Degrees Offered

Undergraduate
Graduate

Undergraduate Degree Program

 
 

Bachelor's Degree Program

The communication program teaches students to communicate effectively and ethically in a rapidly changing world characterized by diversity in gender, culture and belief. It offers a comprehensive background in the discipline in preparation for employment or further education. Students majoring in other disciplines find communication electives valuable additions to their programs.

The program is both theoretical and pragmatic, designed to prepare students for the professional workplace or for advanced study.

Choose from three concentrations offered through the Communication department:

Public Relations and Organizational Communication

  • COM F431 Public Relations Campaigns
  • COM F433 Public Relations Theory and Practice
  • COM F445 Organizational Communication
  • *COM F353 Conflict, Mediation and Communication
  • *COM F441 Persuasion
  • *COM F467 Communication Activism, Advocacy and Social Movements

Science and Environmental Communication

  • COM F211 Introduction to Science Communication: Theory & Practice
  • COM F312 Science Communication & the Environment
  • COM F313 Science & Intersectionality: Race, Gender and Sexuality
  • *COM F410 Public Engagement in Science Communication
  • *COM F462 Communication in Health Contexts 1

Social Interaction


  • COM F331 Advanced Group Communication
  • COM F422 Communication in Interpersonal Relationships 1
  • COM F445 Organizational Communication 1
  • *COM F353 Conflict, Mediation and Communication
  • *COM F462 Communication in Health Contexts 1

* recommended electives
1 Do not take these classes if considering the B.A./M.A. To maintain that option, only take them in the last year.

 

Arctic Village

Featured Course

COM F467      Communication Activism, Advocacy and Social Movements 
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

This course will delve into activism and social change from a local and global perspective in order to enhance students’ perspectives of social change as it manifests via communication. This course will also introduce and analyze activist rhetoric, strategies for social justice and methods for communicative organizing.

Common Minors for Communication Majors

English

Linguistics

Philosophy

Psychology

Social Work

Minor in Communication

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Department of Communication at UAF also offer minors in Communication, Global Studies and Science and Environmental Communication.

Communication

Global Studies

 

 

Graduate Degree Program

 
 

Master's Degree in Professional Communication

The communication program prepares students to handle the challenges of communicating effectively and ethically in a rapidly changing world characterized by diversity in gender, cultural background and belief.

The M.A. in professional communication provides advanced education for individuals in or pursuing communication related careers in public/nonprofit organizations, media organizations, health care organizations or in higher education. Students take courses that focus on organizational communication theory and practices.

The program is both theoretically and pragmatically oriented to prepare students for the professional workplace or for doctoral study in organizations.

 

Learn more about what a MA in Professional Communication can do for you:

 Members of the public attended UAF Lab Open House before the 2018 AVÀÇÂÛ̳ National Lab Day hosted at the Fairbanks campus.

Research

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Faculty maintain active research agendas in a variety of communication sub-disciplines, including but not limited to gender, health, organizational, public relations, science, interpersonal, and activism communication.

Graduate students are encouraged to work with faculty mentors to submit their research for publication and conference.
Students are given hands on experience in qualitative and quantitative methods.

Teaching

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Graduate students on TAships work with faculty mentors to develop curriculum for public speaking and group communication.
Graduate students on TAships work with faculty mentors to facilitate public speaking and group communication.
Graduate students on TAships work with faculty mentors to assess student performance and provide opportunities for improvement.
 Jesslyn McGowan from Bethel presents to her English class at UAF's Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel.
 Associate Professor Ute Kaden meets with education major Bennett Wong during Bennett's internship at Tanana Middle School during the spring 2015 semester.

Career Development

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Students are encouraged to work internships in the community to get hands-on experience.

Classes are designed to ensure practical application of theory.
Graduate students are encouraged to take on leadership opportunities through the speaking center and across the university.
  TA Positions

Teaching Assistantships are available to full-time graduate students. For further information, please contact the Communication Department Chair, Amy May, amay11@alaska.edu or 907-474-7761.

Graduate assistants can be paid for a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session. Students with assistantships must be registered for at least nine credits during the fall and spring semesters and six credits during the summer (no audits).

Teaching assistantships include a tuition payment by the university:

  • For no more than 10 credits if the workload is 15 to 20 hours per week.
  • For no more than 5 credits if the workload is 10 to 14 hours per week.
  • If the assistantship appointment begins on or before the first day of instruction and ends on or after the last day of final examinations for that semester (16 or more weeks).`

Students

 

 

 

Top 10 Graduate Program FAQs

 

Apply to Graduate School
Communication Graduate Student Handbook
Dates & Deadlines