Minors & Double Majors

Flexible minor & major programs in COMM enhance other degree programs across the university. 

The media systems and critical communication theories we focus on have moved to the center of other disciplines in recent years. That means the study of communication is at the core of the questions we now ask in international studies, cognitive science, political science, visual arts, and psychology. A double major in COMM, or the COMM minor, is a natural fit for students in the humanities and social sciences.

A minor or double major in COMM can also bring balance and perspective to a degree in STEM. In COMM, you’ll gain skills for speaking & presenting, critical writing, analysis, and research. You will also encounter theoretical inquiries about science and technology that will change and enrich your thinking about yourself, your career, and the world around you.

The Communication Minor 

7 REQUIRED COURSES

All courses for the minor must be completed at UCSD's COMM Department and for a letter grade; a grade of C– or better is required.

1 Lower Division Core Course

• COMM-10: Introduction to Communication

2 Upper Division Core Courses

Choose 2 of: 

• COMM-100A: Communication, the Person, and Everyday Life 
• COMM-100B: Communication, Culture, and Representation 
• COMM-100C: Communication, Institutions, and Power

4 Upper Division Electives

• 1 advanced course elective (COMM-120 to 190)
• 3 additional upper division course electives, either Intermediate (COMM-101 to 119) or advanced (COMM-120 to 190)

Note:

• Courses taken outside of the Communication Department or via Study Abroad cannot complete Communication Minor requirements.
• COMM-194 (Research Seminar in Washington, D.C.) may only count as an intermediate elective.
• COMM-195 (Communication Instructional Assistant), COMM-198 (Directed Group Study in Communication) and COMM-199 (Independent Study in Communication) cannot complete Communication Minor requirements.

Double Major Requirements

Many COMM students find they are able to accommodate adding a second major, also known as double majoring. Students pursuing a double major complete two sets of degree requirements and earn one bachelor’s degree when finished.

Interested students should completely review the University's Double Major webpage. This page includes the required Double Major form and the process for submission.

COMM students must also follow the department's double major policies:

• All courses taken for the Communication major must be taken for a letter grade (and receive a C- or better grade).
• Students must fulfill the separate requirements of each major, and the equivalent of at least ten upper-division courses (40 units) must be unique to each major.
• A maximum of 2 upper-division courses (8 units) may overlap between double majors. Both departments must approve the overlaps in the double major petition.
• A maximum of 2 upper-division courses (8 units) from outside the Communication Department may be petitioned to count towards the COMM major's Intermediate Elective requirement. Each course petitioned must be related to our department's curriculum. See "Submitting Petitions and Forms to COMM UG Office".
• ** It is NOT possible to double major COMM and MIC; University policy prohibits double majors between two majors housed in the same department. 

Double Major Paperwork

Your DMP and Academic Planning Worksheet must be signed/approved by the advising offices of both majors, and then your College.

Submit your completed Double Major Petition via the COMM Petition Form. Once approved and signed, you will be notified via the VAC.

The Communication Department Advising Office is happy to advise you on your double major paperwork. Please see our Advising webpage for contact details.