What's the comm major like at UNC?

I'm looking into majoring in Communications and UNC is one of my top choices. Can anyone give me some insight into the program there? What kind of classes can I expect, and how is the overall experience as a comm major at UNC?

UNC Chapel Hill has a solid Communication (COMM) major offered through the Department of Communication. As a COMM major at UNC, you'll find a well-rounded curriculum that covers various aspects of the field, including interpersonal communication, rhetoric, media studies, and performance studies.

The program begins with foundational courses like Introduction to Interpersonal and Organizational Communication and Introduction to Media and Technology. From there, you'll be able to choose electives that align with your specific interests within the discipline. There are a multitude of options, such as courses on public speaking, persuasion, digital media production, media and politics, race and representation, and many more. This flexibility allows you to delve into topics that genuinely intrigue you, and helps you shape your own career path.

In terms of the overall experience, many students appreciate the faculty's dedication and expertise in the field. Professors at UNC often balance both research and teaching, to ensure that you receive an education that is informed by the latest developments and best practices in the field. Additionally, smaller class sizes in upper-level courses tend to facilitate strong relationships with professors and lively discussions among your peers.

As a COMM major at UNC, you'll also have access to various extracurricular opportunities to develop your skills, build your network, and gain real-world experience. You can join student-run media organizations like the Daily Tar Heel, or participate in events and workshops organized by the department. UNC Chapel Hill also has strong connections with local media, advertising, and public relations companies, which can lead to internships or even job opportunities for comm majors.

Lastly, the department aims to develop students' broader critical thinking and analytical skills, to prepare them for a wide range of careers post-graduation, in fields such as journalism, advertising, public relations, content creation, and many more. Overall, the COMM major at UNC Chapel Hill offers a well-rounded education with a diverse range of courses and opportunities that will prepare you for success in the field.

If you end up applying to UNC and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-unc-chapel-hill-essays/. After all, UNC is one of the most selective public institutions in the country, and the essays are often just the thing that distinguishes one talented applicant from another.

Best of luck with your college search, and future pursuits in the field of communications!