Undergraduate Degree Programs

The communication program teaches students to communicate effectively and ethically in a rapidly changing world. It offers a comprehensive background in the discipline in preparation for employment or further education. Students majoring in other disciplines find communication electives valuable additions to their programs.

The program is both theoretical and pragmatic, designed to prepare students for the professional workplace or for advanced study.

Choose from three concentrations offered through the Communication department:

Public Relations and Organizational Communication

  • COM F431 Public Relations Campaigns
  • COM F433 Public Relations Theory and Practice
  • COM F445 Organizational Communication
  • *COM F353 Conflict, Mediation and Communication
  • *COM F441 Persuasion
  • *COM F467 Communication Activism, Advocacy and Social Movements

Science and Environmental Communication

  • COM F211 Introduction to Science Communication: Theory & Practice
  • COM F312 Science Communication & the Environment
  • COM F313 Science & Intersectionality: Race, Gender and Sexuality
  • *COM F410 Public Engagement in Science Communication
  • *COM F462 Communication in Health Contexts 1

Social Interaction


  • COM F331 Advanced Group Communication
  • COM F422 Communication in Interpersonal Relationships 1
  • COM F445 Organizational Communication 1
  • *COM F353 Conflict, Mediation and Communication
  • *COM F462 Communication in Health Contexts 1

* recommended electives
1 Do not take these classes if considering the B.A./M.A. To maintain that option, only take them in the last year.

 

Accelerated B.A. to M.A.

Minimum Requirements for accelerated B.A./M.A. Degree: 138 credits 

The accelerated B.A./M.A. in Communication allows students to accelerate through a traditional undergraduate Communication concentration to begin completing core M.A. classes during their undergraduate years. Accelerated B.A./M.A. students also take two core undergraduate courses and two undergraduate elective courses at the graduate level.

The accelerated B.A./M.A. in Communication builds foundational knowledge and provides practical application to teach students to communicate effectively and ethically in a rapidly changing world characterized by diversity in gender, culture and belief. Through coursework, research, and service to the department, students develop a comprehensive background in the communication discipline, preparing them for employment or further education at the doctoral level. The B.A./M.A in professional communication also provides advanced education for individuals in or pursuing communication-related careers in public/nonprofit organizations, media organizations, health care organizations or higher education.

The program is both theoretically and pragmatically oriented to prepare students for the professional workplace or for doctoral study in communication. 

Admission Requirements

  • Current admission into a baccalaureate degree program in Communication
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Completed 24 credits in the undergraduate major program requirements
  • Junior standing

For students currently pursuing their BA in COM interested in grad school, this program combines both programs into a 5 year plan of study, while allowing them to earn additional skills related to instructional design, course facilitation, assessment, etc. As current students, the application process for grad school is streamlined - they just walk on over to grad school assuming they meet the admission criteria.

Students within the UA system are encouraged to apply. Transfer students who have 24 credits in COM or a related discipline and meet all other UAF requirements for transfer degree completion will be considered for admission with the understanding that all remaining credits at the undergraduate and graduate level must be completed at UAF. Undergraduates admitted to the program will be allowed to apply for Teaching Assistants (TAs) when they reach senior standing.

 

Minor in Communication

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Department of Communication at UAF also offer minors in Communication, Global Studies and Science and Environmental Communication.

Communication

Global Studies

Henrique Goncalves, left, and Desneige Hallbert collect data on a group of willows in a plot under cultivation on UAF's experiment farm. Interns with the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, the two are helping to monitor the growth of native plant species for their potential use as biomass fuels. UAF Photo by Todd Paris
Science and Environmental Communication