Undergraduate Admissions

The Department of Communication offers the following programs of study for undergraduates:

  • The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication
  • The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication: Journalism

The department also offers an evening-degree program >>

Applications to the Communication major

Applications are available on this page the first two weeks of autumn, winter, and spring quarters.

Statistics

The average GPA for acceptance is a 3.2-3.3. We usually accept about half of the students who apply.

Admissions Requirements

The requirements and policies for admission to the undergraduate program are as follows:

Communication

  • Credits completed prior to application: 45 graded credits required (10 UW graded, in-residence credits for transfer students; no ESL credits count).
  • Minimum GPA: Applications with a cumulative GPA below 2.5 will not be considered. The average cumulative GPA achieved by accepted applicants in previous years is a 3.2.
  • Non-transfer students need to complete one course from COM 201 or 202 and be enrolled in the other to apply. Transfer students with at least 90 credits need to complete one course from 201 or 202 to apply and complete the second introductory course before graduation.
  • Application deadlines: applications can be submitted as early as the first day of the quarter and as late (as) two weeks after (they) first become available.
  • Application packet contents: (a) application form (basic data) (b) transcript, grade reports, transfer evaluation sheets through prior quarter; (c) essay (up to 400 words) explaining what led applicant to apply to the major. This can refer to an issue of concern, an inspiring book or article, or a relevant experience; and (d) any other information submitted on separate sheet.
  • Notification: Within approximately 4 weeks.
  • Review: Conducted quarterly by the undergraduate studies staff with oversight by the faculty’s Undergraduate Committee.

Journalism

For more information on the Journalism program please visit http://com.washington.edu/journalism/

  • Students applying to the Journalism program need to complete only one of the introductory courses from COM 201 or 202 and may apply as freshmen. They do not have to complete the second course. We recommend that journalism applicants choose 201 for their introductory course.
  • Credits completed prior to application: at least 10 UW graded, in-residence credits; no ESL credits count.
  • Minimum GPA: Applications with a cumulative GPA below 2.5 will not be considered. The average cumulative GPA achieved by accepted applicants in previous years is a 3.2.
  • Application deadlines: applications can be submitted as early as the first day of the quarter and as late (as) two weeks after (they) first become available.
  • Application packet contents: (a) application form (basic data) with a check box indicating a desire to enter journalism; (b) transcript, grade reports, transfer evaluation sheets through prior quarter; (c) essay (up to 400 words) explaining what led applicant to apply to the major. This can refer to an issue of concern, an inspiring book or article, or a relevant experience; and (d) any other information submitted on separate sheet.
  • Notification: Within approximately 4 weeks.
  • Review: Conducted quarterly by the undergraduate studies staff with oversight by the faculty’s Undergraduate Committee.

Student Advising

Formal advising of undergraduates is conducted by departmental staff. As noted on the area concentrations page, within the general requirements of the major, students choose one conceptual area of emphasis at the upper-division level.

Student Diversity

The Department of Communication is committed to a welcoming and inclusive cultural environment. Outreach efforts to build a well-rounded student body include periodic public lectures with topics and speakers of relevance and an annual event (e.g., a half-day conference or a luncheon) that involves a conversation, dialogue, or presentations on issues of communication and identity.

Distance Learning

The following courses are offered for distance learning: COM 340 (History of Mass Communication), COM 304 (Press and Politics in the U.S.), COM 440 (Mass Media Law), COM 468 (Journalism Ethics), COM 484 (Cultural Codes in Communication), and COM 489 (Ethnicity, Gender, and Communication).