Communication Program
The Communication Program at the University of North Dakota is a unique, multi-disciplinary program offering an undergraduate degree and minor as well as graduate programs. Students have an opportunity to study closely with faculty across the broad range of communication areas and to prepare themselves for both careers and citizenship. In addition, students can be active in campus and community life through numerous student organizations and opportunities available through the classroom.
Faculty members of the Communication Program have links to other academic programs on campus, including the English Department, Psychology Department, Indian Studies Department, and Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. The faculty all share a common interest and preparation in the study of communication.
Highlights of our Program
Variety of classes - Our Communication major is both integrated and flexible. Organized around the important, contemporary communication themes of community, information, and technology, the major allows students to work with a faculty advisor to develop a unique plan of study that focuses his or her career interest. Areas of interest may include Advertising, Broadcasting, Communication & Public Discourse, Organizational Communication, Visual Communication, Public Relations, Digital Media, Print Journalism, and Media Studies.
Active, engaging faculty - Communication faculty are involved in and out of the classroom, teaching and learning about communication and serving our community and state. The program includes award-winning teachers and accomplished researchers with national and international reputations. Our faculty have published in the leading journals in the discipline, authored books, edited journals, and held office in state and national communication associations. The faculty and graduate students in the Communication Program are engaged in research projects on the full range of communication behaviors and concepts.
Up-to-date Communication Labs - Labs available to Communication students include a Digital Graphics (Mac) Lab, an Oral Communication Lab for practicing performances, a Writing and Computation (PC) Lab, and a Research Lab equipped with cameras and recording equipment for human subject research.
Native Media Center - This resource center provides opportunities and materials for Native American students interested in pursuing careers in communication.
Online Courses offered in Communication - An expanding array of online offerings make it possible for communication students to have the flexibility of accessing courses when it is not possible to take courses on campus.
Sponsor of Northern Interscholastic Press Association (NIPA) - This journalism association has a long history at UND, providing North Dakota high school students with resources they can use in writing student newspapers and creating student yearbooks. The program supports fall workshops, a spring conference, and student competition with professional feedback for students and advisors.
Internship opportunities - An internship provides Communication majors with a learning opportunity in a professional setting. All majors select an experiential learning opportunity such as an internship during their program of study.
Access to Studio One - Students interested in broadcasting find their experience with Studio One Television, the on-campus television production center, a valuable addition to their program of study. Students can take classes in broadcasting communication, access the university studios, and produce, edit, and present their stories.
Community partnerships - Learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom are provided throughout the Communication Program. Students are encouraged to publish in local newspapers and work with businesses and organizations on classroom projects. Community leaders are frequent visitors to classrooms, sharing their insights about communication and the community. A variety of student organizations also provide service to the community.
Support of Alumni - Communication alumni have excelled in careers all over the globe. Their support allows us to enhance the Communication Program and to offer over $25,000 in scholarships to Communication majors.