Mission
The Communication program is primarily interested
in developing a student’s capability for examining and
analyzing how people affect others and are affected by others
through their communication. To accomplish this goal, the program
Some courses are aimed at developing
communication performance skills. However, our primary emphasis is on the scientific approach
to investigating the behaviors of individuals, groups, organizations
and mass media systems engaged in communication, and on the
application of our knowledge of communication processes in
a variety of areas in which communication majors find employment.
Given these emphases, communication majors receive broad training
in communication theory and research, and they are encouraged
to become involved in various ongoing research projects.
The program also has an active internship program in mass
media and other areas which gives students the opportunity
for hands-on experience in professional communication
settings.
Careers
in Communication
Training in the
basic theories, principles, and methods of communication qualifies
the student for a variety of positions dealing with communication
policy, analysis, and application. Of course, a major in communication will make a student eligible for those positions
available to any other Liberal Arts and Sciences graduate.
However, it allows ample opportunity
for specialization to prepare a student particularly well
for positions listed under the following four general areas:
- Communication Research.
Students who emphasize communication research will find opportunities
in such fields as advertising research, marketing research,
public opinion polling, and with firms or agencies engaged
in other types of social science research.
- Persuasive and Informational Campaigns. Students who elect
this emphasis will find opportunities in designing and executing
persuasive and informational campaigns for advertising agencies,
sales organizers, in marketing and public relations firms,
and in state and national government agencies and political
groups. Coursework appropriate to this emphasis will also
prepare students for careers in employee communication and
general human resource management.
- Mass Media. Students who have emphasized coursework in the
structure and effects of the various media will find employment
opportunities in fields such as radio, television, newspapers,
and cable communications systems.
- Preparation for Graduate Work. Demonstrated excellence in
our undergraduate program prepares for entrance to advanced
degree programs throughout the United States, especially in
those programs which emphasize an empirical approach to the
study of communication. Communication graduates are employed
in jobs that are directly related to their communications
training. Some of the typical jobs reported by communication
graduates are in sales, personnel management, newspaper reporting,
television production, advertising research, marketing research,
management training programs, and public relations.
In addition, a number of recent graduates have gone on to
graduate work at institutions such as the University of Southern
California, Boston University, University of Massachusetts,
Michigan State University, and others. A number of outstanding
undergraduates have entered the graduate Communication program
at the University of Connecticut. Other graduates have entered
law school (at the University of Connecticut and other law
schools).
The Career Center can answer many of your questions about jobs in communication.
They are willing to take a look at your resume and give you
tips about interviews or job opportunities. We recommend that
you attend at least one of their Career Fair workshops.
Declaring
a Communication Major
The
communication major is typically declared in the fourth semester.
Students must declare their intention to become a communciation
major by applying for admission. To become a communication
major follow this procedure:
- Complete an Application
Form. This can be done during one of two annual application
periods: the first two weeks of the fall semester and the
first two weeks of the spring semester. Once the application
period is over, decisions regarding admission will be made.
The decision to admit will depend on several criteria, including
the applicant's academic record, coursework completed and
space availability. The form can also be obtained from the
Department Secretary in Room 223 PCSB.
- Attend
the Introductory Meeting held by the Undergraduate Coordinator
for the Communication program. This meeting will
be held in the PCSB building and its time and room location
will be announced at the beginning of the application period.
At this meeting the Coordinator will review degree requirements,
will help you with any special problems, and will help you
choose an advisor. Check the bulletin boards in the COMM
building or call the Communication Sciences department secretary
at (860) 486-2628 to determine the time and place of the
various meetings.
- Fill
out the preliminary Plan of Study form that you received
at the meeting. This form will list the courses you plan
to take to fulfill your requirements for graduation. Do
not worry about filling it out perfectly. You will discuss
it with your advisor and make any necessary changes. But
it is important that you give thought to your sequence of
courses before meeting with your advisor. This will make
the meeting much more productive.
- See your advisor during her/his office hours. Your advisor
was assigned at the introductory meeting. First, determine
your advisor's office hours. These office hours are posted
on the doors of the faculty in the Communication Sciences
building. They're also listed on the main page of the COMM program website.
The
purpose of meeting with your advisor is to finalize your Plan
of Study. The Plan of Study is a listing of the courses you
intend to take to fulfill the requirements for a major in
Communication Sciences. The specific courses that you list
on your Plan of Study will be determined by your general area
of interest and will be decided upon during the discussion
with your advisor. Any changes you would like to make in theat some later point in time must once again
be discussed with (and approved by) your advisor.
You
will not be considered a Communication major until a copy
of the preliminary Plan of Study, signed by your advisor,
has been filed in the Department Office. You will not
be able to pre-register for classes until the form is on file.
It is very important that you file the Plan of Study as soon
as possible.
Once
you are a Communication Major...
- You will pre-register for courses in specially scheduled meetings
to be held in the Communication Sciences Department in the
David C. Phillips Building. During these registration meetings,
faculty members will be present to help students fill out
their pre-registration forms. You must attend a pre-registration
meeting in order to have your registration bar lifted, so
that you can complete registration.
- Within the first four weeks of the semester in which you intend
to graduate you must submit a Final Plan of Study to the Registrar’s
Office. This plan must be the same as the one you negotiated
with your advisor, which has been kept on file in the Communication
Division office. Your advisor must sign the copy which is
to be sent or carried to the Registrar’s Office.
- The Communications Division also offers a chance to earn a
Degree with Distinction. Contact Dr. Sjef van den Berg for details.
Updated 06-13-2007 |
