Advising
School of Communication Advising: Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I need to apply for an internal transfer to the School of Communication?
If your major is communication, journalism, or advertising and public relations, you will be automatically transferred to the School of Communication effective August 11, 2008.
After August 11, if you wish to change your major to communication, journalism, or advertising and public relations, you will have to apply for an internal transfer to the School of Communication. - Will my Core Curriculum requirements change when I transfer to the School of Communication?
No. The Core Curriculum is universal across all undergraduate schools and the college.
- Can I double major with one major in School of Communication and the other in another college or school?
Yes.
- Can I have a major in one school and a minor in either the College of Arts and Sciences or another school?
Yes, you may pursue a minor in any school.
- Will the degree requirements in the School of Communication be the same as those in the College of Arts and Sciences?
The School of Communication will require 128 credit hours to graduate. The writing intensive and foreign language requirements will remain the same for College of Arts and Sciences students transferring to the School of Communication. For classes entering in the Fall of 2008 and after, these requirements will remain as they are until and unless modified through normal channels with the School of Communication.
- Will the requirements to complete a major or minor in the School of Communication change?
All students who enter into School of Communication by July 1, 2008, may assume that they will be subject to current curriculum requirements in all majors and minors. For new students, requirements for these majors, like all curricular requirements, are subject to review and modification.
- Are classes in the School of Communication more expensive than classes in the College of Arts and Sciences?
No, tuition for the School of Communication is the same as for the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Does my financial aid change if I transfer to the School of Communication?
There will be no change in your financial aid. All university scholarships you have received will continue.
- Will I change advisors?
If you are a freshman or sophomore, you will have the same advisor in the Office of Academic Advising and Services.
If you are considering a School of Communication major or minor, you should visit the School of Communication office. Consult with a faculty member or program director in your area of interest, and register to be included on the department's e-mail list.
If you are a junior or senior, you will have a faculty advisor in the School of Communication as well as an academic advisor. Advisors for junior and senior students will be assigned on or about July 1, 2008. - Who will answer questions from current and prospective students about transfer credit and classes?
For current students, these questions will be answered by your academic advisor. For potential students, these questions will be answered by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
- Who will answer questions about study abroad or classes taken elsewhere in the summer?
Until August 11, these questions will be answered by your current academic advisor. A new advising structure may be announced on August 11, 2008.
- I plan to graduate in August of 2008. Who will verify that I have completed my graduation requirements?
The College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office will verify that you have completed your graduation requirements.
- Who will facilitate internships and field experiences for students in School of Communication?
Currently, and for the 2008-2009 academic year, internships in the three majors are overseen by faculty: Herb Ritchell (ADPR), Hannah Rockwell (CMUN), and John Slania (JOUR).
- What kinds of jobs do students in the School of Communication get when they graduate?
Students majoring in advertising and public relations typically get jobs that are professionally directed and focused through their experiences in that major.
Journalism students are expected to have a second major or minor based on the principle that writers need to have an area of expertise to write about.
Communication studies majors go into the most diverse areas of professional life (even journalism and/or ad/PR jobs). They often go on to graduate school in education, law, business, counseling or social work. Many communication studies majors secure professional positions in a range of areas because of their strong speaking, writing and critical thinking skills.
For more information, see the School of Communication internship site.
