The UNCW Department of Communication Studies began in the early 1970's as the Division of Speech Communication in the Department of Creative Arts.  Under the guidance of Dr. Betty Jo Welch, the first COM faculty member and unit coordinator, the program flourished, and the number of majors and
course offerings increased substantially and steadily.  In 1990, the unit was granted autonomy and the Department of Communication Studies was founded. 

At present, there are approximately 550 pre-communication studies and communication studies majors combined, making the COM department one of the largest undergraduate programs on campus.  Navigate the sub-sections listed above to learn more about the unit's mission, discipline, current activities, position opening, and representative accolades.