Communication Studies Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Virginia

Students from all over the country migrate to Virginia for the chance to pursue a prolific career in the exciting communications industry. Those equipped with communication majors can explore their individual curiosities, whether it be in journalism, marketing, public relations, broadcasting, publishing, media production or even conflict analysis and intervention. By enrolling in colleges and universities in cities like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Morgantown and Harrisburg, students become exposed to the driving force behind communications in the state by achieving real world experience through internships with esteemed local power houses like the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the PGA Tour, University Directories, the Genworth Financial Corporation and Altria, Inc.

Undergraduate Degrees in Communications – Choosing to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with a major in communications will give you the qualifications you need to start a career in mass media and digital communications. Whether you’re interested in journalism and independent filmmaking, or marketing and public relations, the know-how needed to reach people with a targeted message starts with a degree in communications.

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Master’s Degrees in Communications – No matter your professional background or undergraduate major, you could earn a master’s in communications to prepare for a career in any number of diverse areas that include journalism, public relations, marketing, digital media and more.

Print Publishing

Digital technology and devices are transforming the way modern people publish, buy, and read books. In fact, in 2011 the rise in digital retailers and e-Books overwhelmed the market, causing the then second-largest national book chain, Borders, to file for bankruptcy. As book superstores like Barnes and Nobles continue to decline in popularity, small independent bookstores in Virginia are expected to thrive from local supporters that still crave the traditional bookstore experience.

Independent Bookstores:

  • Sacred Circle Books
  • One More Page Books
  • The Fountain Bookstore
  • The Cracked Book
  • Blue Plate Books

Book publishers have been a driving literary force in Virginia dating back to 1849 when Freemason leader, Robert Macoy, established the Macoy Publishing and Supply Company. Today, Virginia publishers satisfy reader’s intellects by producing books on topics ranging from general interest to history, genealogy, new age, and fiction. In fact, the Brookfield Reader in Sterling and the Vacation Spot Press in Alexandria were named among the Top 101 Independent Book Publishers by Bookmarket.com.

Publishing Houses:

  • Warwick House Publishing
  • Tahli’s Publishing House
  • Guardian Publishing House
  • Deep Sea Publishing

Journalism

Since colonial times, Virginia has been a pioneer in journalism. The Virginia Gazette, which still flourishes today, was labeled the “America’s oldest weekly” in 1986. Currently, the top three newspapers with the highest circulation in the state are the Virginian-Pilot, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and the Roanoke Times. The Womack Publishing Company supplies Southsiders with the latest global, national, and local news stories with journals like:

  • Star-Tribune
  • Altavista Journal
  • The Union Star
  • Smith Mountain Eagle
  • Times-Virginian

There are twenty-seven military bases in Virginia. As such, the journalism industry has made a concerted effort to designate certain circulars to gratify the interests of the men and women that serve this country. These specialized newspapers focus their attention on the military community in Virginia:

Military Journals:

  • Flagship
  • Myer-Henderson Hall’s Pentagram
  • Fort Belvoir Eagle
  • Langley AFB Peninsula Warrior
  • Quantico Sentry

Resources for Publishing Majors

Virginia Publishers’ Association

MidAtlantic Book Publishers Association

TV and Radio Broadcasting

Recently, the General Assembly in Virginia announced that the new two-year budget plan will cut all funding for public broadcasting in the state. Yet residents will see narrow changes in the programming they regularly enjoy. Virginia broadcasters still entertains hoards of listeners and viewers throughout the far reaches of the state will nearly a hundred different TV and radio stations dishing up everything from news, entertainment and music to sports, weather and community events.

In the Shenandoah Valley area, residents tune into WATZ-93.7 FM to escape into charm of 1930s big band and swing music. Alternative rock fans may switch on WBZV-100.7 FM in Radford to jam to their favorite artists and DJs. Gospel devotees likely hear the sweet sounds of WGCV-1240 AM in Petersburg while news and talk radio followers rely on stations like WTAR-550 AM in Harrisburg to hear the good word.

College Radio Stations:

  • WMRY-103.5 FM
  • WTJU-91.1 FM
  • WXJM-88.7 FM
  • WFFC-89.9 FM
  • WWVT-1260 AM

Viewers throughout Virginia lend their eyes and ears to major TV networks and relax with news and entertaining programming. In Charlottesville, stations WVAW, WAHU-LPTV and WVIR are popular presences in area homes. Yet in Norfolk, families gather for the flicker of WVEC, WAVY and WTVZ. Further west, Richmond residents have access to great stations like WRIC, WRLH and WWBT.

Resource for Broadcasting Majors

Virginia Association of Broadcasters

Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association

Public Relations and Marketing Firms

Many communication majors find great job opportunities through public relations and marketing firms. Here is a short list, courtesy of Dwyer’s, of some firms located in cities throughout Virginia like Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Reston, Richmond, and Virginia Beach:

  • Sunstar
  • Weber Merritt
  • GolinHarris
  • Gyro
  • Live Wire Media Relations, LLC
  • MS&LGROUP Americas
  • Hoffman & Hoffman Worldwide
  • Speakerbox PR
  • Merritt Group
  • CRT/Tanaka
  • Hodges Partnership
  • BCF