Welcome to UC Davis and the Department of Communication!
Our department houses students in the Communication (CMN) major and the Communication Minor. Our programs are part of the College of Letters & Science. We are so excited that you are here and look forward to meeting you soon! You can learn more about your new department here.
Please review our next steps section to learn more about how to prepare for your first term and frequently asked questions below.
- Next Steps - First Year Students
Step 1: Aggie 101
Aggie 101 is an online experience that should take you approximately 1-2 hours to complete. By completing Aggie 101 you will be introduced to resources for your academic, personal and social growth. You will also understand the academic policies, requirements, and tools necessary for academic planning. Students admitted for Fall Quarter will access Aggie 101 through their MyAdmissions checklist.
You must complete Aggie 101 before moving on to Aggie Advising. You will be unable to access Aggie 101 until you have created your UC Davis email account. For specific dates, see the Orientation Dates and Deadlines page.Step 2: Aggie Advising
There are multiple parts to Aggie Advising - please ensure you participate in all steps as they are mandatory!
(Mandatory) Part 1: Complete Aggie Advising Canvas Modules
These modules will take you through the important and detailed information that you will need to select appropriate courses, balance your schedule, and register for your first quarter. You will also find resources and tips to help you explore your interests and ensure your first quarter at UC Davis is a success.
(Mandatory) Part 2: Attend a "Preparing for Pass 1" Webinar - July 9 12pm or 3pmThese webinars, offered by the Orientation office, are mandatory and are designed around your college and student type (first-year or transfer).
This webinar will be hosted by current students and will demonstrate how to effectively use Schedule Builder, the online tool that you will use to register for courses here at UC Davis. A panel of students will share insights in building a balanced schedule and maximizing your time outside of classes.
(Mandatory) Part 3: Attend the Communication New First-Year Welcome Webinar - July 14 3pm
This session is for new first-year (freshman) students in the Communication major. Our Academic Peer Advisors and staff advisors will provide an overview of the major requirements, suggestions for your first quarter's classes, and answer your questions.
Register here: https://ucdavis.zoom.us/meeting/register/dnx332KvQsaTdoRA15l3Qw.
(Optional) Part 4: Attend an advising appointment or drop-in session.
We strongly encourage you to meet with the College of Letters and Science advising team to discuss your fall quarter courses. The College of Letters & Science advising can discuss general academic planning and your General Education requirements set by the College and the University (this includes your Entry Level Writing Requirement [ELWR], foreign language, topical breath/core literacies, American History & Institutions requirements, and more).
To make an appointment with the College of Letters & Science advising team, go to appointments.ucdavis.edu, click on "Get Scheduled", then choose "Letters & Science Dean's Office". The College advisors also offer Express Advising (virtual drop-in advising for brief questions):https://lettersandscience.ucdavis.edu/advising/express-advising. NOTE: you will need to have completed BOTH Aggie 101 and Aggie Advising Canvas modules to be able to make an appointment.
Drop-in advising for your major: You can always email your major advising team at cmnadvising@ucdavis.edu or visit our drop-in advising hours over the summer. Specific days and times will be announced. We are unfortunately unable to provide major advising appointments to first-year students this summer, but you will be able to schedule full advising appointments with us once you arrive at UC Davis in the fall.
Step 3: Aggie Resource Webinars
We know that coming to UC Davis can leave you with a lot of questions. That's why we host multiple webinars over the summer to help get those questions answered! These resource-based webinars will take place in July and August. More information will be made available in early summer.
Registration for Aggie Resource Webinars will become available on July 17th.
Step 4: Registration
Students register for classes using Schedule Builder. All new students will receive a Pass 1 appointment (course registration time) from the Office of the University Registrar. For a look at when your course registration week will be, visit the registration calendar. Your specific appointment can be found in Schedule Builder. More information about pass times and course registration can be found by viewing Aggie 101.
The College of Letters and Sciences has put together a comprehensive resource with information about registration.
Need additional support?
For general questions about classes, General Education requirements, or academic planning: Drop-in Advising is available with the College of Letters & Science advising team: https://lettersandscience.ucdavis.edu/advising/express-advising
If you have major-specific questions about Communication, please join drop-in advising with your major advising team. Specific days and times will be shared at a later time.
Step 5: Fall Aggie Orientation
Fall Aggie Orientation will take place September 19-22. You DO NOT need to register. Aggie Orientation is mandatory, so all students are automatically signed up. For more information, visit the New Student Programs website: https://newstudentprograms.ucdavis.edu/orientation/aggie-orientation
Step 6: Start your first quarter at UC Davis!
The first day of Fall 2025 instruction begins on Wednesday, September 24. You got this!
