Communications Degree Overview

The field of communication is defined as, "...how people use messages within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media." It promotes the effective and ethical practice of human connection. Communication is a broad academic field that studies effective methods of communicating verbally as well as nonverbally. It is an essential part of all working environments and businesses, and therefore, can assist students to secure a job in a number of areas. A communications degree will teach students how to think critically, conduct and evaluate research, develop and present an argument, and communicate effectively in small and group settings. There are several sub-disciplines within the communication field including theories of communication, interpersonal communication, public affairs, public relations, speech communications, marketing, organizational communication, group communication, propaganda, telecommunications, information theory, and intrapersonal communication. Upon obtaining a degree in communications, graduates will have the ability, skills, and training that will give them an edge over other applicants in the job market.

Communications Degree Curriculum

The curriculum for the communications program includes courses such as advertising, communication theory, rhetoric, public speaking, public relations, co-curricular student organizations, Multimedia Degree">digital media and video production, internships, interracial and intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, media studies, organizational and group communication, and performance studies. Through these courses, students will learn invaluable skills such as how to create powerful images with sight, sound, motion and words; write clearly for press releases, scripts, or other material; effective speaking; influential and persuasion skills; and market research. Students will also learn how to identify and manage different needs of individuals, groups, institutions and cultures. Having the skills to read, write, compute, communicate, and think will be invaluable to the recent graduate. For example, most public relations firms require a bachelor's degree in communications or related degree and look for candidates with good people skills, common sense, creativity, communication skills, and problem-solving ability.

Career Opportunities

There are many career paths that a communication graduate can follow. Although some careers may require additional schooling, most careers can begin directly after graduation. Some career paths include: areas of business, advertising, communication education, electronic media/radio/television broadcasting, journalism (print or electronic), public relations, theatre/performing arts, government, politics, high technology industries, communication and health care, international relations and negotiations, law, and social and human services. A common career path for graduates is to join an advertising or public relations firm. Work in advertising and public relations is fast-paced and exciting. In 2004, there were about 47,000 advertising and public relations firms in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the industry is expected to grow over 22% from 2004-2014, which is much higher than all industries combined. Competition for jobs in these fields are fierce, which is why obtaining a degree is so imperative.

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