Department of Communication

Communication Studies

Why should you choose COMS as your major?

We asked COMS majors why they would recommend their major to a friend on campus. Here’s what they had to say in their own words.

What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "There are opportunities to use the major in ways that fit your interests and passions."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "Closeness! I feel very comfortable with my professors and classmates."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The professors show authenticity and genuine concern for each student. I also like the customizable degree plans."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The people: the professors actually care about you and want you to learn and understand the material. Also the other COMS majors are so uplifting."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The intentionality of the professors: they know us and truly invest in us as students and individuals."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The faculty and staff: they are so genuine and honest. As a new COMS major, I have felt so welcomed.
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The faculty and staff are truly amazing and here to support you 100%."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "I like that COMS means learning applicable life skills."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The number one thing about COMS is the closeness and uniqueness of the major."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "I like the sense of community."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "My favorite thing about the COMS program is how the faculty is invested in the students and their future."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "I have loved being a part of the program for the last three years. The professors are engaging, the classes are interesting, and the peers are inspiring."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "There are a wide range of classes that would cover most people's interests."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The COMS program will change your life. Your worldview will consist of communication. You'll consistently think of communication. You'll eat, sleep, and breathe communication."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "My program has opened my eyes to so much the world has to offer and has opened doors for me in the professional world."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The number one thing about our program is the level of compassion that each professor has with each and every student in the program."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The teachers are amazing. They all have their own unique personalities, making their class unique."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The number one thing about our COMS program is that there are so many areas to grow with each class."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The number one thing about being a COMS major is being a part of the COMS family."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "The faculty: every single professor is incredible. They are kind, intelligent, compassionate, and they will always help guide you in the right direction."
What is the number one thing about the UM COMS program? "I really enjoy the versatility of the program. The sky is definitely the limit."
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What can you do with your COMS degree?

You can pursue a wide variety of career pathways, because the COMS major will equip you with the skills you will need to be successful. 97% of UM COMS graduates seeking work are employed full time in communication-related fields. 24% successfully pursue graduate school.

UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Chair Roosevelt Mendez Class of 2016 South Puget Sound Community College Director of Enrollment and Registrar
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Past Chair Class of 2008, Class of 2010 Jefferson County Board of Education School Counselor
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Class of 2018 Daxko Nonprofit Customer Service Manager
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Calli Robinson, M.A. Class of 2011 Alabama Media Group Senior Manager, Display and Video Strategy
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Clark Maxwell Class of 2013 Fleetio Public Relations & Communications Manager
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Lindsay Sexton, PHR, SHRM-CP Class of 2005 QIAGEN Instructional Designer
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Dr. Rebecca Leach Class of 2015 University of Arkansas Assistant Professor of Communication
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Paris Nelson, M.A. Class of 2017 Washington State University Vancouver Director of TRIO Talent Search
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Dr. Teresa Whiting Class of 2007, Class of 2011 Shelby County School System Juvenile Detention Center Dual Certified Secondary Education Teacher
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Tori Davis, M.Div. Class of 2015 TCRings PR Director
UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Chair Roosevelt Mendez Class of 2016 South Puget Sound Community College Director of Enrollment and Registrar UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Past Chair Class of 2008, Class of 2010 Jefferson County Board of Education School Counselor UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Class of 2018 Daxko Nonprofit Customer Service Manager UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Calli Robinson, M.A. Class of 2011 Alabama Media Group Senior Manager, Display and Video Strategy UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Clark Maxwell Class of 2013 Fleetio Public Relations & Communications Manager UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Lindsay Sexton, PHR, SHRM-CP Class of 2005 QIAGEN Instructional Designer UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Dr. Rebecca Leach Class of 2015 University of Arkansas Assistant Professor of Communication UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Paris Nelson, M.A. Class of 2017 Washington State University Vancouver Director of TRIO Talent Search UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Dr. Teresa Whiting Class of 2007, Class of 2011 Shelby County School System Juvenile Detention Center Dual Certified Secondary Education Teacher UM COMS Alumni Advisory Board Member Tori Davis, M.Div. Class of 2015 TCRings PR Director

We offer a flexible 39 credit hour curriculum that allows you to select the COMS classes that will complement your personal and professional interests.