- Next Steps - Transfer Students
Step 1: Aggie 101
Aggie 101 is an online experience that should take you approximately 1-2 hours to complete. By completing Aggie 101 you will be introduced to resources for your academic, personal and social growth. You will also understand the academic policies, requirements, and tools necessary for academic planning. Students admitted for Fall Quarter will access Aggie 101 through their MyAdmissions checklist.
You must complete Aggie 101 before moving on to Aggie Advising. You will be unable to access Aggie 101 until you have created your UC Davis email account. For specific dates, see the Orientation Dates and Deadlines page.Step 2: Aggie Advising
There are multiple parts to Aggie Advising - please ensure you participate in all steps as they are mandatory!
(Mandatory) Part 1: Complete Aggie Advising Canvas Modules
These modules will take you through the important and detailed information that you will need to select appropriate courses, balance your schedule, and register for your first quarter. You will also find resources and tips to help you explore your interests and ensure your first quarter at UC Davis is a success.
(Mandatory) Part 2: Attend a "Preparing for Pass 1" Webinar - July 15 12pm or July 16 12pm
These webinars, offered by the Orientation office, are mandatory and are designed around your college and student type (first-year or transfer).
This webinar will be hosted by current students and will demonstrate how to effectively use Schedule Builder, the online tool that you will use to register for courses here at UC Davis. A panel of students will share insights in building a balanced schedule and maximizing your time outside of classes.
(Mandatory) Part 3: Attend the Communication New Transfer Welcome Webinar - July 21 3pm
This session is for new transfer students in the Communication major. Our staff advisors and Academic Peer Advisors will be discussing major requirements, how to assess your transfer coursework, suggestions for fall quarter classes, and answering any questions you have.
Register here: https://ucdavis.zoom.us/meeting/register/NGMgRzgOTbOaXBbrTKewfw
(Optional) Part 4: Attend an advising appointment or drop-in session.
Meet with a major advisor: We encourage you to meet with a major advisor for Communication this summer, so that you can take the appropriate major courses in the fall. Appointments will be available with major advisors starting July 22. You can book an appointment at https://appointment.ucdavis.edu/ by clicking on "Get Scheduled" and then "Kerr Hall Advising Center". Select Communication when prompted. NOTE: you will need to have completed BOTH Aggie 101 and Aggie Advising Canvas modules to be able to make an appointment.
Meet with the College of Letters & Science advisors for GE and academic planning: We strongly encourage you to meet with the College of Letters & Science advising team to discuss your fall quarter courses. The College of Letters & Science advising team to discuss general academic planning and your General Education requirements set by the College and the University (this includes foreign language, topical breath/core literacies, and more). If you completed an IGETC or CalGETC at community college, make sure that the College of Letters & Science has received it so that it can be applied to your requirements!
To make an appointment with the College of Letters & Science advising team, go to appointment.ucdavis.edu, click on "Get Scheduled", then choose "Letters & Science Dean's Office". The College advisors also offer Express Advising (virtual drop-in advising for brief questions): https://lettersandscience.ucdavis.edu/students/undergraduate-student-success/express-advising. NOTE: you will need to have completed BOTH Aggie 101 and Aggie Advising Canvas modules to be able to make an appointment.
Step 3: Aggie Resource Webinars
We know that coming to UC Davis can leave you with a lot of questions. That's why we host multiple webinars over the summer to help get those questions answered! These resource-based webinars will take place in July and August. More information will be made available in early summer.
Registration for Aggie Resource Webinars will become available on July 17th.
Step 4: Registration
Students register for classes using Schedule Builder. All new students will receive a Pass 1 appointment (course registration time) from the Office of the University Registrar. For a look at when your course registration week will be, visit the registration calendar. Your specific appointment can be found in Schedule Builder. More information about pass times and course registration can be found by viewing Aggie 101.
The College of Letters and Sciences has put together a comprehensive resource with information about registration.
Need additional support?
For general questions about classes, General Education requirements, or academic planning: Drop-in Advising is available with the College of Letters & Science advising team: https://lettersandscience.ucdavis.edu/advising/express-advising
If you have major-specific questions about Communication, please join drop-in advising with your major advising team. Specific days and times will be shared at a later time.
Step 5: Fall Aggie Orientation
Fall Aggie Orientation will take place September 17-19. You DO NOT need to register. Aggie Orientation is mandatory, so all students are automatically signed up. For more information, visit the New Student Programs website: https://newstudentprograms.ucdavis.edu/orientation/aggie-orientation
Step 6: Start your first quarter at UC Davis!
The first day of Fall 2025 instruction begins on Wednesday, September 24. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
General
- What are lower-division vs upper-division courses?
- Lower-division courses are numbered 0-99. Examples include SOC 1, CMN 1, CMN 3. Upper-division courses are numbered 100-199. Examples include CMN 101, CMN 120, CMN 144. Courses numbered 200+ are for graduate students.
- Can I double major or add a minor?
