The Field

Communication is a fundamental social and cultural process that makes us who we are as people and societies. The UMass Amherst Department of Communication emphasizes theories of communication and critical thinking. As a Communication major, you will develop analytical abilities that help you understand how communication works, whether in an argument between friends, a political speech, communication through social media or the web, cross-cultural interactions, or a film or television program.

Our department focuses on five areas in the undergraduate curriculum: Interpersonal Communication and Culture; Media and Popular Culture Studies; Media, Technology, and Society; Rhetoric and Performance Studies; and Film Studies. In addition we offer a variety of classes that focus on communication skills, including public speaking, writing and screenwriting, research methods, leadership and service learning, and video production. We currently do not offer industry-oriented, how-to classes in public relations, advertising, or broadcasting.