FAQs

Applying to the Communication major

1) How do I enroll into the Communication major?

The Communication major is an open major; all students in good academic standing may join the Comm major.

2) What prerequisites do I need to complete in order to apply?

Interested students MUST attend an information session prior to admission to the major. This info session is mandatory and no substitutions will be made. Info sessions are held several times throughout the semester. Find the list of dates here .

Students who wish to meet privately with a Comm advisor to address individual concerns may do so, however, these private meetings will not substitute for attendance at an info session. Students who are not in good academic standing who want to join the Comm major must meet with DUA Allison Butler to develop a plan for academic improvement.

It is highly encouraged, but not required, to take at least one 100-level Comm course to familiarize yourself with content of the major. Courses include: Comm 118, Comm 121, Comm 122, Comm 125, or Comm 140. You must receive a grade of C- or above in these and any other Comm courses you may have taken.

3) Can I minor in Communication?

The Communication Department does not offer a minor in Communication.

International/Intercultural Requirements*

*The International/Intercultural Requirement pertains only to SBS Bachelor of Arts majors who entered UMass in Fall 2018 or later.

1) Where can I find the list of International and Intercultural course offerings?

Please visit the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ website, SBS International and Intercultural Course List

Global Education Requirements*

*The Global Education Requirement pertains only to SBS Bachelor of Arts majors who entered UMass prior to the Fall 2018 semester.

1) Can I use Communication courses to fulfill the Global Education requirement (“double dip”)?

You cannot use a course for both Global Education and your Communication requirements. If a Communication course is listed as an approved Global Education course, you must choose whether you would like to use it to fulfill your Global Education or your Communication requirements (no “double-dipping).

2) Where can I get help with Global Education questions?

Please visit the Global Education Office in the SBS Dean’s Office, 128 Thompson: Global Education Requirements

General Education Requirements

1) Can I use Communication courses to fulfill the General Education requirement?

You may use one course to count toward both your General Education and your major requirements.

2) How can I check on my progress toward graduation?

You can meet with your advisor to review your Academic Requirements Report (SPIRE), or you can drop by the Undergraduate Advising Office in N323 ILC to meet with a Peer Advisor. Either your faculty or professional advisor or a peer advisor can help you determine which requirements you still need to fulfill and can assist you in planning your courses.

Please visit the Office of the University Registrar’s website for more information about your General Education and Academic Requirements.

Internships

1) How do I obtain an internship?

Internship information sessions are held each semester in the Department of Communication. You are encouraged to meet with the SBS Career Services advisors, Carol Sharick or Rebecca Bell.  In addition to advising, you can use their online resources such as their Career & Professional Development website or find internships through our online career database Handshake. We also recommend visiting the Internship Office in 511 Goodell to speak with an advisor and access the database of available internships. The weekly Comm Connection e-newsletter lists available internship and job opportunities, as well.

2) Can I get Communication credit for an internship?

You can earn as few as 1 to as many as 18, depending on the hours you put into the internship each week. One credit for every 40 hours of work is typical. These credits are graded as pass/fail and are treated as elective—they do not fulfill any department requirements (there are no exceptions to this rule). No more than 18 credits can be applied toward graduation, regardless of how many internships you complete.

3) Whom should I see for questions regarding internships?

Please make an appointment with SBS Career and Professional Development advising appointment on Handshake. To make an appointment, login with your UMass login info. At the top of your dashboard, choose the Career Center drop-down, and Appointments. Follow the prompts through the process.

You can also visit the Internship Office in 511 Goodell. Many of the Peer Advisors have done a wide variety of internships and are happy to discuss their experience. Send them an email (askcomm@comm.umass.edu) or stop by N323 ILC.

Study Abroad and Domestic Exchange

1) Can I make progress toward my Communication requirements while studying abroad or on Domestic Exchange?

With prior approval, you can take certain courses that fulfill Communication requirements while studying abroad.

  • Visit the International Programs Office (IPO) or Domestic Exchange Office to consider your options and to obtain an ICAF or Domestic Exchange form.
  • Once you have found a program and some suitable classes, make an appointment with one of our professional advisors, Alesia Brennan or Allison Butler through Appointment Plus.
  • Bring to your appointment your ICAF or Domestic Exchange form and course descriptions for any Communication courses for which you are seeking prior approval (leave the “course equivalent” portion blank).

If you would like to discuss study abroad or domestic exchange options or have further questions, please make an appointment with a professional advisor.

2) What are the guidelines for what I can take?

Students wishing to count courses toward the Communication major generally should take 300 level courses while studying abroad. You must gain prior approval from a professional advisor for courses to count toward your major.

Professional Advisors

1) Who is my advisor?

Your advisor’s name and contact information can be found on the bottom, right-hand corner of your SPIRE Student Center page. Our professional advisors are:

  • Prof. Allison Butler, Chief Undergraduate Advisor, N322 ILC
  • Aaron Hoholik, N324 ILC
  • Marianne Neal-Joyce, ILC N325
  • Nicola Usher, ILC N327

2) How can my advisor help me?

Once you become a Communication major, you will be assigned your own academic advisor. This is a full-time advisor with extensive training in student development, advising, and regulations and resources in the department and across the university. Your advisor will remain with you throughout your time in the major, enabling him or her to guide and support your ongoing academic and co-curriular decision-making.

  • Course planning
  • Questions about major requirements
  • Checking your progress toward graduation
  • Opportunities outside the curriculum—internships, independent studies, etc.
  • Course approval for study abroad or domestic exchange
  • Course substitutions and approval for Comm transfer courses
  • Careers and graduate study in Communication

Peer Advising

1) What do the Peer Advisors do?

Peer advisors (PAs) are upper-level students who offer you not only the information and support you need, but also an invaluable student perspective. They’re well-trained in academic regulations and requirements, referrals, and helping skills. They won’t tell you which classes to take or avoid, but they can give you a balanced view and help you design a course schedule that serves your needs and interests. With their guidance, you’ll have a more fulfilling college experience both academically and socially. We believe in PAs so much that we assign one to each first-year Comm student.

2) How can I become a Peer Advisor?

Peer Advisors are selected each spring for the following fall. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for one recommender, from an employer or faculty member. All applications must be submitted electronically to Allison Butler (atbutler@comm.umass.edu). Cover letter should provide background on who you are, speak to your interests in peer advising and any leadership experience you might have. Please let us know why you want to be a peer advisor, what professional development skills you hope to gain, and what you bring to the job. We are especially seeking students from diverse racial, ethnic, gender, ability, and geographic backgrounds. Applications will be reviewed and interviews with qualified candidates will be scheduled prior to registration; all PAs will be chosen in time for registration. What are you waiting for?

Please email Allison Butler (atbutler@comm.umass.edu) or any of the Peer Advisors at askcomm@comm.umass.edu for any questions regarding the position or the application process. You can also read more about the program here.