- Yes, and we encourage both! Communication majors will need additional units to graduate, in addition to completing your major requirements - so double majoring or adding a minor is a great way to get those additional units. Think about your interests and goals in selecting a second major or minor, and take a look at the options in the Degree Explorer. Consider taking a class in the subject you're interested in to see if it's a good fit for you.
- Can I change my major?
- You will be able to change your major or declare a double major AFTER you have completed your first quarter at UC Davis. You can, however, start taking courses for your intended major in your first quarter, if you wish to do so. Make sure to check in with your advising team for your intended major(s).
- What is the difference between major advisors and college advisors?
- Going to both major and college advising is essential to your academic success. However, since the advisors in either department have different roles, it’s important to understand which advising center can best assist you based on your questions and goals.
Major advisors can assist you with creating academic plans, understanding major requirements, discussing your educational and career goals, preparing for grad school, and learning about field-related opportunities.
College advisors can assist you with understanding GE and IGETC requirements and other non-major degree requirements. They also advise on academic probation and minimum progress, Pass/No Pass grading restrictions, and dropping courses with a PTD. - I live with a disability, an illness, or different abilities. How can I get accommodations in my classes?
- The Student Disability Center (SDC) supports students who seek accommodations in their classes due to a documented physical, mental, or learning difference. Accommodations are meant to bridge gaps and remove barriers in a student's classroom learning experience. The SDC website explains the process for getting registered with this service, including the documentation that you must provide.
- How does my coursework transfer to UC Davis and to my major?
- Your transfer credit takes time to process, and you may not see your transfer credit in OASIS until Fall quarter begins. The Undergraduate Admissions office will determine what courses transfer and how many total units will transfer. For some courses, Admissions will also determine the direct equivalency to UC Davis courses. However, some coursework may require additional steps to determine whether they can satisfy major/minor requirements. Our transfer credit page explains important steps for getting your transfer credit reviewed for major credit.
Major Specific
- Do I need to take the chemistry or math placement exams? Do I need to take STEM courses?
- As a Communication major, the math and chemistry placement exams are NOT required. Math (MAT), Chemistry (CHE), or Biology (BIS) courses are also NOT required to be able to complete your major. However, if you plan on taking these courses at some point, such as for electives or for potential double majors/minors in STEM fields, the placement exams may be required to eventually take those courses, so you may want to complete them now.
- What classes should I take (or not take) in my first quarter?
- We recommend 1-2 major courses and 1-2 General Education or elective courses, for a total of 12-15 units. For first-year students any of the required preparatory lower-division courses (LIN 1, SOC 1, CMN 1, CMN 3, etc) would be a great option to take in your first quarter. Please note that CMN 10V/10Y is a gateway into the upper division coursework for the major and you should consider taking other preparatory requirements first. For transfer students, any CMN upper-division course (numbered 100-199, like CMN 101, CMN 120, etc) would be a great start within your first quarter. First-year students are advised against taking upper-division courses in their first year.
- Do I need to take a foreign language?
- The College of Letters and Science does have a foreign language requirement that applies to all Communication major students. You can read more about the policy here. Check with the College of Letters & Science advisors on whether you need to take a foreign language course.
- Does preparatory subject matter have to be completed before taking depth subject matter classes?
- Courses can be taken in any order, although some courses may have a prerequisite that must be completed before taking it. You can check the course descriptions to see if the course you are interested in has a prerequisite. If the prerequisite has not been met, schedule builder may drop you from the course after registering for it unless you have an approved petition to remain in the course.
- Can courses for the major be taken on a P/NP basis?
- Yes, you can take major classes for Pass/No Pass (P/NP). However, please note that you must comply with the overall P/NP limits from the College of Letters & Science. Please see additional guidelines for P/NP grading here.
If you have questions about how opting for P/NP grading may affect graduate or law school, we encourage you to discuss that with the Pre-Grad/Pre-Law Advising offered by the Office of Educational Opportunity and Enrichment Services. - Can study abroad classes be used towards major requirements?
- Maybe! UC Davis students have a variety of opportunities to study abroad and the coursework you complete abroad might count towards General Education or major requirements. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit the UC Davis Global Learning Hub. Make sure to check in with all of your advisors including those in the Global Learning Hub to learn more about how to fit your desire to study abroad into your academic plan!
- Can courses used towards my major requirements also be used for General Education requirements?
- Yes! To learn more about your General Education requirements, please visit the College of Letters & Science webpage or meet with an advisor from the college.
- Can courses used towards my Communication major requirements also be used towards other major requirements?
- There is no limit on number of lower-division coursework that can overlap between multiple majors; however, only 20% of the upper-division requirement units in a major can be counted towards another major. Overlapping courses can be tricky! Make sure you check in with Academic Advisors from both major departments if you plan to overlap courses between your majors.