Sean Bloemetjie Critical - Inquisitive - Empathetic Majors: Communication Studies and Political Science Minors: Peace and Justice Studies and Pre-Law
Brianna Bramlett Driven - Compassionate - Creative Majors: Communication Studies and English Minor: Public Relations
Anna Brasfield Loyal - Driven - Reliable Major: Communication Studies
Beau Browning Independent - Hard-working - Determined Major: Communication Studies Minor: Marketing
Em Dickerson Persuasive - Passionate - Accepting Major: Communication Studies Minors: Game Studies & Design, Public Relations, and Sociology
Caitlin Gibson Ambitious - Intuitive - Compassionate Major: Communication Studies Minor: Broadcast Production
Abigail Heuton Dedicated - Honest - Resilient Majors: Communication Studies and Political Science Minors: Public Relations and Pre-Law
Elijah Knight Passionate - Motivated - Successful Major: Communication Studies Minors: Public Relations & Social Media Administration
Avery Lawley Creative - Ambitious - Compassionate Major: Communication Studies
Sydney Lee Dedicated - Detail-Oriented - Collaborative Major: Communication Studies
Emalee Monday Reliable - Enthusiastic - Passionate Major: Communication Studies
Michael Morse Dedicated - Passionate - Disciplined Major: Communication Studies Minor: Pre-Law
Jamiyah Patton Honest - Dedicated - Passionate Major: Communication Studies Minor: Social Media Administration
Kelsey Peterson Trustworthy - Articulate - Creative Major: Communication Studies Minor: Public Relations
Alison Richard Ambitious - Determined - Confident Major: Communication Studies
Rainey Tanner Responsible - Creative - Collaborative Major: Communication Studies
Mary Grace Tucker Diligent - Passionate - Determined Major: Communication Studies Minor: Public Relations
Back to the Basics Delaney Eaves Charismatic Confident Creative
Back to the Basics Derek Saylor Charismatic Motivated Helpful
Back to the Basics Grace Hancock Connected Evolving Curiosity-Driven
Back to the Basics Isabella Ward Artistic Genuine Adaptable
Back to the Basics Jacob Haley Intentional Compassionate Selfless
Back to the Basics Jaycey Bowling Ambitious Strategic Accomplished
Back to the Basics Joshua Brown Versatile Detail-Oriented Hopeful
Back to the Basics Maddie Story Personable Enthusiastic Hard-Working
Back to the Basics McCarley Northway Creative Passionate Empathetic
Back to the Basics Ramsey Thrash Determined Cooperative Responsible
Back to the Basics Scott Friant Engaged Confident Professional
Back to the Basics Terance Boykin Studious Open-Minded Optimistic
Sean Bloemetjie Critical - Inquisitive - Empathetic Majors: Communication Studies and Political Science Minors: Peace and Justice Studies and Pre-Law Brianna Bramlett Driven - Compassionate - Creative Majors: Communication Studies and English Minor: Public Relations Anna Brasfield Loyal - Driven - Reliable Major: Communication Studies Beau Browning Independent - Hard-working - Determined Major: Communication Studies Minor: Marketing Em Dickerson Persuasive - Passionate - Accepting Major: Communication Studies Minors: Game Studies & Design, Public Relations, and Sociology Caitlin Gibson Ambitious - Intuitive - Compassionate Major: Communication Studies Minor: Broadcast Production Abigail Heuton Dedicated - Honest - Resilient Majors: Communication Studies and Political Science Minors: Public Relations and Pre-Law Elijah Knight Passionate - Motivated - Successful Major: Communication Studies Minors: Public Relations & Social Media Administration Avery Lawley Creative - Ambitious - Compassionate Major: Communication Studies Sydney Lee Dedicated - Detail-Oriented - Collaborative Major: Communication Studies Emalee Monday Reliable - Enthusiastic - Passionate Major: Communication Studies Michael Morse Dedicated - Passionate - Disciplined Major: Communication Studies Minor: Pre-Law Jamiyah Patton Honest - Dedicated - Passionate Major: Communication Studies Minor: Social Media Administration Kelsey Peterson Trustworthy - Articulate - Creative Major: Communication Studies Minor: Public Relations Alison Richard Ambitious - Determined - Confident Major: Communication Studies Rainey Tanner Responsible - Creative - Collaborative Major: Communication Studies Mary Grace Tucker Diligent - Passionate - Determined Major: Communication Studies Minor: Public Relations Back to the Basics Delaney Eaves Charismatic Confident Creative Back to the Basics Derek Saylor Charismatic Motivated Helpful Back to the Basics Grace Hancock Connected Evolving Curiosity-Driven Back to the Basics Isabella Ward Artistic Genuine Adaptable Back to the Basics Jacob Haley Intentional Compassionate Selfless Back to the Basics Jaycey Bowling Ambitious Strategic Accomplished Back to the Basics Joshua Brown Versatile Detail-Oriented Hopeful Back to the Basics Maddie Story Personable Enthusiastic Hard-Working Back to the Basics McCarley Northway Creative Passionate Empathetic Back to the Basics Ramsey Thrash Determined Cooperative Responsible Back to the Basics Scott Friant Engaged Confident Professional Back to the Basics Terance Boykin Studious Open-Minded Optimistic

How can you pay for your COMS degree?

