University of New Mexico
Department of Communication & Journalism
UNM Lobo
C&J Course Planning and Advisement

Welcome! If you are interested in, or are currently pursuing, a degree in the Communication & Journalism department, and have questions about the program you've come to the right place.

Advisement is available on both a walk-in and appointment basis. Each month the hours for walk-in advisement are posted on the window of the C&J main office (room 129) , and can also be viewed here. Advisement appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled by emailing Gregoria Cavazos at gcavazos@unm.edu or calling the C&J main office at 505-277-5305.

Below you will find general information to help you navigate program requirements.


Graduate Course Planning

For a two-year chart of our scheduled graduate offerings, click here.


Undergraduate degree plans and catalog information

What can I major in?

The Communication and Journalism department currently offers two Bachelor of Arts degrees under the College of Arts & Sciences to all students entering UNM. These degrees are the B.A. in Communication and the B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication.

Previously, the department offered a B.A. in Journalism, as well as a B.A. in Mass Communication. Students within the C&J department may be under one of any of the four different degree plans, based on their catalog year.

What is my catalog year?

Your catalog year is the first semester and year that you registered and attended UNM. Catalog years start in the fall and end at the completion of the summer term.

If you do not know your catalog year, you can find this information by running your LoboTRAX degree audit. At the top of your audit you will see the words "CATALOG YEAR" followed by a six-digit number. The first four digits indicate the year, and the last 2 indicate the semester, 10 = spring, 60 = summer, 80 = fall. Therefore, "Catalog Year 201010" means that the student first attended UNM in Spring 2010, and is in the 2009-2010 catalog.

Students are allowed to request to move forward into a more recent catalog, but cannot move backwards.

Now that I know my catalog year, what are my options for a major?

Click on a concentration below to view course requirements:


Why do some degree requirements list more than one class?

Curriculum is constantly evolving. Therefore, some courses that were required on older degree plans are no longer being offered. If a student was unable to take a course when it was offered, an exception will be made. As a student, it is your responsibility to meet with the department advisor to ensure that you understand the exception process and have electives requiring approval, approved.

What minors are available?

The C&J department offers two distinct minors. Click on a minor to view course requirements:

Either of these minors can be declared at any time. You may not major and minor in Communication and/or Journalism & Mass Communication. Nor are you allowed to double major in the same department.

How long will it take me to complete the major requirements?

That depends on you. Each major requires 36 specific hours of C&J courses. The pre-requisites are indicated on the degree plans and courses must be taken in order. For a five-year chart of our scheduled undergraduate offerings, click here.

How do I declare my major?

The following must be successfully completed to be admitted to the C&J department and declare your major (Courses require a grade of "C" or better):

  • Writing & Speaking core
  • 2nd Language core
  • Math core
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • 6 hours of major course work, specific to each major:
    • Journalism & Mass Communication majors:
      - CJ 171L and STAT 145 (also satisfies Math core)
    • Communication majors:
      - CJ 101 and 3 additional hours of CJ course work

Once you have satisfied the above mentioned requirements, you will be contacted to officially declare your major.

What if I can't take the courses in order, can I take a pre-requisite course before or at the same time as the requisite course?

No. Courses must be taken in order because the skills that you gain in a pre-requisite course are needed to be successful in a requisite course. Therefore, it is your responsibility to plan your semesters, with your anticipated graduation date in mind. When you come in for C&J advisement, the advisor will work on a semester by semester plan with you from your current semester through your anticipated graduation date.

I'm planning on taking courses at another institution, how do I get credit?

If you are planning on taking a course at another institution either in the U.S. or through a study abroad program, bring in a copy of the Communication, Journalism, or Mass Communication course description, well in advance of your registration, to discuss whether this course will satisfy one of your C&J requirements. This will be reviewed, and if approved, an exception will be made on your LoboTRAX degree audit once the credit is transferred to UNM. Remember that each course in a specific subject area must be taken to that department for approval.


Graduation and Commencement

What do I need to graduate with a C&J major?

In order to graduate with an undergraduate degree in Communication or Journalism & Mass Communication, you will need to have completed the following:

  • Be officially admitted to the C&J department, and officially declared as a C&J major
  • Complete 128 acceptable hours toward A&S requirements
  • Complete all major and minor/second major courses with grades of "C" or better
  • Have a UNM GPA of 2.0 or better
  • Have a C&J major GPA of 2.5 or better

What is the difference between graduation and commencement?

Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree. You must have applied for graduation by attending your A&S graduation workshop and selecting the term in which you plan to graduate. If you find that you will be meeting all degree requirements before or after the term you selected for graduation, contact A&S advisement to either move your graduation date forward or back.

Commencement is the ceremony in which you walk across the stage. The ceremony is recognition by the University community, family, and friends of the degree achievement. Actual degrees are not awarded at the commencement ceremony and "walking" does not constitute graduation.

You can access more information regarding graduation and commencement here.


Important Forms & Links
Undergraduate Sequencing Plan: Communication This is an unofficial planning tool, not to be used in place of LoboTRAX degree audits or official course planning with your advisor.
Undergraduate Sequencing Plan: Journalism & Mass Communication This is an unofficial planning tool, not to be used in place of LoboTRAX degree audits or official course planning with your advisor.
C&J Course Descriptions Descriptions of all C&J courses.
Schedule of Classes The Office of the Registrar's Schedule of Classes and Academic Calendar.
Undergraduate
5-year Chart
C&J courses offered over a 5-year period.
Graduate
2-year Chart
C&J courses offered over a 2-year period.
Independent Study
Form (Undergrad)
C&J policy prohibits students from using Independent Studies as a substitute for a required course. Please meet with department advisor for instructions.
Independent Study
Form (Graduate)
Please meet with department advisor for instructions.
C&J Petition
Form
Extenuating circumstances must exist. Meet with department advisor for instructions.
Scholarships Take a look at our scholarship page for information on how and when to apply for department scholarships.
Office of the
Registrar
This will take you to numerous links to subjects helpful to students and prospective students.
Internship
Packet (Word doc)
Detailed information about internships is included in the internship packet and on our internship page. Please read all information related to internship credit before pursuing an internship agreement. For questions on selecting your faculty sponsor or other concerns please contact Gregoria Cavazos at gcavazos@unm.edu.
Change of
Major Form
If you've already been admitted to A&S, see department advisor for signature to declare your C&J major.
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