- What research opportunities are available and how do I find them?
- Professors in the department conduct their own research and may have their own labs found on the department website, so reaching out to professors whose research you’re interested in during office hours or by emailing them is the best way to participate in research alongside them. The Undergraduate Research Center is also available to assist students in finding research opportunities and developing the skills to reach out to professors.
- Can I overlap courses between my major & minor?
- Only one course can overlap between your major and a minor.
- Where is the Communication Advising office located and can I meet with an advisor in-person?
- Our offices are located on the 4th floor of Kerr Hall which is near the Memorial Union. Students are welcome to schedule both in-person or virtual advising appointments with advisors. We also offer drop-in advising throughout the academic year.
- I see that my major offers optional emphases. What are these optional emphases and why might I consider picking one?
- The requirements for our major provide students with considerable flexibility to tailor a plan of study that satisfies their educational objectives and career plans. The optional emphases include: Communication Theory, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Media Processes & Effects, and Information & Communication Theory. Talk with our advising staff about what is best for you and your educational goals.
Registration
- I don't have a major class in my schedule for fall quarter - what should I do?
- That's okay! Courses might be full, you might need to take some GE courses, or there might be other courses you're interested in exploring. As first-year students, if you don't take any major courses in your first quarter, it'll be okay. The Communication major doesn't require a lot of units, so you can still graduate in your preferred timeline. Come talk to an advisor about academic planning in your first year if you have a specific graduation timeline in mind.
- A class I saw in the catalog isn't available on Schedule Builder. How can I find it?
- Not all courses in the catalog are offered every quarter. The courses available on Schedule Builder are the only ones offered during the selected quarter. If there's a specific course you're looking to take, a keep an eye out on Schedule Builder in future quarters as it may be offered in the future. You can also find a tentative schedule of CMN courses for the whole academic year on our department website.
- How do Pass Times work?
Pass One
♦ Your first opportunity to register for the upcoming quarter
♦ After your Pass One appointment ends, you have limited access to make changes to your schedule
♦ Many course restrictions are active
♦ You are limited to 17 units maximum
♦ Waitlists are open; waitlisted units count toward the 17-unit limitPass Two
♦ Many course restrictions end (e.g. Pass 1 major-restrictions)
♦ The maximum unit threshold raises to 19 units- How do waitlists work?
- Waitlists open in Pass One. In Schedule Builder, when you add a course that has 0 seats, you will be added to the waitlist. When you are on a course's waitlist, you are NOT registered for the course. The waitlist is an ordered list of students who will be added to the course when registered students drop the course. When you become #1 on the waitlist and a registered student drops the course, you will automatically be registered for the open seat. If you are still on the waitlist for a course after the quarter begins, your chances of enrollment decrease every day.
- What are add/drop deadlines?
Add and drop deadlines are specific timeframes in which you can add or drop courses from your schedule.
Add Deadlines: Students may add courses during Pass One, Pass Two, Open Hours, Open Registration and Schedule Adjustment. The last day to add courses using Schedule Builder is by the end of the 12th day of instruction. In some rare cases students may be able to add courses after the 12th day of instruction by using a Permission to Add number (PTA) or a Retroactive Action. More information on Late Actions and Retroactive Actions can be found on the Office of the University Registrar's webpage.
Drop Deadlines: Students may drop courses using Schedule Builder during Pass One, Pass Two, Open Hours, Open Registration & Schedule Adjustment. All courses are designated with either a 10-day or 20-day drop deadline displayed in the details view using Schedule Builder or the Class Search Tool. Courses designated with a 10-day drop can be dropped without the permission of the college Dean’s Office through the end of the 10th day of instruction. Similarly, courses designated with a 20-day drop can be dropped without the permission of the college Dean's Office through the end of the 20th day of instruction. To Late Drop a course with a Permission to Drop (PTD) number, see Late Actions. To Retroactively drop a course after the last day of instruction, see Retroactive Actions. Please meet with a College of Letters & Science Advisor, for any questions related to PTDs or other Late Actions.
Use the calendars on the Office of the Registrar website to keep track of all University deadlines. You can even add these calendars to your personal google calendar by clicking the Subscribe option!
Quarter Dates & Deadlines Calendar | Registration Calendar- How do I petition a prerequisite in Scheduler Builder?
Submit a Prerequisite Petition through Schedule Builder if the system does not recognize that the prerequisite is satisfied. The petition should include the equivalent course or exam you took that satisfies the prerequisite, the grade or score on that course/exam, and when you took the course/exam. After submission, the petition will have a pending status until a final decision is made by the instructor. Petitions are reviewed after Pass 2 in Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. Summer session petitions are reviewed after registration opens. Though a petition will allow the student to enroll in the course, there still is the possibility of being dropped from the course if the instructor decides they have not met the prerequisite and denies the petition.