Undergraduate Program

Students in the Studio

What is the role of communication in society?

The UMass Amherst Department of Communication is dedicated to exploring the answers to that important question.

Communication is a fundamental social and cultural process, one that’s essential to human interaction and learning. The UMass Amherst Department of Communication emphasizes theories of communication and critical thinking. As a Communication major, you’ll develop analytical abilities that help you understand how communication works, whether in an argument between friends, a political speech, communication through social media or the web, cross-cultural interactions, or a film or television program.

The Major The Major Advising Advising Careers Careers Double Major Double Major Independent Studies Independent Studies Make an Appointment Make an Appointment Media Literacy Certificate Media Literacy Certificate New Students New Students Requirements for Undergraduate Students Requirements for Undergraduate Students

Our department focuses on five areas in the undergraduate curriculum:

  • Interpersonal Communication and Culture
  • Media and Popular Culture Studies
  • Media, Technology, and Society
  • Rhetoric and Performance Studies
  • Film Studies

In addition we offer a variety of classes that focus on communication skills, including public speaking, writing and screenwriting, research methods, leadership and service learning, and video production.