Communication Studies

The student in the Communication Studies program has the opportunity to complete an internship either on-campus with the Communications Department and Digital Grotto; the student-run digital campus newspaper The Belltower; or off-campus at a local business and media firms. This internship provides real-world Communications exposure and knowledge, application of skills, and networking for employment placement opportunities.

Employment opportunities are increasing in media and communication areas, and growth is expected to continue as the world moves even deeper into a digital society, requiring creativity, unique skill sets and basic knowledge of media strategies and communication practices.

The demand for Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers is expected to rise 10% from 2021 to 2031, an increase of  33,700 jobs.* The average median wage for an advertising, promotions, and marketing manager is $133,380.*

The demand for Public Relations Specialists is expected to rise 8% from 2021 to 2031, an increase of 22,300 jobs.* The average median wage for a Public Relations Specialist is $62,800.**

*Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Bureau of Labor Statistics

Students who complete the major in Communication Studies will:

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal, group, and public communication skills;
• Write clearly and effectively in forms and styles appropriate for the professions, audiences and purposes being served;
• Demonstrate the ethical use of communication tools and practices;
• Conduct research and critically evaluate information using methods appropriate to communication studies professions;
• Develop expertise across media platforms to craft creative, aesthetically effective messages according to media industry standards;
• Demonstrate the ability to apply rhetorical principles in a variety of creative, digital, organizational, professional and journalistic venues; and
• Develop a global awareness of political, social and corporate communication sensitivity and skills.