• Organizational Communication
• Public Relations
• Speech Communication

Contacts:
Dr. Wayne Bond,
Department Chair; Undergraduate Advisor; 973.655.7471
Dr. Todd Kelshaw,
Graduate Advisor; 973.655.5162

The Department of Communication Studies now offers three concentrations in its Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts programs: Organizational Communication, Public Relations and Speech Communication.

Why Communication Studies? A degree in Comm. Studies is one of the most versatile and career applicable degrees you can get. Graduates have access to virtually any career where communication skills are valued, typically securing jobs in public relations, marketing, advertising, human resource management, sales, organizational communication, the broadcast media and a vast number of related areas.

As part of the undergraduate curriculum, students take courses in general education, in addition to communication courses, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The graduate program leads to a Master of Arts degree and affords the flexibility of taking up to two courses from another department and choosing between writing a Thesis or conducting an internship. The program is tailored to individual needs.

Admission Requirements: For further information, curriculum and admission requirements, visit the Communication Studies Website.

Organizational Communication: It is not enough in today’s complex world for employees to function well as individuals. To really succeed requires an ability to collaborate effectively with others – in small groups, communication networks, even global systems. The Org-Comm concentration addresses this need, preparing students with critical skills necessary to “work well with others” in business, civic and social organizations. Majors become adept with new communication technologies and sensibilities to interact with people of diverse cultures. At the same time they learn about American and international corporate structures and how effective communication in organizations is facilitated—–from the mailroom right up to the boardroom. Graduates enter or move up in professions such as business management, human resources, consulting, focus-group implementation, communication systems development, events planning and public administration—–virtually any career where organizational skills are valued — in for-profit, non-profit, and corporate settings. Along with the common core Communication Studies curriculum, which all undergraduate majors pursue, there are four courses which define the Organizational Communication concentration: Intercultural Communication, Group Processes, Organizational Communication, and Seminar in Organizational Communication. The master’s curriculum, deals with more advanced concepts and practice.

Public Relations: Why do corporations, politicians and rock stars need public relations specialists? Public Relations professionals provide highly valued services, in fact are vital, to just about every industry invested in bridging relationships with the public. Public Relations professionals “pitch” story ideas to newspapers, magazines, and broadcasting editors to elicit media coverage for their clients. They build long-term relationships between their clients and constituents. Necessary skills include professional planning and evaluation, public communication (speech writing and news-conference facilitation), technical writing (news releases, brochures, memos, training materials, etc.), and interpersonal/group processes (negotiation, conflict management, etc.). The concentration’s focused and progressive course of study, including theoretical and applied training, helps students develop and hone these skills, preparing them to enter careers such as consulting, human resources, marketing, advertising, public relations, and politics. Along with the common core Public Relations curriculum, there are four courses which define the Public Relations concentration: Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Writing, Public Relations Cases, and Public Relations Management. The master’s curriculum, deals with more advanced concepts and practice.

Speech Communication: When you think about it, communication is the cornerstone of your daily life—especially in professional settings. So why not improve the listening, speaking, writing, and visual communication skills that are so important to your success? The Speech Communication concentration prepares students to be well-rounded, dynamic, and effective communicators. Students explore concepts and practice skills pertaining to public presentation, listening, persuasion, relationship building, nonverbal communication, intercultural communication, small group dynamics, visual messages, and media. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills that students work with enable them to understand the nature, processes, and effects of human interaction. The Speech Communication concentration applies a general approach to the broad field of communication, applicable to a very wide range of careers, including advertising, management, education, broadcasting and electronic media, journalism, and public relations. Along with the common core Speech Communication curriculum, there are four courses which define the Speech Communication concentration: Listening, Intercultural Communication, Group Processes, and Visual Communication. The master’s curriculum, deals with more advanced concepts and practice.

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