Course descriptions may be found on the Course Catalog page.
Please read the Department’s statement on internet resource requirements for access to courses.
Prerequisites/Introductory courses
COM 200*
Additional 5-CREDIT 200-level COM course**
*COM 202 does not count as an equivalent to COM 200 but may be the additional 200-level COM course
**COM-prefixed 200-level course or courses joint with COM-prefixed 200-level course
Methods course
5 credits. Courses counting towards this requirement cannot also count towards the INTRO, THEORY, or COM ELECTIVES requirements. More information about what courses count as Methods and information on the Methods requirement can be found here. Availability of these courses vary and others may count towards this requirement outside of this list. Refer to the time schedule description of COM courses.
Theory course
5 credits. Courses counting towards this requirement cannot also count towards the INTRO, METHODS, or COM ELECTIVES requirements. More information about what courses count as Theory and information on the Theory requirement can be found here. Availability of these courses vary and others may count towards this requirement outside of this list. Refer to the time schedule description of COM courses.
Communication electives
30 credits of any COM course that is NOT already counting towards INTRO, METHODS, or THEORY can be counted as COM ELECTIVES.
Note: some classes outside of the Department of Communication are also allowed in this area. Click here for more information on affiliated courses.
Upper division courses
Of the 50 above credits, 25 credits must be 300-400 level, with 10 being 400-level and 15 being 300-to 400-level.
Note: COM 498 and COM 499 do not count as upper division courses.
Distance learning
The following courses may be offered for online learning either through UW Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) or through the Department of Communication. To see what is scheduled to be offered for a specific quarter, please visit the UW PCE website or MyPlan. Students interested in taking a Distance Learning course are advised to speak with their major adviser to ensure that they are following the senior residency requirement.
COM 200 Introduction to Communication
COM 202 Introduction to Communication II
COM 220 Introduction to Public Speaking
COM 231 Introduction to Rhetoric
COM 270 Interpersonal Communication
COM 303 Social Effects of Technology and Social Media
COM 304 The Press and Politics in the United States
COM 339 The Business of Media in the Digital Age
COM 375 Communication Ethics
COM 382 Social Scientific Approaches to Communication Research
COM 389 Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Media
COM 420 Comparative Media Systems
COM 440 Mass Media Law
COM 468 Media Ethics
COM 484 Cultural Codes in Communication
COM 489 Black Cultural Studies