The Communication Program offers students the option of three concentrations: Communication Studies, Integrated Media, and Film & Media Arts.
The Communication Studies concentration is designed for students who are interested in adopting, developing, and implementing diverse sets of communication strategies designed to address various issues in their professional and personal lives. Our goal is to prepare students to take their place as responsible leaders, engaged citizens, and innovative problem-solvers in their communities and chosen fields of work. This concentration provides the tools for competent writing, speaking, leadership, and critical thinking. Students who choose Communication Studies often work for non-profit, legal, political, healthcare, or religious organizations.
The Integrated Media concentration sits at the intersection of digital media, public relations, and journalism. Courses in this concentration are designed to help students meet current demands in the field of mediated communication. Students will learn different practices and elements of media design, oral, written, and visual message strategies, research skills, and skills in basic video production and editing. Students who choose Integrated Media often work for media outlets such as television/radio stations and newspapers, and for a variety of companies needing to develop and maintain their marketing, publicity, online and social media messaging.
The Film & Media Arts concentration is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in the film, television, and video industries. Courses will provide education in the most up-to-date issues and technology emerging in the media industry, integrating cutting-edge concepts like Artificial Intelligence use and AR/VR technology. Coursework specifically includes specialized training in the areas of film, television and video production, cinematography, screenwriting, audio design & production, editing, and directing. Students who choose Film & Media Arts typically work in a variety of writing, design, production, and post-production positions within the film, television, and video industries.
Consider getting a minor in Communication. With just 6 courses, and the ability to customize the experience, your communication minor adds value to your overall education, providing in-demand skills relevant to any future career! Courses include:
- COMM 1018 Interpersonal Communication
- COMM 2010 Writing for Professional Communicators
- COMM 2020 Visual Literacy
- COMM 4000 Communication Ethics OR
- COMM 4050 Communication Theory
- And, any 6 hours of COMM courses at the 3000- or 4000-level
Making sure your program is the right financial investment is an important part of the search process.
COST & FINANCINGOur student-faculty ratio is 15-1, which means faculty can mentor and work closely with our majors.
Communication students complete 24 hours in the communication core to establish a strong foundation in the discipline, then choose one of our three concentrations so they can focus on the aspect of the discipline they find most interesting.
Communication students are presented with a variety of ways to get involved and put to work what they learn in the classroom. From service and experiential learning in our classrooms, to writing for the Hawkeye, or becoming a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), there are lots of opportunities. Communication students also have the opportunity to present research at local and regional conferences, showcase their public speaking prowess at events such as the Elevator Pitch Competition, and earn spotlights on our social media outlets.
Students in Communication are required to complete an internship either on campus, off campus or virtually. These experiences provide valuable work experience and can lead to a full-time job after graduation.
The Communication Program maintains two computer labs with editing software, a facility that houses the Hawkeye and the Chacahoula, and a studio for capturing a variety of integrated media needs.
ULM teaches communication skills that are consistently cited as essential in corporate, non-profit, and health industries. Our students find jobs in every sector of the working world.
Many of our students graduate and go directly into the workforce, but other choose to pursue a graduate degree in communication, law, business, or marketing.
Top careers in Communication:
- Media Relations Officer
- Multimedia Writer/Reporter
- Campaign Developer/Manager
- PR/Publicity Manager
- Media Producer/Director
- Event Specialist
- Conflict Resolution Specialist
- Legal, Political, or Health Advocate
All Communication majors complete a 24 hour core in Communication plus a 21 hour concentration.
The communication core includes COMM 1018: Interpersonal Communication, COMM 2001: Public Speaking, COMM 2010: Writing for Professional Communicators , COMM 2020: Visual Literacy, COMM 2040: Web Media Design, COMM 4050: Communication Theory, COMM 4000: Communication Ethics, COMM 4090: Internship and COMM 2009 or 2090: Evidentiary Speaking OR Practicum.
Communication Advocacy students take COMM 2044 : Organizational Communication or COMM 2060: Small Group Communication, COMM 3005: Performance Advocacy, COMM 3010: Communication and Conflict, COMM 3030: Persuasion, COMM 3042: Communication & Gender, COMM 4004: Intercultural Communication, and COMM 4052: Contemporary Criticism.
