Undergraduate Program
I decided to change my major to communication with a concentration in journalism....I know with my whole heart that this was the greatest decision I could have ever made. I am excited to enter the communication field with the four years of supportive and rigorous education I have received through the communication department at Mason under my belt.
-- Savannah Martincic, 22
The Undergraduate Mason Communication Experience
We are proud of our dynamic program and would love to have YOU as a student in our department! Working together with your academic advisor, your professors, and other departments at Mason, you will discover your path to success with the #MasonComm department.
Fall 2020 Student Project: by Madison Dirlam
We have over full-time and part-time faculty who have years of industry experience, and well-trained graduate student instructors, all of whom are here because of their love of teaching students. Our faculty’s background encompasses a wide variety of communication subjects such as Public Relations, Journalism, Media Production, Media Criticism, Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, Climate Change Communication, Health Communication, and Political Communication.
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 and how to analyze problems and develop creative solutions. Students can study a variety of areas that lead to both careers and graduate school.
There is a lot to consider when choosing a place to study, read on to discover why the Department of Communication at George Mason University is the best place to complete your degree!
The Communication major and it's concentrations are currently getting a make-over! Stay tuned for more information on our updated concentrations and courses!
*depending on approval
Connect with Us!
We have a lot to offer and cannot wait to meet you and share the ways in which we can help you reach your goals, both academically and career-oriented! Our Undergraduate (BA) Program Director, Dr. Cathy Wright, will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Please email Dr. Wright at combadir@gmu.edu and she will return your email (please allow at least 24 hours for a response).
FAQs & Resources for Prospective Undergraduate Students
- Where do I make an advising appointment?
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- You can easily make a Zoom or Email Q&A appointment with us at http://communication.acuityscheduling.com
- How often do students meet with academic advisors?
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- We want students to see an advisor at least once per semester to ensure you are on track and have all the resources you need/want to be successful. We offer advising services year-round (including Summers).
- How/when do incoming freshmen get course selection advising for their first-semester classes?
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- You get your first bit of advising and class selection info at Orientation, which is why it is very important for you to attend or to set up an appointment with one of our advisors for Pre-Orientation Advising.
- How many classes do students take a semester?
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- It depends. If a student is part-time, you usually take between 3-9 credits (or 1-3 classes). If you are full-time, you will take 12-18 credits or (4-6 classes). Most part-time students take 6 credits and most full-time students take 15 credits. For freshman we recommend 12-15 credits.
- How easy is it to switch concentrations within the department?
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- Very simple! Email cdadvice@gmu.edu with your G-number and your requested concentration. We fill out and submit all the paperwork for you!
- Yes, any student attending Mason should try to study abroad while here, but it is not required! We have four programs housed in the Department. These are all led by #MasonCOMM faculty.
- Who do I talk to regarding study abroad?
- Dr. Catherine Wright is our BA Director and has led a study abroad since 2008. She will be happy to give you more info on the COMM Study Abroad opportunities (combadir@gmu.edu) or you can talk to the Study Abroad Office on campus!
- Yes! We have an Honors in Communication Research sequence for qualified Juniors and Seniors.
- We have dozens of organizations across campus and #MasonCOMM is excited to be involved with several! Students should consider joining as early as their Freshman year.
- Are internships required in the major?
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- No. #MasonCOMM does not require their students to do an internship, but they are highly recommended for all of their benefits to students, like better job placement upon graduation.
- No. #MasonCOMM does not require their students to do an internship, but they are highly recommended for all of their benefits to students, like better job placement upon graduation.
- Where have #MasonCOMM students done them?
- Many! Non-profits, government, local, national and international companies! Small and large offices! The Washington D.C. area offers an enormous opportunity for students!