Introduction to Communication Studies
Explores the foundational theories and principles of communication, including interpersonal, group, and mass communication.
Difficulty
Moderately challenging
Students rate Communication 3.1/5 for difficulty across 18 ratings.
Average difficultyBased on 18 students across 4 schools.View review makeup
3.1/ 5
Share of students at each rating
Class-year breakdown needs more responses.It appears after at least two class years have 5 difficulty ratings each.
What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
83% would recommend it
Based on 18 reviews across 4 schools
What students say about the payoff
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Curriculum and careers
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.
Core course themes
Public Speaking
Enhances students' abilities to effectively speak in public settings, focusing on content, delivery, and audience analysis.
Media and Society
Analyzes the influence of media on culture and society, examining the role of media in shaping public opinion and policy.
Intercultural Communication
Studies communication across different cultures, emphasizing the impact of cultural differences on communication practices.
Communication Research Methods
Introduces research methodologies used in communication studies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Digital Media Production
Provides hands-on experience with creating content for digital platforms, including video, audio, and social media.
Common roles
- Public Relations Specialist
- Marketing Coordinator
- Social Media Manager
- Corporate Communications Manager
- Content Creator
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Communication by school
Scores account for sample sizePreparing school differences…
University of Southern California10 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.6
- Enjoyment
- 4.2
- Recommend
- 82%
University of California-Los Angeles5 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.3
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 89%
University of California-Davis2 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.2
- Enjoyment
- 3.8
- Recommend
- 78%
University of California-Santa Barbara1 review
- Career outlook
- 3.3
- Enjoyment
- 4.0
- Recommend
- 85%
Community
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Student reviews
PositiveCourses & teaching
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.
Apr 2026
PositiveCourses & teaching
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.
Jul 2025
PositiveCourses & teaching
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
Mar 2026
PositiveCourses & teaching
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.
Oct 2025
PositiveCourses & teaching
Many tracks/branches: interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, organizational communication
Oct 2025
PositiveCourses & teaching
Really fun major, Easy to medium difficulty, and really theory heavy but also has hands on projects.
Oct 2025
PositiveCareers & next steps
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.
Oct 2025
PositiveCourses & teaching
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
Oct 2025
MixedCourses & teaching
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
Oct 2025
PositiveSupport & community
Lots of handson experience love it really encourage to choose professional and personal care by professors
Oct 2025
PositiveCourses & teaching
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.
Sep 2025
MixedCourses & teaching
Too much theory. Much of them are common sense. I think if there is more practical part will be better
Oct 2025
CriticalCareers & next steps
Definitely don’t take if you are looking to break into finance of tech. Think before you commit to the decision
Mar 2026
PositiveCareers & next steps
It’s been great so far and I look forward to getting out in the field. I appreciate my professors and their help
Oct 2025
CriticalCourses & teaching
Not good, heavy theory based. Homeworks are super easy. if you want to study communication don’t go to uc Davis.
Oct 2025
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