Why earn a communication degree?

Communication is one of the most regardless of field or area of study. Among hiring managers, communication as a defined practice consistently ranks as integral for the workplace. Conflict management, interpersonal communication, public speaking, and team collaboration are just a few of the skills communication majors have the opportunity to develop and refine throughout their program of study. 

Communication scholars and practitioners play a critical role in our understanding of how daily interactions, organizations, and media shape the world around us. ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s Department of Communication provides three distinct tracks, allowing students to pick a focused area of study to meet their personal and professional goals. 

Track 1: Social Interaction

Students in the social interaction track focus on understanding the complex dynamics of how communication functions or dysfunctions within interpersonal relationships, organizations, and society. In these courses, students consider how the many aspects of identity affect communication and drive diversity, equity, and belonging. Students in this track will develop the skills necessary to work in careers such as Human Resources, Training & Development, Relationship Management, and more!

Track 2: Science & Environmental Communication

Students in the Science & Environmental communication track are innovators, joining one of the most rapidly growing sub-disciplines in communication. Courses in this track challenge students to consider how communication about science and the environment influences and shapes our understanding of the world around us. Students in this track will develop the skills necessary to work in careers such as Science & Environmental Education, Health Communication, Sustainability or Policy Development, and more!

Track 3: Public Relations (PR) and Organizational (Org) Communication

Students in the PR & Org communication track will consider how to effectively manage relationships between organizations and publics. Focusing on the role of communication in these interactions, students will learn about the effects of persuasive message design, crisis communication, activism, and media framing play in relationship management. Students in this track will develop the skills necessary to work in careers such as Public Relations, Media Relations, Social Media Marketing, Advocacy, Sports Management, and more!


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Department of Communication Contact Information

Department of Communication

Admin: Laura Foor
Email: uaf-communication@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7007

Physical address:
1790 Tanana Loop
Gruening Building, Room 404
Fairbanks, AK 99775 

Mailing address:
ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Department of Communication 
PO Box 755680

Fairbanks, AK 99775

Department Chair

Amy May, PhD
Assistant Professor of Communication & Director of the Communication Center

Office: Gruening Building, Room 512A
Email: amay11@alaska.edu








Undergraduate Coordinator

Nike Jacob

Email: nbahr2@alaska.edu

CLA Comprehensive Academic Advising

At times, navigating your way through college can be tricky. Throughout your academic journey, you’ll need guidance from different advisors to stay on the path to success. Visit our advising page to ensure you're reaching out to the right advisor at each stage of your journey. Here is a brief outline of some of the different types of advising available to you.

ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Academic Advising Center (First-Year Students: 0–30 credits)
Designed for first-year students, this service helps you lay a strong academic foundation, equipping you with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in your degree program.

CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising (Students with 30+ credits)
Once you’ve completed 30 credits, you’ll work with one of our CLA undergraduate advisors for help with registration, petitions, major changes, and navigating college-related questions.

CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising (Declared Majors/Minors)
In addition to your CLA undergraduate comprehensive advising, once you’ve declared a major or minor, faculty advisors within your department supplement specialized guidance, helping with upper-division-level course selection within the major, internships, practicums, and capstone projects.

CLA Graduate Advising
Graduate students do not meet with CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advisors. Graduate students will appoint an advisory committee. The graduate advisory committee guides the student in developing and completing their degree program. CLA has designated department graduate coordinators who will guide you through this process. 

Non-Degree Seeking Students
Advising is also available for students who are not pursuing a degree but just want to take a class and want help with course selection and academic planning. This happens through ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Admissions.

Please visit our advising page for more information and contact details.