Communication

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the University of Colorado Boulder offers students a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and diverse applications of communication in contemporary society. This rigorous program is designed to equip students with analytical and practical skills necessary to interpret, produce, and evaluate various forms of communication across different media and contexts. Throughout the curriculum, students explore critical topics such as interpersonal communication, mass media, intercultural communication, health communication, and organizational communication, fostering an interdisciplinary perspective that prepares graduates for dynamic careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

Students in the Communication program have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through internships, research projects, and media production, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The program emphasizes the development of strong oral, written, and digital communication skills, which are vital in a wide range of professional environments including media, public relations, marketing, corporate communication, and advocacy. Faculty members bring expertise from various fields, offering mentorship and guidance to support students' academic and career aspirations.

The curriculum is flexible, enabling students to tailor their studies toward specific areas of interest within communication, such as media studies, health communication, or intercultural dialogue. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in campus organizations, media production labs, and study abroad programs to broaden their perspectives and enhance their intercultural competence.

Graduates with a BA in Communication from CU Boulder are well-prepared to pursue graduate education or enter the workforce, equipped with a solid foundation in communication theory, research methods, and practical skills that meet the demands of today’s diverse media landscape. Whether aspiring to work in media industries, public service, corporate settings, or non-profit organizations, students will find that the program provides a versatile and robust education to support their professional and personal development.

MA Program Requirements: Thesis Option

Students pursuing the thesis option are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours, including 24 credit hours of coursework (at the 5000 level or higher) and 6 thesis hours (including oral defense of the thesis; additional thesis hours cannot be taken).

Course requirements include:

• COMM 6010 Communication Research and Theory
• At least one methods course (COMM 6020 or 6030)
• At least two readings courses (COMM 5210, 5320, 5425, 5620 or 5720)
• Five additional graduate-level courses

Students choosing the thesis option should select a permanent graduate faculty advisor prior to completing 12 credits of coursework. In consultation with their advisor, students should select two additional committee members and, by the beginning of the second year (assuming a course load of 9 hours per semester), complete the MA Program of Study Form and a written thesis proposal (with the thesis designed such that it can be completed during student’s final planned semester in residence).

After the committee has read the thesis, a final oral defense is conducted in conformity with the graduate school’s rules. Students must have an affirmative vote from the majority of committee members to pass the thesis. Students who fail the thesis defense may attempt it once more after a period of time that is determined by the committee. Students who fail the second defense are dismissed from the master’s program. The final submitted thesis must comply with the CU-Boulder Graduate School rules regarding the formatting of theses and dissertations.

MA Program Requirements: Comprehensive Examination Option

Students pursuing the coursework with comprehensive examination option are required to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours (at the 5000 level or higher), a written comprehensive examination and an oral defense of that written comprehensive examination.

Course requirements include:

• COMM 6010 Communication Research and Theory
• At least one methods course (COMM 6020 or 6030)
• At least two readings courses (COMM 5210, 5320, 5425, 5620 or 5720)
• Seven additional graduate-level courses

Master’s students choosing the comprehensive examination option should select a permanent graduate faculty advisor prior to completing 12 credit hours. The associate chair of graduate studies automatically serves as a committee member and students, in consultation with their advisor, select a third committee member.

By the beginning of the second year of graduate work (assuming a course load of 9 hours per semester), students should complete the MA Program of Study Form. The comprehensive examination includes three questions: (a) two standardized questions, created by the associate chair of graduate studies, that are completed by all master’s students taking the examination (at the same time) that semester about communication theory (90 minutes); and about research methods (90 minutes); and a question, created by the student’s advisor, that is unique to student’s expertise area (2 hours).

A one hour oral defense then must be held within two weeks of completing the written comprehensive examination. Students must have an affirmative vote from the majority of committee members to pass the comprehensive examination.

Should the majority of committee members judge the written and/or oral performance to be unsatisfactory, students may be required to retake relevant portions of the examination (with a maximum of one opportunity to retake the examination). Prior to retaking the comprehensive examination, students may be required to complete additional coursework and/or research projects. Retaking the comprehensive examination must include another oral defense. Students who retake the comprehensive examination but do not complete it in a satisfactory manner are dismissed from the master’s program.

Requirements

1. Hold at least a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent.
2. Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.20.
3. Provide three letters of recommendation.
4. We expect combined Verbal and Quantitative scores of at least 1100, with at least a 550 Verbal score. For scores as of August 1st, 2011, we expect combined Verbal and Quantitative scores of at least 302, with at least a 156 Verbal score.
5. TOEFL OR IELTS

Scholarships

• Teaching assistantships and fellowships are available.
• Global Education

The Communication undergraduate program at the University of Colorado Boulder offers students a comprehensive education in understanding human communication, media studies, and the impact of communication in various societal contexts. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication techniques. Students explore a wide range of topics, including interpersonal communication, interpersonal relationships, mass media, public relations, advertising, and digital communication. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for diverse career paths in media, public relations, marketing, journalism, corporate communication, and other related fields.

Students have the opportunity to engage in foundational courses that examine the theories and principles behind effective communication, as well as specialized courses that focus on areas such as media production, communication research methods, and organizational communication. The program also encourages experiential learning through internships, research projects, and collaborations with media organizations and community partners. Such experiences aim to provide practical skills and understanding of the real-world applications of communication theories.

The faculty involved in the Communication program are experts in their fields, bringing contemporary research and industry insights into the classroom. The program fosters a collaborative academic environment where students are encouraged to develop their own voice and perspectives. In addition to coursework, students may have access to resources such as media labs, communication workshops, and student organizations related to media and communication.

Graduates of the Communication program at CU Boulder are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in a variety of communication-related careers. The program also aims to cultivate socially responsible communicators who can contribute to understanding and addressing societal issues through effective communication strategies. Overall, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and media-driven world.