Undergraduate Communication Studies
Our undergraduate curriculum combines communication theory with hands-on learning to prepare students for success in a wide range of careers and graduate study. Through coursework, collaborative projects, research, and experiential learning opportunities, students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to become effective communicators, ethical leaders, and lifelong learners.
Students can tailor their education by exploring one of three focus areas. Whether
you're interested in understanding how people build relationships and work together
(Applied Communication), how communication influences public discourse and social change (Rhetoric), or how film, television, and digital media shape our identities and society (Media), you'll find opportunities to pursue your interests while building a strong foundation
in communication.
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The program goals for a B.A. in Communication are linked to six key areas: Performance: Students will demonstrate competence in producing messages in various media for different purposes, audiences, and contexts. Analysis and Critical Thinking: Students will analyze, interpret and evaluate messages across various forms and contexts. Knowledge: Students will understand and apply communication and media theories and methods as appropriate to their concentration. Ethics and Diversity: Students will articulate ethical principles and apply them in diverse communication contexts. Students will recognize and appreciate individual and cultural similarities and differences. Mediated Communication: Students will understand the impact of media forms on communication processes. Social Engagement: Students will understand and implement communication in their personal and public lives to respond to local, national, and global issues. |
Undergraduate Resources
Find the information and resources you need to make the most of your Communication Studies experience.
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies combines foundational coursework with opportunities to explore specialized areas of interest through flexible electives and focus areas. Students build a strong understanding of communication theory while developing practical skills that prepare them for careers, graduate study, and lifelong learning.
The curriculum includes University General Education requirements, Communication Studies core courses, and coursework in one of three focus areas:
- Applied Communication – Explore interpersonal, organizational, and relational communication.
- Rhetoric – Study public advocacy, persuasion, and civic engagement.
- Media – Examine the influence of media, technology, and popular culture on society.
View the full degree requirements, course sequence, and focus area requirements using the link below:
Interested in joining the Communication Studies program?
Declaring a major or minor is a simple process, and our advisors are here to help you explore your options, plan your coursework, and get started on the path that's right for you.
To declare a Communication Studies major or minor, complete the Communication Studies Major/Minor Interest Form using the link below. A member of our department will contact you within 1–2 business days with next steps and advisor assignment information.
Your Academic Advisor
Your academic advisor is your primary resource for course planning, registration, degree progress, and academic success. We encourage students to meet with their advisor regularly to discuss course selection, stay on track for graduation, and explore academic and career goals.
Find Your Advisor
You can locate your assigned academic advisor by following these steps:
- Log in to your myMemphis portal.
- From the Student page, select the Registration & Records tile.
- Your assigned advisor will be listed near the top of the page.
- If your advisor is listed as "Unassigned," please contact us at commdept@memphis.edu for assistnce
Schedule an Advising Appointment
Each faculty advisor maintains their own office hours and appointment scheduling process.
Please use the link below to access our Faculty Directory, where you can view your advisor's faculty profile, office location, office hours, contact information, and appointment scheduling instructions:
Advising Timeline
Planning ahead is one of the best ways to stay on track toward graduation. Keep these important advising and registration dates in mind during your academic planning.
Early November (November 1-10): Advising Opens for Spring
Students should schedule an appointment with their advisor to discuss degree process, course selection, and plans for the upcoming semester
Mid-November (November 10-19): Registration Opens for Spring
Registration opens on different dates based on registration classification and earned credit hours. Please use this link to view the full registration schedule and determine your assigned registration date.
Late-March (March 20-31): Advising Opens for Fall
Students should schedule an appointment with their advisor to discuss degree process, course selection, and plans for the upcoming semester
Early April (April 1-10): Registration Opens for Fall
Registration opens on different dates based on registration classification and earned credit hours. Please use this link to view the full registration schedule and determine your assigned registration date.
Graduation Application Deadlines
Students nearing completion of their degree should submit their gradautaion application by the appropriate deadline:
- December 2026 Graduation - Deadline: July 1, 2026
- May 2027 Graduation - Deadline: November 4, 2026
Need Assistance?
If you have questions about advising, registration, degree requirements, or your Communication Studies program, we're here to help!
Department of Communication and Film
☏ 901-678-2565
Internships provide valuable hands-on experience that allows students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings while building their resumes, expanding their networks, and exploring future career paths. Communication Studies students may earn academic credit for qualifying internships through COMM 4802.
Students are encouraged to begin their internship through:
- University of Memphis Career Services
- Communication and Film LinkedIn Page and Socials
- Faculty and Advisor recommendations
- Community organizations and professional networks
Internship for Academic Credit
Students may earn Communication Studies credit by enrolling in COMM 4802 while completing an approved internship during the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.
COMM 4802 Eligibility:
- Must be of Junior or Senior standing
- Must have completed 15 credit hours of Communication courses (or permission of Internship Director)
- Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in Communication courses (or permission of Internship Director)
- Online application must be completed by the last day of classes in the semester prior to proposed beginning of internship.
- Letter or email from the internship supervisor confirming that the student has obtained the internship and the general scope of the internship.
- Each credit hour of COMM 4802 is equivalent to 50 work hours (3 credit hours equals 150 work hours, or 10 hours per week over the course of a 15-week semester).
COMM 4802 Completion Requirements:
Unless otherwise instructed by your faculty director, these forms should be uploaded to Canvas:
- Time logs specifying hours worked and tasks completed, signed by both the student and the internship supervisor, submitted both at mid-term and at the end-of-semester.
- Student self-assessment, signed by both the student and the internship supervisor, submitted at mid-term.
- Samples of work completed (as appropriate) submitted at mid-term and end of semester.
- Final student self-evaluation, submitted at end-of-semester.
- Final supervisor evaluation, submitted at end-of-semester (emailed directly to faculty director).
Internship Application Process
- Secure an internship independently.
- Complete the online application.
- Recieve Departmental Approval (you will be informed of the approval/denial of your application via your University of Memphis email)
- Register for COMM 4802
- Complete the internshop and course requirements
Need Help?
Communication Studies Internship Director: Ashlyn Blair (ablair2@memphis.edu)
Film Studies Internship Director: Roxie Gee (rlgee@memphis.edu)
Please explore the links below to browse possible local Memphis internships:
- ALSAC at St. Jude
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Peer Power
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Tennessee Legislative Internship Program
**add some ideas of what grads are doing post-grad
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