Honors Programs

The School of Communication Honors Program and the University’s Foote Fellows Honors Program are separate programs available to Communication students.

School of Communication Honors Program

The Communication Honors Program offers academically motivated students the opportunity to engage in advanced, in-depth study of communication.

Program Overview

Participants benefit from a dynamic learning environment where the faculty supports intellectual creativity and innovative thinking. The program includes honors courses and honors options. Students are required to complete a faculty-supervised research project aligned with their interests.

Program Benefits

Honors students enjoy several privileges:

  • They can register for honors courses across campus with departmental permission.
  • Honors students are invited to join the University Honors Program, which allows them to register for general honors seminars and qualify for scholarships, research awards, and honors activities.

Eligibility and Application Process

Entering first-year School of Communication students are invited to apply. Continuing students are eligible to apply after their first semester of their sophomore year. Applications are submitted to the honors program director, who presents them to the Honors Committee. To qualify, applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • A GPA of 3.5 or higher in communication courses, if applicable.
  • Transfer students from accredited institutions are given equal consideration.

The academic progress of honors students is reviewed each semester. Students whose GPA falls below the required levels (3.5 overall and 3.5 in communication courses) may be advised to withdraw. Voluntary withdrawal is also allowed at the end of any semester.

Honors Program Coursework Requirements

The School of Communication’s School-wide Honors program which entails a minimum of 39 credits for a major:

  • COM 101 – Mass Media Communication in Society (Honors Section)
  • One of the School’s Survey Courses
  • One of the School’s Writing Courses

Students must complete nine credits in the following courses:

  • COM 395 – Honors Seminar in Communication
  • COM 401 – Honors Communication Colloquium
  • COM 499 – Senior Honors Project / Thesis

Students must complete at least 21 credits from their selected communication Honors major. You must meet with Dr. Shapiro, Director of Honors, during your first three semesters to customize the remainder of your program.

  • COH1 Communication Honors – Advertising
  • COH2 Communication Honors – Public Relations
  • COH3 Communication Honors – Broadcast Journalism
  • COH4 Communication Honors – Electronic Media
  • COHA Communication Honors – Media Management
  • COH6 Communication Honors – Print Journalism
  • COH8 Communication Honors – Motion Pictures
  • COH0 Communication Honors – Communication Studies
  • COHI Communication Honors – Specialized

Successful program completion may result in graduation “with honors” or “with high honors,” as recognized in the commencement program and on transcripts and diplomas.

How to Apply

Interested students should contact Dr. Mitchell Shapiro, Director or Honors or Marilyn Gonzalez, Associate Director of Advising.

Foote Fellow Honors Program

The Foote Fellows Honors Program at the University of Miami is designed to recognize and support the most academically distinguished incoming first-year students. Foote Fellows have demonstrated exceptional achievement both inside and outside the classroom, are self-driven, and possess strong independent thinking skills. Admission to the program is by invitation only.

Academic Freedom

Foote Fellows enjoy unparalleled academic freedom within the framework of their chosen school or college. This flexibility allows them to explore diverse educational opportunities, with many opting to pursue additional majors or minors, study abroad, or engage in unique learning experiences beyond the standard curriculum.

Focused Advising

Each of the University’s nine undergraduate schools and colleges provides dedicated advisors for Foote Fellows. These advisors help students navigate their academic journey, offering access to exclusive learning opportunities like special seminars, faculty-mentored research, internships, and networking events. Additionally, Fellows receive personalized guidance for pursuing prestigious post-baccalaureate fellowships and awards.

Books That Matter

Foote Fellows are invited to participate in “Books That Matter,” a rigorous first-year seminar focused on nonfiction reading and critical analysis. This course encourages intellectual engagement with significant works, fostering multidisciplinary discussion and insight.

Program Benefits

Beyond academic flexibility, Foote Fellows enjoy opportunities beyond their specific schools. Throughout the year, the program hosts special events, allowing Fellows from different disciplines to connect. They also benefit from personalized advising on co-curricular opportunities, including fellowship and award applications and networking events organized by a dedicated program manager.

Graduation Distinction

To graduate with the Foote Fellows Honors Program distinction, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 by their final semester. Eligibility for this distinction is determined by the lower of two GPAs:

  1. The University of Miami cumulative graduation GPA
  2. A combination of the University of Miami cumulative GPA and any transfer GPA

Program Legacy

The Foote Fellows Honors Program, is inspired by the educational vision of the former University of Miami President Edward T. Foote, who served the University for twenty years before retiring in 2000. His dedication to academic excellence continues to shape the program’s mission to support and challenge the University’s most accomplished students.

Admission to the Foote Fellows Honors Program is open to first-year students by invitation only. All decisions are made at the time of admission by the Office of Admissions.

School of Communication Earn-in Foote Fellows Invitation

School of Communication students with a minimum GPA of 3.8 and with more than 12 credit hours and fewer than 45 credit hours are invited to apply for the prestigious Foote Fellows Honors Program at the end of each semester. This program recognizes top-performing students who have demonstrated academic excellence and the potential for independent, self-directed learning. As Foote Fellows, students gain unparalleled academic freedom, access to exclusive learning opportunities, focused advising, and the chance to engage with a vibrant community of high-achieving peers across the University of Miami.

Admission to the Earn-in Foote Fellows Honors Program is open to the School of Communication students by invitation only. All decisions are made by the School of Communication Academic Committee. Inquiries can be addressed to Dr. Luis Herrera, Associate Dean.