Undergraduate Communication Studies

Communication Studies

Students walking together on campus
When you major in communication studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you’ll learn how to communicate and make connections in a divided world, be an advocate, negotiate differences and better relate with others. Learn about verbal communication, nonverbal communication and mediated messages, as well as how communication erodes and sustains collaboration within and among local, national and global communities.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120 credit hours
  • Minors Available

    Communication Studies

  • Areas of Focus

    Health and Well-Being, Public Advocacy and Civic, Engagement, Diversity, Culture and Global Communication

The Nebraska Difference

Curiosity

Discover what moves you with a diverse blend of academic disciplines.

new-document-check(content)

Flexibility & Choice

Customize your degree with course choices. Add a minor or second major.

greek-column(places)

Hands-On Experience

Build knowledge, skills and experience in and out of the classroom.

graduate(people)

Limitless Career Paths

Connect your major, interests and goals to any field.

Students talking to advisor in office

Program Features

Focus and Range

Communication is a critical skill for professional, personal and public life. Dive deep into your major while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate academically well-rounded and eager to keep learning. Use your collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally. 

1-to-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching

Along with your faculty, professional academic advisors and career coaches will help you make a one-of-a-kind degree plan. We are focused on your success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether your goal is employment or graduate/professional school. 

Advocate, Negotiate and Relate

Become skilled in using communication in personal, academic and professional settings while connecting closely with faculty and other students in the department. 

Students looking at professor while in lecture hall

Notable Courses

Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement (COMM 220)

Fundamentals of public deliberation, advocacy and civic engagement in a democratic society. Develop civic engagement campaigns using the resources of rhetorical tradition.

Communication and Popular Culture (COMM 280)

Television, music, film, popular literature, "self-help" literature, etc., using rhetorical and critical methods of analysis to understand the communicative dimension of these cultural forms.

Intercultural and Intergroup Communication (COMM 311)

Communicative processes associated with social comparison, prejudice, discrimination and social conflict in various relational and professional contexts.

Health Communication (COMM 354)

Communication in health care organizations, mediated messages in the marketing and promotion of health information, consumer advocacy and politics of health care.

Rhetoric of Sport and Games (COMM 440)

Examination of rhetorical theories and perspectives viewed through the cultural lens of sports.

Communication and Social Identity (COMM 465)

Overview of theories of communication and social identity. Focus on identity and social categorization, language use and attitudes and intergroup contact.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • People services intern, Nelnet
  • Marketing intern, Hudl
  • Women's advocate intern, Friendship Home
  • Executive human resources intern, Target
  • Attractions intern, Disney World

Careers

  • Child and family services specialist, Department of Health and Human Services
  • Coordinator of student athlete development and diversity & inclusion, University of Kansas
  • Patient services, Bryan Health
  • Assistant director of undergraduate admissions, Long Island University
  • Human resources generalist, United States Government

Graduate Schools

  • Master’s degree, International Studies, University of San Francisco
  • Master’s degree, Business Analytics, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Master’s degree, Integrative Health and Wellness, Creighton University
  • Master’s degree, Educational Administration, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Juris Doctor degree, Yale Law School

Outside the Classroom

Depending on your major, interests and goals, you can choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader or serve your community. The university’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences; students in the College of Arts and Sciences typically complete at least two.

science-lightbulb(school-science)

Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands-on experience.
  • Communication studies majors regularly engage in research or internships, and many study abroad or get involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.
certificate-2(vote-rewards)

Career Preparedness

  • COMM 286: Business and Professional Communication. Develop verbal and listening skills, oral presentation techniques, small group problem solving/leadership, interviewing and organizational communication.
  • CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs or graduate/professional school.
network-people(business)

Community

  • Participate in the Cornhusker Speech and Debate Team, which has claimed the Big Ten Conference title seven years in a row.
  • Serve on the Communication Studies Student Advisory Board and shape the experience of all students in the major and minor.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Communication Studies major or navigating the application process, contact us.

Nicholas Gordon portrait
Contact Name
Nicholas Gordon
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
Phone
Phone
Email
Envelope