Minors & Double Majors

Flexible minor & major programs in COMM enhance other degree programs across the humanities and social sciences. 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 COMM degree is a natural fit for these departments and many others.

A minor or double major in Communication can also bring balance and perspective to your degree in STEM. In this department, 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.

Majors offered by UCSD, with links to the departments that offer them

Minors offered by UCSD, with links to the departments that offer them

COMM Minor 

7 REQUIRED COURSES

All courses must be completed at UCSD's Communication Department, and taken for a letter grade (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 - 190)
• 3 additional upper division course electives, either Intermediate (COMM 101 - 119) or Advanced (COMM 120 - 190)

Note:

• Courses taken outside of the Communication Department or abroad cannot be petitioned to satisfy Communication Minor requirements.
• COMM 198 (Directed Group Study in Communication) or COMM 199 (Independent Study in Communication) cannot be petitioned to satisfy 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.

It is important to thoroughly review the University's double major policies (also found in the General Catalog). Your plan to complete the requirements of both majors must be feasible (within six quarters for transfer students; twelve quarters for first-year students). 

In addition, students must follow the Communication 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.