BA in Communication
Concentrations
Where ideas come to life through
collaboration, creativity, and communication
SUMMER 2026:
Are you a prospective student who wants to meet and learn more about our program before applying to George Mason University? Email us at comminfo@gmu.edu to schedule a tour, meet with an advisor, or if you have any questions!
What can I study in Communication at Mason?
Major Concentrations:
Journalism (JNL)
Digital Production & Media Studies (DPMS)
Public Relations & Strategic Communication (PRSC)
Communication Studies (COMS)
Advocacy (ADVO)
Minors:
Minor in Communication
Minor in Health Communication
Minor in Journalism
Minor in Photojournalism
Minor in Sport Communication
Minor in Political Communication
Why us?
- Just 20 miles from Washington, D.C.—where culture thrives and career opportunities are everywhere—puts you at the center of the most vibrant job markets in the country.
- Graduate equipped with the skills to thrive in today’s job market, mentored by distinguished faculty.
- Leave prepared to succeed in a wide range of careers.
About the program:
A bachelor’s degree in communication equals endless opportunities. There is something unique and exciting that distinguishes us from other majors. The communication degree at Mason allows students to explore and learn about what the field of communication has to offer and combines a rich study of how humans understand one another and work together, while providing immediately translatable skills and knowledge valued across industries.
Within the program, students gain access to an abundance of difference resources, are exposed to hands-on experiences through internships, class projects, and more, learning from industry professionals, and building a strong portfolio of work that future employers wouldn’t resist. You will learn to create and manage public and media relations plans, craft social media campaigns, produce videos, write for news and entertainment media, produce television and radio programs, and more.
Because of Mason’s location, communication majors can take advantage of the opportunities offered by Washington DC and its metropolitan area. The area has one of the highest concentrations of media organizations in the country. Our students have worked at CNN, PBS, National Geographic, and the Washington Post. They intern for major public relations firms, at area non-profits and with major national sports organizations such as the Washington Football Team.
You will learn effective tools and techniques, how to select the best ones for each task, and how to analyze problems and develop creative solutions. Our majors distinguish themselves with skills and knowledge that put them at the edge of a rapidly changing communication industry. You will learn to create messages across platforms—web, print, audio and visual. To keep up with industry trends we work closely with a team of industry professionals—our Insight Committee—who advise on our curriculum, mentor our students, and provide internships that can become permanent positions.
Students in the major participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities and student organizations hosted by the department, including Mason student media, the Society for Professional Journalists, the Public Relations Student Society of America, and Mason’s nationally ranked forensics and debate teams.
Students stand out from other candidates when it comes to different internships and jobs and are considered top candidates for those opportunities. Graduating students earn entry-level positions in any communication field that allows the student to demonstrate the skills they acquired through the program. This sets our major apart and allows students to begin their career journey in the right direction.
See how our students and faculty bring Communication to life.
Major Map
The information below is a guide. Your path may vary from what is below for many reasons, but as long as you meet with your academic advisor, you will get the best information regarding the Communication major and minors.
| First Year | Middle Years | Last Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academics |
Mason Core: Focus on the Foundation and Exploration categories. Meet with your academic advisor once a semester, preferably in September and February. Make sure to discuss any AP, IB, Dual Enrollment or other transfer credits with your advisor; if you think you have credit, or think you have taken the class, it's better to wait than to lose credits. Take your foreign language placement test, obtain a heritage language waiver, or consider registering for your language classes to meet your intermediate proficiency requirement. Declare a major concentration! Your concentration will inform which classes you take and what area you are specializing in. |
Meet with your academic advisor once a semester. (Sept. & February) If you are a JNL student, register for COMM 203 in your 3rd semester. If you are a PRSC student, register for COMM 204 in your 3rd semester. In your 5th semester take COMM 308. If you are a DPMS student, register for COMM 208 in your 3rd semester. In your 5th semester take COMM 360. If you are a COMS student: register for COMM 301 or COMM 318 in your 3rd semester. If you are an ADVO student register for COMM 227 in Spring of your 2nd or 3rd year. Take COMM 320 in your fifth or sixth semester. (COMM 320 is in the Mason Core and fulfills your IT requirement)
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If you are a JNL student, register for COMM Apply for graduation before the deadline. Complete Honors Thesis if approved. Consider submitting an abstract for the CHSS Undergraduate Research Symposium. If you are a PRSC student, in your 7th semester, take COMM 410.
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| Career and Professional Prep |
Visit the Career Services Center to learn about Handshake; create your first resume or improve the one you have. Meet with your faculty during office hours to learn more about your class and their professional interests; use this as a networking opportunity. Attend the annual Communication Career Forum in the Fall Semester to begin networking with potential employers and get familiarized with marketing yourself. Attend our Mocktails & Mingling networking event in the Spring Semester to learn how to network and engage others in a mock-business setting. |
Attend the annual Communication Career Forum in the Fall Semester to begin networking with potential employers and get familiarized with marketing yourself; seek internship opportunities. Take COMM 320 to learn how to build a portfolio. Attend our Mocktails & Mingling networking event in the Spring Semester to learn how to network and engage others in a mock-business setting. Look into internships through the Career Services Center and Handshake.
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Attend the Communication Career Forum in the Fall Semester to actively seek employment after graduation. Attend our Mocktails & Mingling networking event in the Spring Semester to hone your networking skills. Look into internships through the Career Services Center and Handshake. Schedule a meeting with Career Services for career information and potential opportunities upon graduation.
|
| Experiences |
Join one of our student organizations, like COMM Ambassadors or the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Follow #MasonCOMM social media pages to stay up to date on events and opportunities. No matter your area of interest (concentration and major), look into joining the student newspaper (The Fourth Estate) or the student-run radio station (WGMU). Check out other student orgs/events on Mason 360.
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Consider a study abroad program through the Global Education Office. Consider a leadership position in a student org. Attend seminars held by the department’s research centers, like the GMU Communication Attend university or college hosted job fairs and graduate fairs.
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Attend university or college hosted job fairs and graduate fairs. Prepare for graduation! |