Overview
The communication, media, and rhetoric (CMR) discipline at UMN Morris teaches you how communication and media really work, and how to make your words—from tweets to thesis—effective. Whether you’re interested in crafting persuasive or interpersonal messages, understanding advertising and marketing, engaging in social justice, or are just interested in the economic and social aspects behind media industries, CMR is the program for you.
The mission of the CMR discipline is to provide you with an introduction to communication history, communication theory, and communication contexts. By pursuing a CMR degree, you’ll study the multidimensional nature of various types of communication processes and message production. You’ll gain experience in the creation, distribution, and management of media presence and activities. You’ll analyze and evaluate personal, public, and mass communication. You’ll develop skills for lifelong learning and refine capabilities for active involvement in a participatory democracy.
As a CMR student, you’ll work closely with experienced faculty and can expect plenty of hands-on learning, community engagement, interactive course assignments and activities, and opportunities for internships.
Degree Requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
By completing a degree in communication, media, and rhetoric, you will be able to
- demonstrate a historical and theoretical understanding of all three areas of communication, media, and rhetoric;
- apply various theories and methodologies to describe and evaluate assigned or chosen discourse;
- apply CMR theories and methodologies to everyday problems;
- put into practice accepted ethical standards for conducting research; and
- skillfully use information technologies and other mediums to construct and distribute messages.
General Education Requirements
The University of Minnesota and its faculty are committed to providing an education that invites you to investigate the world from new perspectives, learn new ways of thinking, and grow as an active citizen and lifelong learner. The University’s general education requirements are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Transferring Credit
Put your credits to work for you at UMN Morris, where you’ll earn a degree from a highly ranked public liberal arts university.
Careers & Graduate School
A CMR degree is extremely flexible and provides for an extensive range of potential careers. In almost any industry you can imagine, clear, compelling communications are vital. Because of this—and because of their expertise in the contemporary media environment—CMR graduates have a lot to offer in the current job market.
UMN Morris CMR alumni have gone on to careers in the areas of communication and marketing, local and national political campaigns, social media, public relations and advertising, nonprofit and social justice campaign management, data analytics, health administration, and broadcasting. Professions held by alumni include:
- Art director
- Attorney
- Banker
- Broadcast journalist
- Clergy
- College multicultural program coordinator
- Corporation president
- Early childhood administrator
- Fundraising/special events coordinator
- Game inventor/marketer
- Graphic designer
- Health administrator
- Human resources manager
- Human services case manager
- Information services coordinator
- Journalist
- Marketing director
- Nonprofit executive director
- Political consultant
- Professor
- Public relations director
- Radio station manager
- Social media coordinator
- Social worker
- Television producer
Graduate School
While many CMR graduates begin a career right after graduation, some go on to pursue advanced degrees, which may lead to an academic career of research and teaching, or to more highly developed skills that translate to upper-level or managerial positions.
CMR alumni have gained acceptance to prestigious graduate programs, including:
- Adler Graduate School
- Drake
- Luther Seminary
- Purdue
- University of Illinois
- University of Iowa
- University of Kansas
- University of Nebraska
- University of Southern California
- University of Wisconsin
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Wake Forest
- William Mitchell School of Law
Costs & Aid
The University of Minnesota Morris is a national public liberal arts college committed to making a high-quality education available to students from across the country. Expenses for housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and personal expenditures can vary.
Learn more about the cost of attendance
Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance
Research & Engagement
As a CMR student, you’ll be able to actively engage in studying contemporary topics in communications that are affecting our lives now, as well as be able to analyze communications theory and historical trends. During your senior year, you’ll have the opportunity to craft your own final thesis, so that you can further explore a subject that interests you. You’ll present your project publicly to colleagues, giving you the chance to further perfect your public speaking and presentation skills
Engagement
As a CMR student, there are many ways to engage with your major across campus. For example, many CMR majors work at KUMM, the UMN Morris student radio station. Another option is writing or editing for the campus newspaper, the University Register.
