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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an internship required for a communication major?

Most likely.  Please check your Module Requirements form and speak with your advisor about placement opportunities.  More information can be found on the Internship Opportunities page.

How many hours are required for a Communication Major?

 

Students must take a minimum 45 hours, but cannot take more than 80 hours to count toward their degree. In addition, students may take no more than 60 hours in one category (COMN, HCOM, or MCOM). These requirements are for general reference only and should not be used to replace visiting an advisor. Contact Undergraduate Co-Directors Rod Buxton, 303-871-3952, or Elizabeth Suter, 303-871-4492.

What can I do with a communication major?

Communication majors learn how to be ethical members of their families, workplaces, and communities, as they learn to be effective communicators. Communication skills typically top the list of what hiring employers desire in their new employees, followed by several other qualities which students put into practice in HCOM courses: integrity, the ability to relate well to others, analytic abilities, leadership and teamwork skills, and an ability to articulate one’s ideas. Thus, communication majors have the ability to market themselves in nearly any career.

However, a number of occupations attract communication majors specifically. Some of them include:

Teacher, Clergy
Negotiator, Mediator (domestic or international)
Social Worker, Youth Worker      
Counselor, Psychologist    

Lawyer, Legislative Aide, Paralegal, Legal Assistant
Elected Official, Campaign Manager, Speech Writer
Legislative or Political Aide, Lobbyist
Foreign Service Officer, Translator

Writer/Author, Technical Writer, Greeting Card Writer
Publisher, Electronic Publication Specialist
Proofreader, Documentarian, Editorial Assistant

Producer—TV, Film, Theater, Script Writer, Actor

Industrial & Labor Relations Specialist, Community Action Director, Advocate/Organizer 

Bank Officer, Stock Broker, Real Estate Agent/Broker, Claims Adjuster/Examiner  
Museum Director, Travel Agent
Hotel, Restaurant, Hospitality Manager
Special Events Coordinator

Manager/Administrator, Credit Manager, Analyst
Corporate Communications Director, Planning Director, Development Officer
Human Resources Administrator/Manager, Personnel Specialist, Health Services Administrator
Training and Development Presenter, Interviewer, Recruiter, Recreation Coordinator
Public Information Officer
Fund Raiser

Public Relations Specialist/Assistant
Advertising Account Executive, Manager, Copywriter

Fashion Merchandiser, Retail Manager, Customer Service Representative, Sales Representative

Television Regulator/Censor
Sports Promoter/Agent
News Writer/Editor
Radio/TV Announcer, Reporter/Journalist, Reader, narrator, TV News Anchor
Photographer, Photojournalist, Graphic Artist
Contestant/Guest Coordinator    
PSA (Public Service Announcement) Director, Broadcast Advertising Salesperson
Market Research Specialist, Media Buyer, Media Manager, Market Research Analyst
Print Production Coordinator

 

Will I have an advisor?

Yes—each student majoring in Communication is assigned a faculty advisor each quarter. Contact Undergraduate Co-Directors Rod Buxton, 303-871-3952, or Elizabeth Suter, 303-871-4492 if you have questions about your advisor.