Communication

"Communication at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the critical role that communication plays in society, industry, and everyday life. The program provides a broad spectrum of courses that explore various aspects of communication, including media studies, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, rhetoric, and technological applications. Students will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, effective writing, public speaking, media analysis, and research methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical experiences, encouraging students to analyze communication processes critically and to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Through engaging coursework, internships, and research opportunities, students gain insights into mass communication, new media, digital technologies, and their impacts on public opinion and societal change. The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse careers in media, public relations, advertising, corporate communication, broadcasting, digital media production, and other related fields. Faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can explore their interests and talents. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including media labs and communication studios, support hands-on training that complements classroom learning. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of ethical communication, cross-cultural understanding, and the evolving landscape of digital communication. Graduates of the Communication program at UMass Amherst are well-equipped to enter competitive job markets, pursue advanced degrees, or innovate within the communication field. With a commitment to fostering critical thinkers, effective communicators, and socially responsible professionals, the program prepares students not only to succeed professionally but also to contribute meaningfully to society through their communication skills and insights."

• 101 Communication-First Year Introduction 1 cr
• 191 COMM1 First Year Seminar 1 cr
• 118 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Culture
• 121 Introduction to Media and Culture 
• 122 Introduction to Media Programming and Institutions 
• 125 Introduction to Rhetoric and Performance Studies
• 140 Introduction to Film Studies 
• 212 Cultural Codes in Communication (GenEd SBU) 4 cr
• 226 Social Impact of Mass Media
• 228 Visual Communication
• 231 Film and Television Production Concepts
• 250 Interpersonal Communication (GenEd SB)
• 260 Public Speaking 
• 265 Democracy and Rhetoric
• 271 Humor in Society (GenEd SBU) 4 cr
• 287 Advertising as Social Communication 4 cr 
• 288 Gender, Sex and Representation 4 cr
• 289 Media, Public Relations and Propoganda 4 cr
• 290AH Media, Public Opinion and LGBT Rights Honors 4 cr
• 297CF Contemporary Folklore Studies
• 310 Social Influence and Persuasion
• 318 Comparative Communication Theory 
• 319 Health Communication 
• 320 Culture, Communication and Social Identities
• 331 Program Process in Television 
• 332 Convergent Media and Activism
• 334 Media History and Communication Policy
• 335 Media and Education 4 cr
• 336 Consumer Culture
• 337 Media Audiences
• 338 Children, Teens and Media
• 340 History of Film I 
• 342 History of Film II 
• 343 Women in Cinemas of the African Diaspora
• 345 Contemporary World Cinema
• 375 Writing as Communication 
• 390 AH Race, Media and Politics Honors 4 cr
• 393C Issues in World Cinema
• 394CI Communication Inquiry
• 394PI Peer Advising and Leadership Seminar I
• 394RI Race, Gender and the Sitcom
• 397AT Studying Social Interaction
• 397AV Intercultural Communication
• 397B Introduction to Studio Directing
• 397PR Performance and the Politics of Race
• 397SM Social Media and Internet Communities
• 397SS Youth, Democracy and the Entertainment Industry
• 397TV Studio Operations, Production Design and Production
• 414 Studying Everyday Talk
• 415 Humor and Public Culture
• 426 Media Violence
• 427 Media Literacy 4 cr
• 433 Advanced Television Production and Direction 
• 441 Principles and Techniques of Film-style Production
• 444 Film Styles and Genres
• 445 Screenwriting
• 446 Film Documentary
• 491G Feminist Media Justice 4 cr
• 491S Introduction to Semiotics
• 491X Social Media and Political Communication
• 492G Cultures in Conversation
• 492N Nonverbal Communication
• 492P Conflict and Collaboration
• 493C Countercultural Films
• 493L Experimental Film and Video
• 493M Fashion, Media, Culture, Style
• 494AB Hollywood Film, Diversity and Adaptation
• 494AI Media and the Family
• 494FI Food as Communication
• 494MI Music, Culture and Communication
• 494NI Nonverbal Communication
• 494PI Horror and Public Culture
• 494SI Future of the Information Society
• 494TI Talk in the Media
• 495A Performance Ethnography
• 497AK Communication, Ecology, Sustainability
• 497DB Survey of Digital Behavioral Data
• 497M Communication and Nature
• 497NM New Media Theory
• 497QP Queer Performance and Publics
• 497VP Video Production: Advanced Topics
• 514 Social Uses of Language
• 593D Advanced Screenwriting

• Application Fee
• Official High School Transcript or Secondary School Exams
• Secondary School Exams
• Official SAT or ACT score report
• Academic Letter of Recommendation
• TOEFL: A minimum composite TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL with minimum of 17 on each subscore (code #3917)
• IELTS: A minimum composite IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test with minimum of 6.0 on each subscore
• A note on financial and visa information: Applicants needing an F-1 student visa will receive email instructions on how to submit their financial documents after an offer of admission has been made.  For more about finances and visa processing for international students please see this page.  If you are currently living in the United States and believe your visa status will qualify you as a domestic student, please be sure to include your U.S. visa information in the "Geography and Citizenship" section of the Common Application.
• Admission to Communication requires a stronger academic record than the minimum required for admission. MassTransfer graduates may also be admitted with a community college graduation GPA of 2.7 or higher

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst offers a range of financial aid options for students pursuing degrees in Communication. Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for federal and state financial aid programs, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows eligible students to access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, the university provides merit-based scholarships specifically targeted at Communication majors, rewarding academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. Graduate students in Communication can seek funding through departmental assistantships, which often include teaching or research responsibilities that provide a stipend and tuition remission. External scholarships from professional organizations and industry associations are also available, and students are advised to explore these options to supplement their funding. The university’s financial aid office offers counseling services to assist students in understanding their options and navigating the application processes. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore private loans and family contributions, though these should be considered carefully given their long-term implications. Internship opportunities within the field of Communication can also serve as a practical means of earning income while gaining valuable work experience. It is important for prospective and current students to regularly consult the university’s official financial aid website and departmental resources for the most up-to-date information on available funding, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Overall, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst strives to provide accessible and comprehensive financial support to help students succeed academically and professionally in the field of Communication.

The Communication program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the field of communication. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical training in various aspects of communication, including media, public relations, journalism, and interpersonal communication. Students have the opportunity to explore the historical, cultural, and technological contexts that influence communication processes in society. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for diverse careers in media, corporate communication, public relations, advertising, journalism, and other related fields. The program features a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on experiential learning, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, students can participate in internships, research projects, and various student organizations to enhance their professional skills and build networks within the industry. The faculty comprises experienced scholars and practitioners dedicated to providing high-quality education and mentorship. The program also encourages students to engage in ongoing research and to contribute to scholarly discussions in the field of communication. With a strong emphasis on technological proficiency, critical analysis, and ethical considerations, the Communication program at UMass Amherst prepares students to become effective communicators and thoughtful contributors to their communities and workplaces. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of media and communication in the 21st century, adapt to new technologies, and uphold professional standards.