Communication Studies Major

The Communication Studies major will prepare you as a leader in your community and career by developing your understanding of communication theory and research methodologies, as well as your proficiency in oral, written, and mediated communication. This major offers a varied curriculum that includes both the classical courses associated with the discipline and those that reflect contemporary developments in the field. Courses are designed to prepare you for communication-related professions in such fields as business, industry, public relations, mass media, pre-law, pre-seminary, and education.

With a degree in Communication Studies, you will be able to:

• Explain and apply historical and contemporary theories of human communication.
• Describe and analyze how culture influences the communication process.
• Demonstrate competency in written and oral communication.
• Articulate the origins and trends of mass communication.
• Analyze arguments and discourse intended to influence beliefs, attitudes, values, and practices.
• Demonstrate competency in systematic inquiry.

Emphases

In addition to a core set of Communication Studies classes, you can choose your emphasis:

• The General Communication Studies emphasis is designed for students who are considering careers in fields such as business, industry, public relations, law, theology, and education, and know that a strong Communication background will be vital to their success.
• The Mass Communication emphasis is designed for students who are considering careers in mass media-related industries such as sound recording, the Internet, social media, radio, television, film, newspapers, and magazines. Two new courses that help distinguish this emphasis from the General Communication emphasis are Introduction to Social Media and Advanced Strategies in Social Media.