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The Communication major at the University of Washington-Tacoma is an exciting and dynamic field of study that examines the ways people interact and communicate with each other in various contexts. In the Communication major, you will actively and systematically study the power that media wield in the world today.  You will study the role media and communication play in shaping public opinion, how it crosses boundaries between private and public life, as well as the role media plays in different intersecting arenas, including culture, society, national and global development, and our own identities. To allow you to focus on your areas of interest, the Communication major offers both a professional track and a research track. Both tracks are complemented by electives from other undergraduate programs at UW Tacoma. This degree provides the education and experience necessary for a wide variety of careers in print and broadcast writing, news reporting and editing, web design, video and digital media production, and media research. Transfer students should plan on two years to complete all degree requirements. 

The diverse range of courses in the major encourage the development of important skills related to critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication in the following areas:

  • Media Criticism and Theory
  • Media Production Skills including print, video, or digital media
  • Media for Social Justice
  • Global Media
  • The Internet and Social Media
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PROFESSIONAL TRACK

The Professional track offers you a comprehensive approach to the study of media criticism and media writing and production through:

  • Combined study of media criticism, writing, and video/documentary production
  • Evaluation of cultural products and consideration of theoretical frameworks
  • Practical skills focused on print or broadcast media
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RESEARCH TRACK

The Research Track provides you with an overview of foundational theoretical frameworks from various political, economic, historical, social, and cultural contexts when studying mass media. You can gain: 

  • Understanding of the relationships between media, culture, and power
  • Insight into U.S. & International media theory
  • Critical thinking skills about the connections between media production and consumption
  • Preparation for graduate studies or career in media research

ADVISORS

Shelli Veal

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MAJOR COORDINATORS

Professor David Coon

DEPARTMENT

Culture, Arts & Communication (CAC)

CAREER OPTIONS

  • Media Research
  • News Reporting and Editing
  • Print and Broadcast Writing
  • Video and Digital Media Production
  • Web Design

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • To declare the Communication major, you must take one of the following courses, with a minimum grade of 2.5:
    • TCOM 201 Media and Society OR
    • TCOM 230 Media Globalization and Citizenship
  • Transfer Credits: A maximum of 15 credits are allowed to be transferred toward the Communication degree.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Professional Track: You need to complete 60 credits, which must include a minimum of 20 credits of upper-division (300–400 level) courses, as well as the UWT general education and graduation requirements totaling a minimum of 180 credits.
  • Research Track: You need to complete 55 credits, which must include a minimum of 20 credits of upper-division (300–400 level) courses, as well as the UWT general education and graduation requirements totaling a minimum of 180 credits.