Minor in Communication

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Banner Code: LA-MINOR-COMM-COM

The minor in communication helps students build the communication skills that are necessary for success in technology-intensive, team-oriented, and multicultural workplaces. Students can choose to build skills in interpersonal and small group communication, presentations and public speaking, digital media production, and informational or persuasive writing. Alternatively, students considering graduate study in communication can take courses in communication research and theory. To further enhance their skills and gain practical experience, students have the option to participate in an internship as an elective, which will provide valuable hands-on experience and a competitive edge in the job market. 

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must earn a minimum grade of 2.00 in all courses applied to the minor. COMM 100 Public Speaking (Mason Core)COMM 101 Fundamentals of Communication (Mason Core), or COMM 487 Washington Media Institute cannot be used toward the minor. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 18

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Core Courses

COMM 208 Introduction to Media Production 3
COMM 305 Foundations of Intercultural Communication (Mason Core) 3
COMM 320 Digital Innovations in Professional Communication (Mason Core) 3
Total Credits 9

Internship and Electives in Communication

Select three COMM courses from the following groups in any combination. Students with career goals in the field of communication (e.g. advocacy, public relations, journalism, human resources, and/or media) are encouraged to enroll in a three-credit internship as part of their electives. 1 9
Interpersonal communication or presentation skills  
Small Group Communication  
Voice and Articulation  
Interpersonal Communication: Theory to Practice  
Performance for Communication Arts  
Nonverbal Communication  
Performance for Digital Production  
Ceremonial Speech Writing and Performance  
Media and digital production skills  
Podcasting Production  
Multi-Camera Studio Production  
Digital Postproduction  
Videography  
Social Media and Strategic Communication  
Informational and persuasive writing skills  
Introduction to Journalism  
Introduction to Public Relations and Strategic Communication  
Practical applications  
Internship in Communication  
Other communication electives  
Other COMM courses not included in the above groups, in consultation with the COMM minor advisor.
 
Total Credits 9
1

COMM 100COMM 101, or COMM 487 cannot be used toward the minor.