Thank you for your interest in programs of the Department of Communication at George Mason University. We invite all prospective students to learn about the vitality of the department, its faculty and students, and its programs by exploring the pages of the department website.
The Department of Communication generates and applies knowledge about human communication processes in important areas such as healthcare, crisis and risk, political processes, and media. The department's students excel in complex public and private communication environment. The faculty's commitment to research and the development of innovative theory, as well as the practical application of communication techniques to pressing social problems distinguishes the department's BA, MA, and PhD programs.
The Communication Degree at George Mason University combines a rich study of how humans understand one another and work together, while providing immediately translatable skills and knowledge valued across industries. Undergraduate students will learn how to create and manage public and media relations plans, craft social media campaigns, produce videos, write news and entertainment media, produce television and radio programs, and more. Students will learn effective tools and techniques, how to select the best ones for each task, and how to analyze problems and develop creative solutions. They will do this through the concentrations and minors that our program offers.
Graphic designed by Dr. Meg Tucker
The Mason Communication Experience:
There are many benefits students will gain from pursuing a degree in Communication at Mason. Besides knowledge and experience that will help them in the professional world, students are given the opportunity to participate in various COMM activities and organizations. If they are interested in Public Relations, students are encouraged to join the Public Relations Student Society of American (PRSSA). If students are interested in Journalism, they are also encouraged to join the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and can even participate in the WGMU Radio station and the student-run newspaper the Fourth Estate.
The department is also home to two of the university's top-ranked competitive student activities: Mason Forensics and Mason Debate. Both of these teams are widely successful in a majority of the competitions they compete in and are well known across the country. The vast amount of interesting and enriching courses the department offers also benefit students, below you can catch a glimpse of what topics are discussed and classes and have a more in depth look of what they are like:
Mason Communication in the News: Check out an article featuring one of our COMM classes on the Washington Post's website!
Undergraduate student testimonials and experiences with the Mason Communication program:
"No two days working in the communication field are going to be alike. I was surprised to discover there are so many career opportunities in the communication field." -Sophia, a communication major
"What I love most about Mason's Communication Department is how I learned to tell a story so many different ways. I loved my theory classes to my PR and journalism classes. I feel prepared for the real world." - Lottye, a recent communication major who interned at the White House
"It's like a family. All of my communication professors knew me on a first-name basis." - Jenny, a recent communication graduate
"The faculty make the students feel like they are part of something special. When you get to Mason, join us in the Communication Department and you'll see!" - Cat, a senior communication major
"Being able to be a part of all of the student communication organizations made me feel like I was a part of the department from day one." -Bethany, a communication major and active student leader
Career Mentoring and Development:
Because of Mason's location, Communication Majors can take advantage of the opportunities offered by Washington D.C. and its metropolitan area. The area has one of the highest concentrations of media organizations in the country. Our students have worked and interned at organizations including, CNN, PBS, National Geographic, and the Washington Post. Students have also interned for major public relations firms, at area non-profits and with major national sports organizations like the Washington Redskins. We also have Mason alumni who have been involved with and worked/are working for companies like Booz Allen Hamilton and Northrup Grumman.
Graphic desgined by Quianna Adams
The Insight Committee:
Every year the department works with a committee made up of professional employers that makes up the Insight Committee and hosts a Communication Career Forum for our students. With the help of the Insight Committee, we are able to have notable and distinguished speakers and panelists come out and discuss how communication and professionals with a solid communication background are important relating to the theme of that year. It is also a great mentoring and networking opportunity for students to take advantage of.
This past 2016 forum's theme focused on persuasion in politics and how persuasive communication is implemented frequently in the political realm. Please click this link to see more details about the 2016 forum and also past forums.
Mason Communication Alumni Profiles:
What do graduates with a degree in Communication do for their careers? Here's a few profiles of a few of our many alum and what they're doing now (you can click on each graphic for a better look):
Helpful Links and Information:
This page provides important information for all prospective students and includes information that is both relevant to undergraduate and graduate students. For graduate students, we encourage you to explore the resources below:
When you are ready to apply to a graduate program in communication, the webpage How to Apply will guide you through the process.
To request more information or to register your interest in our degrees, contact the Office of Admissions. We strongly encourage you to do this so we can provide you with better service and keep you informed about upcoming events relevant to your program of interest.
