Communication is a broad field, covering all of the different ways humans can exchange information - orally, through written word, and through nonverbal and visual cues. The study of communication involves the analysis of the communication patterns, settings, and tools that people use. Regardless of industry, in survey after survey, almost every employer ranks communication skills as one of their top three criteria when hiring.

Communication students at UWM not only graduate with top-notch communication skills, but they also have a thorough understanding of communication as a process and as a system. They are the individuals who can work with all types of people, bringing out their best. Sales, marketing, media, public relations, human resources, mediation, law, journalism, merchandising, advertising, education, public office, and social welfare are just a few of the most popular post-college careers. At UWM, students can focus their Communication electives around four tracks: interpersonal communication; rhetoric and public communication; intercultural communication; or technology and communication.

The Communication minor can be completed entirely online if desired. Or, students can mix-and-match online and in-person classes in whatever combination they wish.

Requirements

The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at UWM, and at least a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted when any transfer work is included along with the UWM work. A minor in communication consists of at least 18 credits in communication courses, as distributed below:

Specialized Courses: Variable Content and Independent Study

In addition to offering standard coursework, the Department of Communication offers undergraduates opportunities for specialized study.

Variable Content Courses

The content of the following varies each semester. Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes:

Independent Study Courses

These courses offer students the opportunity to work and study on a one-on-one basis with a faculty member. Students interested in taking any of the following should contact an individual faculty member to determine the faculty member's willingness to sponsor the enrollment:

Cross-listed Courses

The following courses offered by other academic units may be used to fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate major and minor in communication:

Related Courses

The following courses offered by the Department of English may be of interest to students in communication but may not be used to fulfill requirements of the major and minor:

Letters & Science Minor Advising

Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.

Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a UWM college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.

Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first UWM classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.