With all modes of communication easily accessible, and information universally available, the global audience is now well within reach. The goal is no longer just to reach the world with a message – It is to reach the right individuals with the right message.

Making the Decision to Major in Communications

In a world inter-connected by every conceivable form of media, the goal of reaching the right audience with the right message has never been more attainable. New forms of media supported by a ubiquitous wireless infrastructure and the affordable hardware used to access it have forever changed how the world communicates. The hard work of laying this foundation has been the burden of previous generations – today’s challenge is to carefully build a framework of communication customized to each application.

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Communication and media science has emerged as the field of study concerned with tailoring the way we communicate to different applications:

  • Journalism, electronic media, and TV & radio broadcasting
  • Intercultural and multi-linguistic communications
  • Politics and public administration
  • Performing arts, speech and rhetoric
  • Business administration, industrial relations and corporate communications
  • Marketing, advertising and public relations

By majoring in communications, students develop a critical awareness of how effective communications contribute positively to personal interactions, business relationships and the mass dissemination of information through media outlets. Communications majors develop analytical skills and functional proficiency in comprehending, interpreting, writing, and speaking, allowing them to become critical thinkers and effective problems solvers in contemporary society.

As a field of study, communications is applied to journalism, business, public relations, marketing, news broadcasting, intercultural communications, education, public administration—and beyond.

Communications majors are best defined as students that are:

  • Seeking a general liberal arts education
  • Preparing for careers in fields like journalism, business administration, public relations, broadcasting, human resources, consulting and politics
  • Preparing for graduate work in media, public policy, cultural studies, international relations, law and business administration

Studying communications would help professionals in any field refine their speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills, while allowing them to investigate communications theories and methodologies.

The flexibility of a communications major allows students to focus their studies on areas most relevant to their career goals.

Communications Majors in Journalism, Media and Broadcasting

Communications majors in media and broadcasting possess the writing, research, and analytical skills necessary to produce and direct live studio productions, write broadcast news and news magazine feature pieces, and produce journalistic video stories.

These students go on to become:

  • Broadcasters
  • Copywriters
  • