Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication

The Department of Communication and Journalism at the University of New Mexico offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication through the College of Arts and Sciences. Our program helps to prepare students for a variety of careers including: sales, positions in organizations emphasizing internal communication, organizational training, management, human resources, etc. (basically any career that involves or emphasizes communication). Students who are seeking an advanced degree in communication can also benefit from a focus in organizational communication. Students work in an area of study suitable to their interests and goals. The department offers coursework in the following areas:

Critical Studies in Mass Media - This is part of the Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media program. Please see the FDMA advisor for an application. Classes in C&J are the same as Media Studies.

Environmental Communication -   The study of communication as it relates to human perceptions of, and actions toward, nature. Examines ways communication not only reflects but also helps construct particular human relations with/in the environment; how cultural, social, political, and economic contexts and interests help shape environmental communication; and how students might envision and enact sustainable and restorative ways forward.

Intercultural Communication - The study of the relationship between communication and culture. Issues related to understanding the challenges inherent in intercultural communication and resources available for dealing with those challenges in mutually productive ways. Attention is given to both local and international cultures.

Interpersonal Communication - The study of the dynamics of interaction and relationships between individuals and in small groups, as well as the study of communication behaviors in dyads and their impact on personal relationships.

Media Studies - The study of the principles and theories of mass communication systems in the United States.

Organizational Communication - The study of the collective and interactive process of gathering and interpreting messages. The study of organizational communication includes such communicative processes as conflict, leadership, technology, networks, group interaction, and decision-making.  

Public Communication - The study of principles and frameworks that explain communication options and strategies, such as argumentation and persuasion.

Advisement and Program Information

Program Advisement:
Sarah Volden, C&J Sr Academic Advisor
(277-5305, cjadvise@unm.edu)

Major Study Requirements

A students who declares a major in communication must complete 36 credit hours in C&J Department courses. These 36 hours must consist of 15 hours of core courses; 9 hours in a concentration (intercultural, interpersonal, organizational, public, media studies); 12 hours of electives; with a total of 21 hours of upper division (300 and 400 level). A student must have completed COMM 1115 and another 3 hours of C&J course work with a C or better before being admitted to the Department. A grade point average of 2.50 is required for admission.

Minor Study Requirements

Students who declare a minor in Communication must complete 21 credit hours in C&J Department courses, including COMM 1115, and 12 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level.

Other Requirements

You must have a grade of "C" or better in all C&J Department courses. A "C-" does not count as a "C". For graduation, a student must have a 2.5 grade point average in the major.

Independent Studies

C&J policy prohibits students from using Independent Studies as a substitute for a required course.

Core Requirements for Communication Majors

  • COMM 1115 - Introduction to Communication (formally CJ 101)
  • CJ 332 - Business & Professional Speaking
    or CJ 333 - Professional Communication
  • CJ 300 - Theories of Communication (1115 is prerequisite)
  • CJ 301 - Communication Research Methods (1115 is prerequisite)
  • CJ 400 - Senior Seminar: Perspectives in Communication (click on course number to see several prerequisites)

Coursework for Critical Studies in Mass Media

(Please see the Film and Digital Media Arts advisor for an application. Classes in C&J are the same as Media Studies below.)

Coursework for Environmental Communication

(Must take either starred (*) course and any two courses in the sequence. Other starred course may be taken as one of the additional two courses.)

  • CJ *313 - Ecocultural Communication
    or CJ *339 - Rhetoric and the Environment
  • CJ 314 - Intercultural Communication
  • CJ 317 - International Conflict & Community Building
  • CJ 318 - Language, Thought & Behavior
  • CJ 327 - Persuasive Communication
  • CJ 450 - Health Communication

Coursework for Intercultural Communication

(Must take starred (*) course and any two others in the sequence.)

  • CJ *314 - Intercultural Communication
  • CJ 318 - Language, Thought and Behavior
  • CJ 320 - Mediation
  • CJ 323 - Nonverbal Communication
  • CJ 469 - Multiculturalism, Gender and the Media 

Coursework for Interpersonal Communication

(Must take starred (*) course and any two others in the sequence.)

Coursework for Media Studies

(Must take starred (*) course and any two others in the sequence.)

  • CJ *461 - Media Criticism 
  • COMM 2130 - Media Theory and Influence (formerly CJ 268)
  • CJ 365 - History of the Media (offered each fall)
  • COMM 2135 - Media Ethics & Law (Formerly CJ 466)
  • CJ 469 - Multiculturalism, Gender and Media

Coursework for Organizational Communication

(Must take starred (*) course and any two others in the sequence.)

  • CJ *340 - Communication in Organizations
  • COMM 2140 - Small Group Communication (formerly CJ 225)
  • CJ 314 - Intercultural Communication
  • CJ 344 - Interviewing
  • CJ 443 - Current Developments in Organizational Communication (340 is prerequisite)
  • CJ 446 - Organizational Analysis and Training 

Coursework for Public Communication

(Must take starred (*) course and any two others in the sequence.)


Course Descriptions
Click here for details on all undergraduate courses offered through the Department of Communication and Journalism.