Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
Communication studies provides you with modern academic programs for the purpose of understanding human communication. Courses examine multiple, trans-disciplinary approaches for studying messages and outcomes resulting from human interactive processes that involve the content and relationship dimensions of sources, receivers, channels and contexts. Emphasis is upon person-to-person transactions involving face-to-face and social media venues at the interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public levels. Instruction employs ways of knowing and research methodologies of social science, historical/critical analysis, and art. Our graduates have successful careers in business, education, government, conflict analysis and intervention, health, public relations, entertainment, personnel management, politics, sales, conference and event planning, hospitality industries and more.
A major in communication studies also provides valuable pre-professional preparation for graduate and professional studies in the fields of communication, counseling, law, management, ministry, and military. Through traditional classroom delivery and distance learning platforms, students acquire communication skill competencies in experiential classroom activities, research projects, studies abroad and internships. Communication studies graduates leave JMU prepared to participate effectively as citizens in the Communication Age.
Degrees Offered
B.A.
B.S.
Concentrations
Conflict Analysis and Intervention
Cultural Communication
Health Communication Studies
Interpersonal Communication Studies
Organizational Communication Studies
Public Communication Studies
Public Relations Studies
Minors
Communication Studies
Conflict Analysis and Intervention
Cultural Communication
Health Communication Studies
Political Communication
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Declare the communication studies major when you register for orientation.
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Complete a “Change or Declaration of Major” form declaring SCOM and obtain the signature of the department head, Harrison 1284.
Note for new and currently enrolled students:
Declaring SCOM indicates your intention to apply for full admission to the major. Students should apply to the major during the semester when they will have completed SCOM 240 and 245.
Progressing in the Major
Unconditional Admission
Declared SCOM majors with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 and a combined GPA of 2.7 in SCOM 240 and SCOM 245 are automatically admitted provided that they have already applied for admission by filling out the proper forms.
Other students are admitted based on qualifications and space availability.
