UMass Boston

Communication BA

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Become an effective communicator in your of field of choice

As a student in the Communication BA program at UMass Boston, you will acquire the skills and knowledge you need to become an effective communicator in a variety of fields, including media, advertising, public relations, and more. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical experience, gain the tools you need to succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape.

In this program, you will:

  • Develop strong communication skills, including written and oral communication, public speaking, interpersonal communication, and digital media communication
  • Develop the tools they need to analyze and evaluate messages, media, and social practices
  • Prepare for a career in communication and related fields through hands-on experience such as internships and other opportunities

Career Possibilities

Pursue a career in media, working as a journalist, producer, or content creator in fields such as television, film, or digital media. Find a career in advertising and public relations. Or, advocate for others by working in fields such as public policy or community outreach.Whatever your goals, UMass Boston is here to support you.

Become a(n):

  • Journalist
  • Digital Media Specialist
  • Copywriter
  • Account Manager
  • Community Advocate
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Educator

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Apply for Admission

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

Required Courses

Core Courses (15 Credits):

  • COMM 100 - Introduction to Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 105 - Public Speaking and Professional Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 200 - New Media Society 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 230 - Intercultural Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 351 - Communication Research Methods 3 Credit(s)

Communication Electives (12 Credits):
Complete four from below.

  • COMM 210 - Using Internet Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 215L - Gender & Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 220 - Interpersonal Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 240 - Organizational Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 250 - Analyzing Media 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 255 - Visual Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 260 - Psychological Effects of Mass Media 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 270 - Introduction to Strategic Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 280 - Special Topics 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 300 - Information Technology and Human Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 305 - Communication in Diverse Organizations 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 310L - Love, Sex, and Media Effects 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 315 - New Media, Identity & Self 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 320 - Social Influence and Compliance Gaining 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 325 - Relational Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 330 - Health Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 335 - Lying & Deception 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 340 - Communication and Community Mobilization 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 345 - Environmental Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 350 - Political Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 370 - Advertising/PR Campaign Planning 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 372 - Social Media and Strategic Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • COMM 380 - Special Topics 3 Credit(s)

Outside Electives (6 Credits):
Complete two from below.

  • AMST 215L - America on Film 3 Credit(s)
  • AMST 235 - The Social History of Popular Music 3 Credit(s)
  • AMST 310 - Television in American Life 3 Credit(s)
  • AMST 335 - Music And Politics 3 Credit(s)
  • AMST 355L - Black Popular Culture 3 Credit(s)
  • AMST 375 - Best Sellers in American Society 3 Credit(s)
  • AMST 410 - Cultural History of U.S. Media 3 Credit(s)
  • AMST 430 - Music & Amer Lit 3 Credit(s)
  • ART 295L - Introduction to Video 4 Credit(s)
  • ART 297 - Introduction to Digital Media Art 4 Credit(s)
  • ART 395L - Video Workshop 4 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 203 - Writing Craft/Context/Design 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 216 - Reading and Writing Journalism 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 306 - Advanced Nonfiction Writing 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 307 - Journalism and Media Writing 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 308 - Professional Editing 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 309 - Multimedia Authoring 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 312 - Digital Culture and Composition 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 340 - Literature and Visual Media 3 Credit(s)
  • ENGL 341L - Gender and Film: Multidisciplinary Perspectives 3 Credit(s)
  • MKT 301 - Principles of Marketing 3 Credit(s)
  • MKT 403 - Integrated Marketing Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • MKT 430 - International Marketing 3 Credit(s)
  • MKT 479 - Digital Marketing 3 Credit(s)
  • POLSCI 307 - Political Change and Group Identity (A) 3 Credit(s)
  • POLSCI 311 - Political Parties (A) 3 Credit(s)
  • POLSCI 330 - Presidential Elections (A) 3 Credit(s)
  • PSYCH 230 - Social Psychology 3 Credit(s)
  • PSYCH 234 - Psychology of Cross-cultural Relations 3 Credit(s)
  • PSYCH 333 - Group Dynamics 3 Credit(s)
  • PSYCH 335 - Social Attitudes and Public Opinion 3 Credit(s)
  • PSYCH 337 - Communication and Society 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 300 - Sociology of Media and Communication 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 331 - Activism, Protests, and Social Movements 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 364 - Internet, Society, and Cyber Crime 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 375L - Indian Cinema 3 Credit(s)
  • WGS 220 - Women and the Media 3 Credit(s)
  • WGS 325L - Sexual Identities in American Culture 3 Credit(s)
  • WGS 341L - Gender and Film: Multidisciplinary Perspectives 3 Credit(s)
  • WGS 394L - Radical Voices of Resistance: Gender, Race and US Social Movements 3 Credit(s)

Capstone (3 Credits):
A minimum grade of C- is required for the capstone.

  • COMM 480 - Communication Seminar 3 Credit(s)

Deadlines & Cost

Early action deadline: November 1; Regular Decision Deadline: June 15

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process 

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Related Minors

Communications Minor
The interdisciplinary religious studies minor entails coursework concerning theories and methods in the study of religion as well as courses focused on a variety of traditions in their global and local contexts.

Professional & New Media Writing Minor
The Professional and New Media Writing (PNMW) program helps you develop the ability and flexibility to practice professional and technical writing with competence and sophistication. The program offers opportunities for you to reflect on and make sense of the past and use this thinking to engage in the development of socially just futures. Instructors and staff will support you as you develop global, rhetorical perspectives on writing inside and outside the workplace.

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