Communication

Communication is a discipline concerned with the study of messages in the context of human relationships. Courses in communication examine the nature, use, and role of messages among individuals and within small groups, organizations, and society in whatever form they assume—oral, written, visual, mediated, and technological.

A degree in Communication develops knowledge and skills that are required for many different fields, including advertising, business, international relations, education, public service, government and politics, health care, and public relations. Because college graduates are expected to change careers approximately seven times over the course of their lives, and because employers across a wide variety of fields primarily seek applicants with strong oral and written communication skills, a degree in communication is a versatile and timely choice.

The Communication major at the University of Colorado Denver has as its focus and mission the development of the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to use communication to create a more civil and humane world. The curriculum was developed to counter the pervasive atmosphere of unrelenting contention and uncivil communication that characterizes the contemporary world.

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts, we offer Undergraduate Certificates in Mediation and Strategic Communication, which are designed for students to enhance or upgrade their skills in these areas. These certificates may be earned on their​ own or in conjunction with the degree program.

​Students need 13 courses (39 credit hours of communication courses) to complete the major in Communication. At least 21 of the 39 hours must be upper division. Students must complete the four core courses shown below (12 credits); eight courses from among the Pathways listings (24 credits), and one exit course (3 credits). The department advises students to take the required courses as soon as possible.'

Required Entrance Courses for Communication: 12 Credit Hours

• COMM 1001 Presentational Speaking or COMM 2050 Business and Professional Speaking

• COMM 1011 Fundamentals of Communication

• COMM 1021 Introduction to Media Studies
• COMM 2020 Communication and Citizenship

All available in classroom and online format.

Pathway Area Courses: 24 Credit Hours

In addition to the four entrance courses (12 hours), students must take at least eight courses (24 hours) chosen from the Pathways areas. Note that you may also choose classes from Toolbox Courses and Special Topics Courses to meet this requirement.

Exit Course: 3 Credit Hours

Students must take one or more course from the Exit Course Area to bring the total number of completed hours to 39.

• 3939 Internship*
• 4040 Communication, Prisons, and Social Justice
• 4051 Advanced Strategic Communication*
• 4500 Health Communication*
• 4550 Rhetoric of Medicine and Health
• 4700 Writing Practicum
• 4995 Travel Study​ 
  (options include China, Guatemala, and Italy in Maymester, and Spain in Winterim) 

(*= available in online format)

Freshman admission consideration for both in-state and out-of-state students is based primarily upon:

1. Quality and number of high school courses (units) attempted (a rigorous academic program of study is preferred)
2. The admission index, which is a numeric score calculated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education based on GPA or rank in class and ACT or SAT test scores.
3. Optional personal essay and letters of recommendation. Though not required, a personal statement or essay and/or letters of recommendation may be considered in the admissions review process

General Admission

You are a strong candidate for general admission if:

1. Your index is 93 or higher
2. You have completed all HEAR requirements AND have no more than two MAPS unit deficiencies

TEST SCORES: ACT/SAT

Results are mandatory for international students who have graduated from a U.S. high school or those seeking freshman admission directly to the College of Engineering and Applied Science programs. For engineering students, admission to CU Denver is still possible without these scores by way of the Pre-Engineering program in the College of Liberal Arts and Science.

TEST SCORES: TOEFL, IELTS, OR PTE

Applicants will be considered to have obtained the required English language proficiency if they meet satisfactory scores (below) or one of the additional options:

SCORE REQUIREMENTS:

TOEFL

Minimum TOEFL Score Accepted: 75 IBT / 537 PBT

IELTS

Minimum IELTS Score Accepted: 6.5

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived if an applicant has graduated from the ESL Academy. Information regarding other considerations for exemption, including country of citizenship/origin, and special circumstances can be found here. Please note that some graduate level programs will require a higher score on the TOEFL/IELTS and applicants should consult the department for additional details

PTE ACADEMIC

Minimum PTE Academic Score Accepted: 51

TThe Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is currently in a pilot review at the University of Colorado Denver. We will accept a 51 PTE Academic score with the following subscores:

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) invites undergraduate and graduate students to apply for available scholarships every spring semester, beginning in February. The scholarships are merit and need based, ranging from $300 - $1000.

Featured Scholarships

• Melvin Albaum (Continuing Undergraduates, Need Based)
• Phyllis Weisheit Schultz (Continuing Undergraduates, Merit Based)
• Joseph Ben Trujillo (All students, Need Based)

National Scholarship Programs

You must be nominated and supported through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for applications to national scholarship programs.