Communication Studies
General Planning Tips For Communication Studies
- The Communication Studies curriculum is quite flexible, and with careful planning you can study abroad for a semester and still graduate on time.
- There are a wide variety of Communication Studies courses to choose from abroad. Many of the course options focus on concepts and topics unique to that particular institution giving you a chance to study a topic not offered at KU.
- Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements. Therefore, it is a good idea to reserve some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.
- Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.
- U.S. Specific Courses: Students must complete their capstone course, COMS 496, at KU.
When To Go
Freshman
- Schedule a meeting with a communication studies advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your four year plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
- After you've met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
- Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it's good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
- It is recommended that you complete COMS 130 before going abroad.
- The summer before your sophomore year would be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad. Applications for these programs are usually due around March 1st, so visit the Study Abroad Info Center to discuss your interest in these options.
Sophomore and Junior
- Communication Studies majors can study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their sophomore or junior year.
- Most of the Breadth of Discipline and Skills classes for Communication Studies are offered both semesters at KU. This gives you a lot of flexibility in planning for a study abroad experience.
- You can take a combination of COMS major courses, COMS elective courses, minor requirements, and/or KU Core requirements during your semester abroad.
- Summer internships abroad are a great way to gain valuable professional experience in a unique location. There are several locations to choose from, and you can participate in these internships the summer after your sophomore or junior year.
Senior
- If you go abroad as a senior, work closely with your academic advisor prior to your departure to make sure that you are on track to complete your degree requirements.
- Communication Studies majors are required to take their capstone course, COMS 496, at KU. You should not study abroad during the spring of your senior year if you have not yet taken this course and are planning to graduate that term.
Courses and Credit
- Communication Studies faculty have already pre-approved a number of communication studies courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalency Database.
- If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.
Recommended Semester Programs
Al Akhawayn University - Morocco
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Political Communication, Cases in Persuasion, Rhetoric and Social Influence
American University of Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Communication in Conflict Resolution, Cases in Persuasion
Student Initiated Programs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland- CIEE in Berlin
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Rhetoric, Politics, and the Media; Communication and Gender
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Communication and Culture, Communication and New Technology
Student Initiated Programs in Italy and Greece- John Cabot University in Rome
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Political Communication, Intercultural Communication
Masaryk University - Czech Republic
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Political Communication; Communication, Technology & Globalization
Massey University - New Zealand
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Effective Business Communication, Organizational Communication
Thammasat University - Thailand
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Political Communication, Communication Technology
University of East Anglia - England
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Communication and Gender, Rhetoric of Sports, Rhetoric and Social Influence
University of Exeter - England
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Problem Solving in Teams and Groups, Communication and Leadership Strategies
Student Initiated Programs in Scandinavia, Nordic Countries, and the Netherlands- University of Jyvaskyla in Finland
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Problem Solving in Teams and Groups, Intercultural Communication
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Rhetoric, Politics, and the Mass Media; Intercultural Communication
University of Leicester - England
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Political Communication, Communication and New Technology, Communication and Culture
University of Wollongong - Australia
Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Rhetoric of War, Effective Business Communication
Recommended Short-Term Programs
Recommended Timing: Summer - sophomore or junior year
Sample Courses: Varies by location