About this major
The Communication major focuses on the study of how people create, distribute, and interpret messages across various contexts, channels, and media. Students learn to enhance their oral, written, and digital communication skills, along with understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of communication processes.
Student Experience
Academic Balance
I enjoy the variety that Communication offers. At UCLA, for the upper division courses, there are 4 pillars: Political/Legal, Technology, Interpersonal, and Mass Media. We have to take classes from all pillars so we truly get an interdisciplinary view. The major itself is so broad that it allows space to do anything; I've seen classmates go into marketing, journalism, law school, and more. It's also not super difficult so it allows a lot more time for extracurricular and professional activities such as internships, which is really helpful.
As a communication major, I’ve gained valuable skills in understanding human interaction, media, and culture. The major covers everything from interpersonal communication to mass media and digital platforms. I especially enjoyed learning how messaging changes based on context and audience. Courses often include group projects and real-world case studies, which helped build teamwork and presentation skills. Professors are supportive and encourage open discussion. It’s a great major for anyone interested in media, public relations, marketing, or even psychology. Overall, communication helped me become a better speaker, listener, and critical thinker—skills I’ll use in any career path.
i think that it has been a good major for public speaking and refined my writing skills. it has taught me good study habits as well
It's pretty fun so far. Feels like a more tied to real life sorta English course if you're into that kind of stuff. Can be quite theory intensive depending on what course you are taking.
Many tracks/branches: interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, organizational communication
Really fun major, Easy to medium difficulty, and really theory heavy but also has hands on projects.
I chose Communication because it is an interdisciplinary field that weaves together topics like economics, sociology, psychology, politics, etc. The major is more theory-based than hands-on based, but because of its interdisciplinary nature, it is applicable to many job opportunities and roles.
There is a lot of public speaking and in prompt to speeches that you have to do, but otherwise it is pretty chill. It is a lot more theory here instead of just peaking though as well
This is probably the chillest major. But definitely don’t waste the resource and the network you can get in this major. This is most exciting class in case of sitting in class with all the cool athletes and students around the world
Lots of handson experience love it really encourage to choose professional and personal care by professors
Studying Digital Social Media at USC Annenberg has given me the opportunity to combine academic theory with hands-on practice in a fast-evolving field. The program emphasizes not only the technical skills—such as analytics, SEO, and digital storytelling—but also the critical thinking needed to evaluate how social platforms shape culture, communication, and business strategy. Through real-world projects, collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds, and guidance from industry-experienced faculty, I’m learning how to design and measure effective digital campaigns, explore the role of AI and emerging technologies, and connect creativity with data-driven insights. This experience is equipping me with both the strategic vision and practical expertise to thrive in today’s digital-first media landscape.
Too much theory. Much of them are common sense. I think if there is more practical part will be better
Definitely don’t take if you are looking to break into finance of tech. Think before you commit to the decision
It’s been great so far and I look forward to getting out in the field. I appreciate my professors and their help
Not good, heavy theory based. Homeworks are super easy. if you want to study communication don’t go to uc Davis.
