be reviewed for independent study credit and considered on a case-by-case basis.
To register for the course, independent study candidates must submit a contract (linked below) for review and approval by the chairperson.
The contract must include the following information:
- Faculty sponsor: Students may contact communication professors whose teaching or research is related to the project they would like to pursue, or communication professors may recruit students for specific projects.
- Written proposal: Includes the purpose, expected results, sources, and value of the project. The specific criteria the faculty will use to evaluate the project must be included.
Gain job experience, access to mentors, and a potential job after graduation
Internships
Internships are an important step in a student's academic journey. Some internship providers may require interns to earn academic credit, especially if the internship is unpaid.
To be eligible, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a junior or senior majoring in communication. Non-majors may call 302-831-8041 to schedule an appointment with the department chairperson and discuss how the internship relates to the study of communication.
- Have a grade point average in communication courses of 2.75 or above.
- Confirm the duties and responsibilities enable them to work with practicing professionals and gain relevant experience in communication.
Students may find an internship on their own or search Handshake's database by logging in with their UDel username and password. Contact the Department of Communication for a list of prior internship locations.
For academic credit, students must take the following steps:
- Complete an internship contract (available upon request from the Department of Communication), which must be signed the site supervisor, the internship course instructor, and the Department of Communication Chairperson. The department staff will confirm that the minimum grade requirements are met.
- Register for COMM364 (offered during fall, spring, and summer semesters). If COMM364 isn't available, students may register for the UNIV364 course, offered through the Career Center. Seats are limited and not guaranteed.
Build transferable skills, leadership, and educational competencies in communication
Undergraduate Research
For academic credit, students register for COMM468, Undergraduate Research in Communication. To be eligible, the student must be a junior or senior majoring in communication with a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their major and 2.75 overall. Registration by non-majors will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To register for the course, the undergraduate research candidate must submit a contract (linked below) for review and approval. The contract must include the following information:
- Faculty sponsor: The candidate contacts a faculty member whose teaching or research is related to the project they would like to pursue.
- Written proposal: The candidate and faculty sponsor discuss the proposed research idea and prepare a plan that includes purpose; research and/or research support responsibilities; the value of the research to the student; and project evaluation criteria.
