Communication is a cornerstone for professional success.
Of course individuality is important – but real success comes from knowing how to communicate effectively with people in configurations ranging from small groups to global business networks.
The study of communication is more important at this historical moment than ever before. The ongoing shift from the “information age” to the “social age” has had significant impact on our identities, relationships, cultures, industries, politics, and technologies. The skills of a savvy communicator are vital to every organization and brand in managing problems and building relationships and networks.
The Communication Studies program cultivates dynamic leaders who can drive communication programs, collaboration, and innovative problem solving in corporate, government and non-profit organizations. The curriculum is designed with great flexibility so that you can pursue your own interests and focus on such areas as health, culture and diversity, and democracy.
The program offers superb options for students who wish to study and practice communication issues and skills. You will be able to select your courses from three clusters that address Communication Competencies, Contexts, and Culture. We call them the three C’s of Communication.
The Communication Studies curriculum is comprised of 120 credits (3 cr. per course) including four areas of requirements:
- Common-Core School Curriculum (12 credits) — a broad foundation for understanding all communication and media disciplines (required of all students in the School of Communication and Media)
- Major Elective courses (36 credits) — further development of major-related expertise
- General education courses (39-42 credits) – exploration of studies that comprise a liberal arts education – e.g. in writing, humanities, math, and the natural, social and computer sciences (required of all University students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree)
- Free electives (21-30 credits) — exploration of additional areas of interest; or inclusion of a Minor
You will also be encouraged to pursue internship and practicum experiences where you can apply your developing skills and learn from experienced practitioners. The University, moreover, offers related Minor courses of study such as in Anthropology, Business, International Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law Studies, Psychology, and Public Administration, which allows students to develop an expanded knowledge base and additional areas of specialty.
As a graduate of Communication Studies, you will be able to pursue a career in areas including business management, human resources, health or political campaigning, consulting, focus-group implementation, communication systems development, events planning, public administration — virtually any profession where people organize to produce products, information and/or services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a very positive outlook for careers in Communication Studies. Careers exist in virtually every industry.
Below is a sampling of career areas and titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
- Corporate communications (product, service and information industries)
- Government relations (public affairs, environmental affairs)
- Issues/crisis management
- Events Planning
- Executive Coach
- Human Resources (employee relations)
- Institutional Advancement
- Media Manager
- Organizational Change Manager
- Team Leader/Manager
- Time Management Consultant
Please visit the links below for additional career-related information:
Program Coordinator: Hugh Curnutt