Communication Studies is one of the largest majors in the College of Humanities & earth and Social Sciences at UNC Charlotte.  The Communication Studies discipline focuses on the theoretical, critical, and scientific study of human communication across diverse cultures. The undergraduate program provides students with an examination of communication theories, practices, and processes in a variety of contexts, including media technology, public relations, health, organizations, and public culture. 

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program offers concentrations in Health Communication, Media & Technology Studies, Organizational Communication, Rhetoric, Culture, and Social Change, and Public Relations.  Students select one of these concentrations when they have completed all prerequisite courses and are admitted into the major.  In addition to the core requirements for the Communication Studies major, students must also complete coursework in their chosen 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.

Students majoring in Communication Studies may pursue careers in areas such as public relations, marketing, personnel, nonprofit organization, social media management, and health administration.  Coupled with another social science major, Communication Studies provides extra capital for careers in areas such as social work, counseling, politics, and management.  This major is also excellent preparation for law school, usually combined with a concentration in Rhetoric, Culture, and Social Change, a second major in Political Science, and a minor in Legal Studies.  The program also offers a minor in Communication Studies and a minor in Journalism.

Graduate Program

Students can pursue graduate work in Communication Studies. For details, see the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog regarding the M.A. in Communication Studies program.  

Programs

• Communication Studies, Health Communication Concentration, B.A.
• Communication Studies, Media & Technology Studies Concentration, B.A.
• Communication Studies, Organizational Communication Concentration, B.A.
• Communication Studies, Public Relations Concentration, B.A.
• Communication Studies, Rhetoric, Culture, and Social Change Concentration, B.A.
• Communications Studies, B.A.

• Communication Studies, Minor
• Journalism, Minor

• Communication Studies, Honors Program

• Leadership Studies, Undergraduate Certificate

• Communication Studies, M.A., Early Entry