Program Information

The major in Communication is designed around two central goals:

• Increasing knowledge about communication processes and their impact on society
• Developing communication skills and competencies

In pursuing these goals, the Department of Communication has adopted a social and behavioral science orientation toward the study of human communication. All majors study communication in a wide variety of contexts, including interpersonal communication, media communication, and public relations in both mediated and face-to-face settings. A broad spectrum of classes enables students to critically analyze communication as well as recognize their own ethical responsibilities to self and community. The Communication faculty is also 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.​

PRNEWS ​has named UD's Department of Communication to its annual Education A List, recognizing the department's robust undergraduate and graduate programs as among the best in training future public relations, communications, and marketing professionals.​ UD communication courses specialize in media communication, mass media, public relations, and marketing communications.​​

Learn more about earning a communication degree from the University of Delaware:

• Careers in Communication
  
• What UD Graduates are D​oing Now
• Honors Program​​
• COMM @ YouTube​
• Resources​
• UD Video Tour​​

Core Classes

All students interested in Communication at the University of Delaware will take a set of five core classes mostly across their first and second years.   

• Public Speaking & Professional Presentation (COMM212)
• Communication and Interpersonal Behavior (COMM230)
• Media and Society (COMM245)​
  
• Philosophy of Communication (COMM256)​
  
• Introduction to Communication Research Methods (COMM301)
  

 Concentrations

To fulfill the remainder of the Communication-based requirements to complete the major, students will choose between one of the three concentrations detailed below:​​​​

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 are able to acquire experience in the techniques and methods of media production, but emphasis is on theory and basic principles, rather than on specific preparation for a particular role in a communication organization.

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.

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.

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A social science perspective emphasizing the fundamental principles of human communication

Rather than narrowly preparing graduates for entry into a particular technical job, the department provides a broad intellectual perspective that can be applied to the challenges of careers in nearly any imaginable area of communication.

The opportunity to incorporate professional experience

Our program offers an extensive internship program and opportunities for students to create media in a variety of formats, allowing students to develop valuable professional credentials.

Top faculty, including communication scientists working at the frontiers of the field, as well as accomplished communication professionals

UD faculty members are noted scholars and researchers who are making fundamental contributions to the growing field of Communication.  Their expertise extends to all areas of Media Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Health so that students receive wide and sophisticated​ exposure to the most current empirical research being produced within the field.  Faculty in applied areas such as public relations, broadcast journalism, production, and political communication bring many years of experience to educating students in preparation for professional roles in the communication field.

• Extensive internship opportunities are available in regional television and radio stations, newspapers, public relations firms, corporate offices, and a myriad of other businesses and institutions.
  
• Facilities and equipment on campus provide students with hands-on experience in the techniques of video production, television production, and broadcasting.  This includes a student television studio, a media production lab, and a campus/community radio station.
• Student access to advanced computer software and computer labs in support of course work involving statistical research, newswriting & editing, and broadcast journalism.
  
  

Graduates of our program have careers in a variety of communication-related fields.   These include:

• television and radio
• publishing
• public relations
• advertising
• the news industry
• personnel and employee relations
• various forms of counseling
• sales and marketing
• politics

Other graduates of our program have entered graduate school or law school, where a concentration in media law has proved a natural path to follow.

First- and second-year students are assigned an advisor within the College of Arts and Sciences' Student Success Center (SSC)​.  In their third year, Communication students are assigned to a full-time faculty member within the department to assist them on their path to graduation.  Students are encouraged to visit their advisor regularly to plan their course of study and for general academic information and advice.  The department also encourages students to visit their advisors with any academic issues as well as to discuss plans for the future, such as careers or graduate school.