We offer scholarship opportunities for you at every stage of your academic career including the Dean of Fine Arts Scholarship in Communication Studies for first-time students or first-time transfers, the Ellen Haven Gould Alumni Scholarship for first year students, the Lynn Cook Bennett Scholarship for rising sophomores and juniors, and the Wales Wallace Scholarship in Communication Studies for juniors and seniors. Learn more and apply for COMS scholarships here!

How can you take your COMS skills to the next level?

Internships: COMS students who are interested in preparing for the workplace often choose to complete an internship. COMS 475 Internship Application Form

Communication Studies Internship Delaney Eaves Central States Communication Association University of Montevallo Department of Communication
Communication Studies Internship Jaycey Bowling Cullman Cheer and Gymnastics Academy University of Montevallo Department of Communication
Communication Studies Internship Mason Brocksmith Bertolone's University of Montevallo Department of Communication
Communication Studies Internship McCarley Northway SportsFit University of Montevallo Department of Communication
Communication Studies Internship Ramsey Thrash Alabama Communication Association University of Montevallo Department of Communication
Communication Studies Internship Scott Friant Blue Signal Search University of Montevallo Department of Communication
Communication Studies Internship Delaney Eaves Central States Communication Association University of Montevallo Department of Communication Communication Studies Internship Jaycey Bowling Cullman Cheer and Gymnastics Academy University of Montevallo Department of Communication Communication Studies Internship Mason Brocksmith Bertolone's University of Montevallo Department of Communication Communication Studies Internship McCarley Northway SportsFit University of Montevallo Department of Communication Communication Studies Internship Ramsey Thrash Alabama Communication Association University of Montevallo Department of Communication Communication Studies Internship Scott Friant Blue Signal Search University of Montevallo Department of Communication

Directed Studies: COMS students who are interested in preparing for graduate school often choose to work with faculty mentors to conduct undergraduate research projects and present their work at academic conferences. COMS 491 Directed Study Proposal Form

University of Montevallo Department of Communication Alabama Communication Association Grace Hancock Alabama Communication Association Critical Approaches to Andrea Dworkin's Fight for Women's Protection
University of Montevallo Department of Communication Alabama Communication Association Isabella Ward Alabama Communication Association Deliberative Communication as Engaged Citizenship in the COMS Classroom and Beyond
University of Montevallo Department of Communication Southern States Communication Association Joseph Honeycutt Southern States Communication Association Fans' Parasocial Relationships with Social Media Influencers: An Analysis of Demi Lovato's 2021 Instagram Posts
University of Montevallo Department of Communication Central States Communication Association Madi Kirkland Central States Communication Association Leadership Analysis: Sisters in STEM, Susan J. Helms
University of Montevallo Department of Communication Alabama Communication Association Ramsey Thrash Alabama Communication Association Deliberative Communication as Engaged Citizenship in the COMS Classroom and Beyond
University of Montevallo Department of Communication Alabama Communication Association Grace Hancock Alabama Communication Association Critical Approaches to Andrea Dworkin's Fight for Women's Protection University of Montevallo Department of Communication Alabama Communication Association Isabella Ward Alabama Communication Association Deliberative Communication as Engaged Citizenship in the COMS Classroom and Beyond University of Montevallo Department of Communication Southern States Communication Association Joseph Honeycutt Southern States Communication Association Fans' Parasocial Relationships with Social Media Influencers: An Analysis of Demi Lovato's 2021 Instagram Posts University of Montevallo Department of Communication Central States Communication Association Madi Kirkland Central States Communication Association Leadership Analysis: Sisters in STEM, Susan J. Helms University of Montevallo Department of Communication Alabama Communication Association Ramsey Thrash Alabama Communication Association Deliberative Communication as Engaged Citizenship in the COMS Classroom and Beyond

COMS Presentation Room: If you’re looking to improve your communication skills, conduct a virtual interview, or record a presentation, you can utilize the COMS Presentation Room (CPR). The CPR offers several resources, including a television, professional backdrop, dry erase board, table, chairs, ring light, and tripod. It is available for COMS and MC students for class and professional use. Learn more here. Click here to reserve the space.

CPR COMS Presentation Room
This is a picture of two students using the COMS Presentation Room.
This is a picture of a student using the COMS Presentation Room.
CPR COMS Presentation Room This is a picture of two students using the COMS Presentation Room. This is a picture of a student using the COMS Presentation Room.