Communication, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication offers a broad exploration of both face-to-face and mediated communication. The program examines key communication theories and their application across social contexts, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, intercultural, gender, family, social media, and mass media. Rooted in a liberal arts philosophy, the program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills over purely vocational training.

This degree program is also available in a fully online format.

Students electing to complete the Double Major in Communication and Media Studies can follow the pathway outlined here .

Program Requirements

Major Requirements (36 credit hours)

A grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses for the major.

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Communication major: 36.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C.
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 2.0.

Foundation Courses (6 credits)

CMS 102 - Introduction to Communication Credits: 3
CMS 200 - Research Methods in Communication Credits: 3

Communication Courses (9 credits)

CMS 190 - Nonverbal Communication Credits: 3
CMS 201 - Introduction to Public Relations Credits: 3
CMS 235 - Communicating Security Credits: 3
CMS 242 - Communication and Social Media Credits: 3
CMS 255 - Business and Professional Communication Credits: 3
CMS 265 - Intrapersonal Communication Credits: 3
CMS 272 - Persuasion Credits: 3
CMS 290 - Intercultural Communication Credits: 3
CMS 298 - Topics in Communication I Credits: 3

Intermediate Communication Courses (9 credits)

Of the 9 credit hours, a minimum of 3 credit hours must be completed at the 400-level.

CMS 303 - Media Effects Credits: 3
CMS 323 - Understanding Technology Credits: 3
CMS 330 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3
CMS 332 - Communication in the Family Credits: 3
CMS 345 - Small Group Communication Credits: 3
CMS 360 - Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age Credits: 3
CMS 374 - Media Criticism and Aesthetics Credits: 3
CMS 375 - Meaning and Communication Credits: 3
CMS 398 - Topics in Communication II Credits: 3
CMS 401 - Launching into Life After College Credits: 3
CMS 423 - The First Amendment Credits: 3
CMS 480 - Gender Communication Credits: 3
CMS 498 - Topics in Communication III Credits: 3

Capstone Senior Seminar (3 credit hours)

CMS 495 - Communication Capstone Credits: 3

CMS Electives (9 credits)

Communication majors can choose any three elective courses within the Department, as long as they have completed the required prerequisites. One option is CMS 393 - Internships in Communication , with up to 3 credits counting toward the elective requirement. Internships provide hands-on experience in the field and help strengthen students’ résumés.

Honors in the Major

Communications majors who do outstanding work in the major can graduate with honors in the major. Requirements include:

Students identify an Honors in the Major faculty mentor before the completion of 70 credit hours
Achieve a GPA of at least 3.7 in CMS courses
Earn a grade of B or higher in all CMS courses that count toward the major
Complete the Communication Capstone (CMS 495 - Communication Capstone )
Complete ONE of the following:
- Submit a portfolio of work approved by the student’s faculty mentor/supervisor
- Participate in the annual USM Thinking Matters or UROP
- Complete CMS 491 (Independent Study) with a grade of A

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: CMS 332
Quantitative Reasoning:
Creative Expression: CMS 150
Cultural Interpretation:
Science Exploration:
Socio-cultural Analysis: CMS 102
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: CMS 235 , CMS 323 , CMS 360
Culture, Power, and Equity:
International: CMS 286 , CMS 288
Engaged Learning: CMS 345 , CMS 393 , CMS 401
Capstone: CMS 495