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Communication Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication
Master the Art of Effective Communication
Good communication skills are key in every industry. This includes speaking, writing, and interacting in person or online. At UT Permian Basin, our Communication faculty have diverse expertise. They are dedicated to helping you build the skills and confidence for your career or further studies.
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Degree Requirements
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communication at UT Permian Basin, students must complete at least 120 total semester credit hours, including:
- 39 credit hours in Communication courses
- A minor in a related field of the student’s choice
- Completion of foundational and advanced Communication coursework, including public speaking, media studies, rhetoric, theory, and research methods
- All major and elective courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better
- At least 30 credit hours must be taken at UTPB
Career Paths
A Communication degree from UT Permian Basin prepares you to think critically, speak confidently, and connect with diverse audiences—skills that are in high demand across industries. Graduates often pursue careers in areas such as:
- Public Relations Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Journalist
- Marketing or Communications Manager
- Public Information Officer
- Event Planner
Interested in Teaching?
Degree Roadmap
Get all the details on our Communication program, including admission requirements, financial considerations, class requirements, and more.
View Academic CatalogStudents complete 120 total credit hours, including 39 credits in communication courses, an 18-credit minor, general education, and at least 30 credits taken at UTPB.
Do I need to complete a minor?
Yes. A minor of at least 18 credit hours (with 9–12 upper-level credits) is required to complement your communication coursework.
Are there specific grade requirements?
Yes. All major and elective courses must be passed with at least a C‑ grade, and students must maintain a 2.0 GPA overall.
What kinds of courses are included in the major?
Communication majors complete a 21-credit core—including public speaking, media studies, research methods, theories, and senior seminar—plus 15 credits of upper-level electives, often chosen based on one of four tracks: Communication Studies, Strategic Messaging, Professional Communication, or Sports Media.
What track options are available?
- Communication Studies (general elective emphasis)
- Strategic Messaging (advertising, PR, crisis comm)
- Professional Communication (interpersonal, organizational, leadership domains)
- Sports Media (sports broadcasting, media writing, current topics).
Graduates enter roles in public relations, marketing, journalism, social media management, event planning, corporate communication, and more. Many also pursue teaching, thanks to strong foundational coursework like Communication & Instruction.
Is an internship part of the program?
Yes—though optional, internships are strongly encouraged. Students can enroll in COMM 4381 for credit (requiring 100+ hours of unpaid fieldwork and faculty supervision).
Can I teach with this degree?
Absolutely. Many students complete teacher certification in Communication. Courses like Communication & Instruction are designed to prepare you for classroom roles at various levels.
How many upper-level credits are required?
Students must earn at least 48 upper-level credit hours, of which 39 fall within the communication major and 9 are fulfilled through electives or minor courses.
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Explore everything Communications has to offer at UTPB!
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