Navigating the UCF Communication Major: Requirements and Course Overview
A communication major offers a comprehensive exploration of human communication, focusing on the development of strong communication skills and the examination of communication principles. UCF's communication program prepares students for various professional fields by equipping them with skills in conflict negotiation, persuasive messaging, teamwork, cultural awareness, publicity campaigns, relationship building, and problem-solving.
What is a Communication Major?
A communication major is a program of study that encompasses the comprehensive exploration of various forms and aspects of human communication. It focuses on developing strong oral, written, and visual communication skills while also examining the underlying theories and principles that shape effective communication practices. Through coursework in areas such as interpersonal communication, digital media, visual communication, organizational communication, public speaking, and persuasive communication, students gain the ability to analyze, critically evaluate, and adapt their communication strategies in business, personal, leadership, and computer-mediated contexts. The B.A. An education in Communication offers training in a range of highly valued skill sets.
Core Skill Development
An education in Communication offers training in a range of highly valued skill sets. These include negotiating conflict, crafting persuasive messages, working constructively within the groups, navigating cultural divides, creating effective publicity campaigns, building satisfying personal relationships, and recognizing the channels of communication available to resolve problems.
Communication tackles a myriad of everyday communication problems. How do roommates, spouses, or co-workers resolve disagreements? What communication strategies are most effective when testifying before a government subcommittee or interviewing for a job? How can managers communicate effectively with employees or how can parents better communicate with their children? How can risks to health and safety be communicated to the public in an effective way?
UCF Communication & Journalism Program Overview
The Nicholson School of Communication and Media at UCF houses the communication program and offers various opportunities for students. The university provides resources and facilities to enhance the learning experience.
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Available Degrees
UCF offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Communication & Journalism. The MA in Communication prepares students for professions in academia and the public and private sectors.
Rankings
UCF's communication & journalism programs are recognized for their quality and comprehensiveness compared to other schools.
Student Demographics
The communication & journalism programs are known for their diverse student population.
Bachelor's Program Graduates
During the 2021-2022 academic year, 607 students graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication & journalism from UCF.
Master's Program Graduates
In the 2021-2022 academic year, 15 students earned a master's degree in communication & journalism from UCF.
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UCF Downtown Campus
Housed in the Nicholson School of Communication and Media, the MA in Communication is part of UCF Downtown, a 21st-century campus with access to arts, culture, nightlife, and business.
Degree Requirements
Students pursuing a communication major at UCF must adhere to specific degree requirements to ensure comprehensive training and skill development.
General Requirements
Students who change degree programs and select this major must adopt the most current catalog. Students must earn at least a "C" (2.0) in each required course. Students should consult with a CAHSA Coach. Courses designated in General Education Program and Common Program Prerequisites are usually completed in the first 60 hours.
Residency Requirements
School residency requirement consists of at least 24 semester hours of regularly scheduled 3000-4000 level courses taken from the Nicholson School of Communication and Media. Departmental Residency Requirement consists of at least 15 semester hours of regularly scheduled 3000-4000 level courses taken from the UCF English Department. All prerequisites of courses taught within the College of Sciences will be enforced.
Internship and Co-op Opportunities
Co-op or internship credit may be used in this major with prior advisor approval. Students cannot exceed a total of six credits of internship, co-op, and independent study credits combined. Faculty in the communication program recognize that internships are key to launching successful careers. To that end, we encourage our students to pursue internships in a wide-variety of fields and offer academic credit for approved internships. The communication internship information packet including eligibility requirements, registration procedures and an application form can be downloaded below.
Read also: Your Guide to Media Internships
Online Program
English (B.A.) - Technical Communication may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees. To see if the school offers distance learning options in other areas, visit the UCF Online Learning page.
Master of Arts in Communication Program
The MA degree program in Communication is a four-semester program for full-time students. Part-time students make take up to seven years to complete the program. While some courses are offered online, required core courses and most electives are offered in a face-to-face or mixed-mode formats, typically Monday - Thursday evenings at UCF Downtown. UCF's Master of Arts in Communication prepares students for a wide range of professions in academia and the public and private sectors. This program provides students with the knowledge to succeed as expert communicators - all within a convenient and diverse curriculum.
Tuition and Fees
Understanding the costs associated with pursuing a communication major is essential for financial planning.
Undergraduate Tuition and Fees
During the 2022-2023 academic year, part-time undergraduate students at UCF paid an average of $749 per credit hour if they came to the school from out-of-state. The average full-time tuition and fees for undergraduates are shown in the table below.
| In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,478 | $19,810 |
| Fees | $1,890 | $2,657 |
| Books | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Room/Board | $12,070 | $12,070 |
| Other Costs | $5,230 | $5,230 |
Admission Requirements
None
The Value of Communication Skills
Public speaking is an asset that will last you 50 - 60 years and it’s a liability if you are uncomfortable doing it … it’s a necessary skill. If can you get the best out of people around you, that’s a rare talent.
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