Integrated Media students take COMM 2002 Media Performance, COMM 2052 Video Production, COMM 3012 Integrated Media Design, COMM 3048 Writing for Integrated Media I, COMM 3049 Writing for Integrated Media II, COMM 4032 Media Project Development, COMM 4072 Media Analysis and Criticism.
In addition to the Communication core and concentration courses, students have 30 remaining credits that may used to complete a second concentration, a minor, or to take electives from various disciplines of interest.
ULM hosts its own chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the official communication studies honor society of the National Communication Association. The goals of Lambda Pi Eta are to: 1) recognize, foster and reward outstanding scholastic achievement in communication studies; 2) stimulate interest in the field of communication; 3) promote and encourage professional development among communication majors; 4) provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of communication; 5) establish and maintain closer relationships between faculty and students; and 6) explore options for graduate education in communication studies.
The mission of the ULM chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America is to serve its members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities, as well as to serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.
The ULM Speech and Debate Forum offers experiences in both speech and performance. We also publish a Traveling Scholar series and the Bill and Linda Rambin public debate forums. these series create opportunity for students, faculty, and the community to engage with experts in the discipline. Students can compete in two styles of debate: International Public Debate Association (IPDA) and National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA). Students may also compete in any or all of the American Forensic Association (AFA) speech events. Membership is open to all regularly-enrolled undergraduate students at ULM.
If you’re looking for a way to get involved, reach out to one of our faculty members.
Your application to ULM doubles as your Academic Scholarship applicaiton. Learn more about scholarship opportunities: https://www.ulm.edu/scholarships/
Our helpful Financial Aid counselors are here to help you file your FAFSA and answer questions about TOPS, Pell Grants, and more. Learn more about financial aid options: https://www.ulm.edu/financialaid/
In addition to ULM Academic Scholarships and Financial Aid, you may be eligible for ULM Foundation Scholarships. These 600+ scholarships are provided by private donors through the ULM Foundation. You may apply for these scholarships during the month of February. ULM Communication students could also be eligible for the following ULM Foundation Scholarships:
- Anita Moore LaRose Endowed Scholarship - for a full-time student majoring in Communication
- Barbara and James H. Baxter & Richard Baxter Endowed Scholarship for Communication
- Billy Wayne Heckford Memorial Scholarship - Recipient must be a full-time student pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Music, Communication, Teacher Education, Construction Management, or Nursing
- Brenda McAdams & Steve Finch Scholarship
- Brookshire's Super 1 Foods Scholarship - Recipient(s) may be a full-time or part-time student pursuing a degree in one or more of the following areas: Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Management, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Communications, Master of Arts Communications (MA), Pre-Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy (Ph.D.).
- Dr. Joshua L. Comer Superior Graduate Scholarship - Recipient must meet admittance requirements as defined by the ULM Graduate School and be enrolled full-time pursuing a Masters of Arts in Communication
- George & Ruth Smith Memorial Humanities Scholarship - The student(s) must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and be at least a junior with a major in the School of Humanities.
- Harry Lemert Fine Arts Scholarship - Recipient(s) must be a full-time student pursuing a degree in Art, Music, or Communication.
- Lois and John Breaux Public Relations Endowment Scholarship
- LTC Travis A. French Memorial Award - The recipient may be a full-time or part-time student pursuing their first undergraduate degree in School of Humanities - majors include:*Communication, English, History, World Languages-French,World Languages-Spanish
- Mary Ellen & George T. Walker Scholarship Endowment - Recipient(s) must be a full-time student pursuing a degree in the following disciplines within The ULM College of Arts, Education and Sciences: any programs within The School of Visual and Performing Arts; and the programs of English and Communications in The School of Humanities.
- The Miller Lite First Amendment Open First Generation Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship - Recipient(s) must meet university standards for acceptance in the University of Louisiana at Monroe and be a full-time student pursuing a degree in Communication
- John A. and Peter T. Beckish Memorial Scholarship
- Sara M. Greene Memorial Scholarship - available to College of Arts, Education & Sciences majors
- Carlos D. Fandal Endowed Scholarship - for an undergraduate in the College of Arts, Education & Sciences with at least junior classification
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