Frequently Asked Questions

The academic advisors in the School of Communication have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers about the school, our majors, and the services provided by our office. Links throughout the answers will guide you to more information on our website. If you have further questions, please contact an Academic Advisor.

1. What classes must be completed before applying to the School of Communication?
   The completion of pre-major coursework is required before applying to the major. Here is a complete list of the pre-major requirements and more information about the application process.

2. What is the cut-off grade point average to be admitted into the School of Communication?
   There is no pre-set grade point average cut-off for admission to our programs; however admission is based on students' cumulative grade point average, pre-major course completion, and enrollment capacity. Please meet with an Academic Advisor for most up-to-date GPA and admission info.

3. When can I apply to the School of Communication?
   Once you complete all of the pre-major requirements, we welcome you to apply to the School. We accept applications every quarter. The online application is available during the 8th or 9th week of the quarter, and is due by the 2nd Friday of the following quarter. Decisions are announced during the 4th week of the quarter.

4. Where do I pick up an application?
   The best way to apply is by using our online application. If you are unable to access the online application, please contact an academic advisor for assistance. The deadline to apply is the 2nd Friday of the quarter.

5. How will I find out if I am admitted to the School?
   Students will receive an email around the 4th week of the quarter to let them know whether or not they have been admitted.

6. What are the different programs that I can study in the School?
   Communication Analysis and Practice 
   New Media and Communication Technology
   Public Affairs Journalism 
   Strategic Communication 

7. When can I take upper-level courses in the School?
   Once you are admitted to the School and you are listed as a Journalism or Communication major, you can take our upper-level courses.

8. Can I do an internship for credit?
   Yes! Journalism majors are required and communication majors are strongly encouraged to complete at least one, 5 credit hour internship. These internship experiences are central to career preparation in our undergraduate major and provide opportunities for exploring the ties between classroom training and real-world application. A 5 credit hour internship requires 150 hours of work at the internship site, supervised by a professional staff member of the company/organization. For more information about the internship program, visit our Intern & Career Info page.

9. Where is the Advising Office located?
   3033 Derby Hall, 154 North Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210

10. What are some examples of career opportunities for Journalism majors?
    Students who complete our journalism program go on to successful careers as news writers, reporters, copy editors, media managers, multimedia journalists and social media journalists. Our students have gone on to jobs at major metro papers like the New York Times and Detroit Free Press, reaching the highest levels of our industry like winning the Pulitzer Prize.

11. What are some examples of career opportunities for Communication majors?
    Our graduates successfully pursue careers in all facets of the communications industries, including excelling as campaign and information managers, webmasters, marketing researchers, strategic communication specialists, human resource managers and researchers.

12. How can I change program areas?
    Students interested in changing their program area will file a petition form in the advising office in 3033 Derby Hall. Once the form is filed, the undergraduate chair will review your request to change the program area. Students will be notified by e-mail within 8-10 days to let them know if their petition was approved.

13. Is it possible to petition alterations to my major?
    Students interested in changing the courses in their major program will meet with the undergraduate advisor in 3033 Derby Hall. At the meeting, the advisor will determine if the petition is appropriate. If it appears to be a reasonable petition, the student will be asked to write a petition through e-mail to the undergraduate chair.

14. How and when do I file for graduation?
    You should plan to apply to graduate early in the quarter prior to the quarter you anticipate graduating and no later than the 6th week of your graduation quarter. By applying prior to your last quarter you will receive "graduating senior" scheduling priority for your final quarter. Students will set up an appointment with an Arts and Sciences Advisor (292-6961) in Denney Hall to file a degree application. Completion of your major program is verified with the Degree Audit Report. Please take time to check your degree audit prior to applying for graduation. If there is a problem with the major portion of your audit, then you will need to contact a major advisor in the School of Communication Advising Office, located in 3033 Derby Hall.