Communication: General Communication, BA
General Comm Degree Description:
Communication is an interdisciplinary field that draws from the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The undergraduate Communication program focuses on the theoretical, critical, and empirical examination of fundamental communication systems, institutions, processes, and effects. Comm majors gain deep insight into how communication shapes our individual and collective social, political, economic, and cultural lives; both historical and contemporary, local and global. Our majors learn and employ a range of theories and research methods, including quantitative approaches such as survey research, experiments, content analysis, and computational science; and qualitative approaches such as historical, textual and discourse analysis, focus groups, and ethnographic fieldwork. In doing so, they produce scholarship that is rigorous, relevant, and multi-modal.
The major in Communication is granted by the College of Arts and Sciences, but the major curriculum is designed, administered, and taught by the Annenberg School for Communication.
Majors may complete an optional concentration. Effective Fall 2020, Communication concentrations are as follows: Advocacy & Activism; Audiences & Persuasion; Culture & Society; Data & Network Science; and Politics & Policy. Alternatively, students may also choose to enroll in the Communication and Public Service (ComPS) program. Students interested in pursuing one of these concentrations or ComPS should make an appointment to meet with a member of the COMM Undergraduate Advising Team.
See separate details on requirements for a Communication major concentration or the ComPS program.
In addition to concentrations, the Comm curriculum also offers opportunities for thesis research, independent study, internships, study abroad, and public service (through the Communication and Public Service Program).
Students must meet the following minimum requirements prior to acceptance into the major.
- Completion of at least two of the following introductory core survey courses:
Course List Code Title Course Units COMM 123 Critical Approaches to Popular Culture 1 COMM 125 Introduction to Communication Behavior 1 COMM 130 Media Industries and Society 1 - Completion of a third Communication course. Students may submit the application for the major after enrollment in the third course.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in all University of Pennsylvania courses.
For more information: https://www.asc.upenn.edu/academics/undergraduate-program
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Introductory Core Survey Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 2 | |
| Critical Approaches to Popular Culture | ||
| Introduction to Communication Behavior | ||
| Media Industries and Society | ||
| Research Methods Course | ||
| Select one: | 1 | |
| Quantitative Research Methods in Communication | ||
Or, Research Methods course from the approved list. 2 | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select eight COMM specific courses. 3,4,5 | 8 | |
| Select three elective courses from department(s) outside of COMM. Non-COMM electives must be related to the COMM major. 6 | 3 | |
| Total Course Units | 34 | |
| 1 | You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement. |
| 2 | Please visit the website for a listing of the approved Method Courses. |
| 3 | 4 of the 8 COMM elective courses must be 300 to a 499 level. |
| 4 | Study abroad and study away courses are normally assigned the number COMM298. Students can complete up to 3 COMM298 courses toward their COMM elective requirements. |
| 5 | Students with a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA can elect to enroll in the yearlong 2 CU senior thesis course (COMM494 & COMM499.) |
| 6 | Only 1 non-COMM elective may be an introductory level. All Non-COMM electives must be related to the student’s COMM major and be pre-approved by a member of the COMM Undergraduate Advising Team. |
Honors
A thesis project is completed over two semesters during the senior year. A credit is earned in both semesters. Students who achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher and earn an A- or higher on their project will graduate with honors.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2021 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.