Why study Communication?

Whether you’re giving a presentation, negotiating labor contracts or launching a social media campaign, it pays to know how to communicate. At UC, you’ll master this fine art and develop communication skills sought after in virtually every industry. Our Communication graduates go on to successful careers in public relations and marketing, business, law, government, nonprofit or any field that requires solid communication skills.  

UC’s award-winning faculty members will help you better understand and learn how to motivate audiences. Find a personal mentor through UC’s communication alumni group, which leverages the expertise and connections of more than 5,000 alumni.

Here, you’ll have a chance to gain professional experience and pack your portfolio by collaborating with professional and community organizations on real-world projects based on your own interests. And there’s plenty to choose from — UC’s urban location in the heart of Cincinnati gives you access to internships and co-ops with professionals in a thriving market of Fortune 500 companies, newspaper and broadcast media and nonprofit organizations.

During your sophomore year, this major will allow you to opt into a co-op track. The optional co-op track provides an opportunity for you to engage in compensated, career-oriented experiences and reflect upon and integrate those experiences as a part of your undergraduate degree. Engaging in multiple meaningful career-related experiences prior to graduation provides you with an opportunity to develop transferable skills and gain a competitive edge as you prepare for life after graduation. Please see the curriculum map linked below for more information.

Career Possibilities

Graduates with a BA in communication from the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) are well prepared for many different career options. In our modern world, success in business and industry requires a sophisticated understanding of communication processes. Positions in human resource management, as well as marketing and public relations, require strong communication skills. Communication students are well prepared for advanced study in such areas as law and business because of the critical thinking skills they acquire along with the more practical speaking and writing skills at the core of a communication major. Graduates find jobs as:

• Admissions counselors
• Advertising account executives
• Communication educators
• Event planners
• Human resource specialists
• Marketing managers
• Sales representatives

Minoring in Communication

Any UC student can complete a minor in communication. The minor consists of 36 credits, including two Core Foundation courses, one Performance course, one Advanced Elective (3000-level or above), and two additional elective courses. For more details, visit the Minor in Communication webpage.

The department also offers a Public Relations Certificate for students who are interested in specializing in public relations. The certificate consists of 21 credit hours for Communication Majors, and 18 credit hours for non-Communication majors. Required courses emphasize both theory and practice through phases such as situation analysis, audience analysis, strategic analysis of options and planning, message design and program implementation and evaluation. A graduate should be well prepared to work in a variety of PR applications, including agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations, government, advocacy organizations, health care and others. For more details, visit the Certificate in Public Relations webpage.

The department also offers an Applied Communication Certificate for students who are not majors in Communication but want to enhance their professional communication skills. The certificate consists of 18 credit hours, including two Composition courses, one Performance course, one Research Methods course, and two Applications courses.  Whether leading corporate meetings, writing effectively, explaining technical specs to consumers, negotiating workplace conflict, brokering business deals, understanding employee concerns, teaching a class, presenting an innovative design to clients, interviewing patients, collaborating with community leaders, dialoguing with diverse populations, or delivering a closing statement to jurors, this interdisciplinary certificate program helps develop the presentation and analytical skills necessary for the wide variety of careers our graduates pursue. For more details, visit the Certificate in Professional Communication webpage. 

Major Maps

• Guide: Communication (Optional Co-op Plan)

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

University of Cincinnati 3 + 3 Law School Admissions

This major welcomes eligible students who would like to earn a bachelor’s degree and a UC law degree in just six years, saving a year of tuition and time over the traditional path to becoming a lawyer. Students will receive careful advising to complete their major and A&S core degree requirements in 3 years. More information is available on the Law 3+3 Program webpage.

Optional Co-op Track

Students in this program can participate in the optional co-op track and gain valuable work experience while they are still in school. To fulfill the requirements of this track, students are prepared to participate in a competitive search process to complete at least two co-op experiences. Participation in the co-op track will be noted on students’ transcripts. 

Special Programs

Undergraduate Student Organizations

• CommuniCATS
• Lambda Pi Eta
• UC Forensics/Debate Team
• UC Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
• UC Influence - Student Public Relations Firm

Internships
Communication majors can greatly enhance their educational experience while in college by conducting an internship in a field they are interested in exploring. Multiple internships in different careers in communication serve to both strengthen students’ resumes and prepare them for the professional world. Requirements for internship include:

• Must be a communication major in good standing.
• Completion of the prerequisite course Careers in Communication.
• Registered for Internship course.

Departmental Honors
All graduating communication majors who earn a 3.4/4.0 GPA or above in the major will earn "Honors" status. All graduating communication majors who earn a 3.66 in the major will earn "High Honors" status. Students will be designated with their departmental honors at graduation. Maintaining a high GPA is important to your future success. High grades are necessary for admission into many of the top graduate programs. High grades also demonstrate to potential employers that you are intelligent, hard-working, able to learn and able to deliver what is asked of you.

• However, high grades alone will not be enough to set academically gifted students apart. You need to be able to demonstrate your achievements. For that reason, the department encourages honors students to seek out additional academic challenges.

  The communication major is a dynamic and challenging degree. The department is proud of our students who achieve high grades. We encourage you to get to know the faculty. Personal recommendations can be very helpful. Moreover, we welcome you to consider furthering your education with a master’s degree from our department. Of course, the faculty is also happy to talk with you about preparing for additional graduate and career opportunities that are available.

  • Original research or participation in faculty research is a great way to prepare for graduate school. Original research also shows potential employers that you are able to design and implement a project and to seek out knowledge about an important question. Students interested in research should discuss the possibility of creating a project in communication with faculty members who share your area of interest.
  • Enrolling in an advanced course will stretch you academically and give you exposure to the graduate program. Seeking out challenges is a great way to set yourself apart.
  • Demonstrating leadership is key to translating classroom knowledge into the world. Employers and graduate programs look for potential leaders. Departmental advisors can help you to find out about communication-related organizations for students as well as leadership opportunities available in each.
  • Awards and achievements are another way to help you succeed. The Department of Communication offers a number of scholarships and competitions through which you can distinguish yourself. Talk to your professors and advisors. You’ll be glad you did!

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cumulative.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.0 GPA cumulative

For more information, visit the Transfer and Transition Advising Center. 

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application. 

Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning.

The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major:

• Cincinnati State Technical & Community College 
• Columbus State Community College 
• Lorain County Community College 
• Sinclair Community College 
• North Central State College 

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has 2.0 GPA cumulative.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.0 GPA cumulative

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the college.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

Accreditation