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Communication (Pre)

Purdue University in West Lafayette

The Brian Lamb School of Communication curriculum begins with a thorough introduction to the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of all communication activities. Students start in Pre-Communication, and after successfully completing three required Pre-Communication courses with a 2.67 GPA or higher, may proceed to the upper-level Communication major and choose from one of the following eight concentrations:


  • Media and Mass Communication - students create content, write, and produce for various media, from traditional media to various online media.
  • Public Relations and Strategic Communication - students work in teams with nonprofit clients on PR projects. They can also be part of the award-winning student PR agency, Boiler Communication.
  • General Communication - students assemble their own selection of courses. 
  • Business Communication - highlights team processes, decision-making, and social network analysis.
  • Health Communication - students work with healthcare providers and health campaigns.
  • Communication of Science and Technology - students learn to translate technical information for broader audiences.
  • Interpersonal Communication - students focus on managing conflict, supporting, and influencing others. 
  • Political and Civic Communication - students apply theories to the practice of public decision-making.

Both inside and outside classrooms, Lamb School students have opportunities to apply career-oriented skills. Our students write, produce, edit, and host content for The Purdue Channel. In our award-winning student-run agency, Boiler Communication, students work with clients on meaningful communication campaigns with real-world impact and earn credit toward their degrees. In other classes, students work in teams with local nonprofits to get real-world experience in public relations and other communication fields. And Lamb School Co-curricular Engagement prepares students for their careers by extending the classroom curriculum by adding engaging experiences through different opportunities like student organizations, internships, and mentorships with Lamb School alums.

One of the greatest strengths of the communication program is its international opportunities. Students take advantage of over 100 different tailored study abroad and internship programs in diverse locations such as northern Italy, Copenhagen, Denmark, London, England, Barcelona, Spain, and Beijing, China. Many study abroad programs are led by Lamb School faculty. 

A communication major with any of the eight concentrations can be completed in just three years.  

Degree in 3

Motivated, driven students can complete this major in three years. Degree in 3 allows students to enter the workforce or graduate school a year earlier while also providing a cost-effective way to complete an undergraduate degree. Degree in 3 offers a great combination of cost savings and the opportunity to accelerate your future and achieve your goals.

Plan of Study

Communication (Pre) Webpage

Transfer to Communication (Pre)

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

Minimum GPA: 2.5


Contact Information

Undergraduate Student Recruitment Office
(765) 494-6291
newstudent@purdue.edu

College of Liberal Arts
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Careers in Communication (Pre)

  •   Sales
  •   Public Relations
  •   Reporting
  •   Marketing
  •   Management
  •   Lobbying
  •   Attorney
  •   Advertising
  •   Higher Education
  •   Social Services

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