The Department of Communication Studies offers training in the practice and theory of communication across a variety of contexts. Among these are public communication, health communication, organizational communication, public relations, and media studies. In addition, students examine specific types of communication such as argumentation, debate, and persuasion.

Communication Studies is one of the largest majors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at UNC Charlotte.  The Communication Studies discipline focuses on the theoretical, critical, and scientific study of how humans communicate with one another in all of its forms.  The undergraduate program provides students with an examination of communication theory, practices and processes in a variety of contexts, from interpersonal, group, organizational, public and electronically mediated communication.

Communication Studies provides a general liberal arts education that is valued by many employers, and, like other liberal arts majors, it opens the door to a wide array of careers.  Communication Studies majors pursue careers in areas such as public relations, marketing, personnel, and media.  This major is excellent preparation for law school, and students can pursue graduate work in communication studies.  Coupled with another social science major, Communication Studies provides extra capital for careers in areas such as social work, counseling, politics, and management. 

In addition to the requirements for the Communication Studies major, students must also complete coursework in a specific concentration of study.  Courses that are required within a particular concentration or used as electives within the concentration cannot simultaneously be used to fulfill Major Course requirements.  The concentrations are designed to provide students with the opportunity to pursue more extensive study in the communication context most relevant to their professional and social goals.

Programs

• Communication Studies, Communication and Public Advocacy Concentration, B.A.
• Communication Studies, Health Communication Concentration, B.A.
• Communication Studies, Mass Media Concentration, B.A.
• Communication Studies, Organizational Communication Concentration, B.A.
• Communication Studies, Public Relations Concentration, B.A.

• Communication Studies, Minor
• Journalism, Minor

• Communication Studies, Honors Program

• International Public Relations, Undergraduate Certificate
• Leadership Studies, Undergraduate Certificate

• Communication Studies, M.A., Early Entry