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 2.500 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at UWM, and at least a 2.500 GPA on all minor credits attempted when any transfer work is included along with the UWM work. In addition, students must earn at least a B- grade in each of the three core courses, COMMUN 101, COMMUN 103, and COMMUN 105. A minor in communication consists of at least 18 credits in communication courses, as distributed below:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core
COMMUN 101	Introduction to Interpersonal Communication	3
COMMUN 103	Public Speaking	3
COMMUN 105	Business and Professional Communication	3
Electives
Select 9 credits numbered 300 or above (must be taken in residence at UWM)		9
Total Credits		18

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:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
COMMUN 192	First-Year Seminar:	3
COMMUN 631	Current Topics in Interpersonal Communication/Conflict Management:	3
COMMUN 641	Current Topics in Organizational/Professional Communication:	3
COMMUN 651	Current Topics in Rhetorical/Public Communication:	3
COMMUN 660	Communication Capstone Seminar:	3
COMMUN 662	Seminar in Communication:	3

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:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
COMMUN 199	Independent Study	1-3
COMMUN 288	Research Practicum	1-3
COMMUN 588	Research Practicum	1-3
COMMUN 597	Practicum in Teaching Communication	1-3
COMMUN 699	Advanced Independent Reading	1-3

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:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ENGLISH 209	Language in the United States	3
ENGLISH 430	Advanced Writing Workshop	3
PEACEST 201	Introduction to Conflict Resolution and Peace	3

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:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ENGLISH 205	Business Writing	3
ENGLISH 206	Technical Writing	3
ENGLISH 435	Rhetoric and Professional Writing,Professional and Technical Communications	3
ENGLISH 436	Technical Documentation	3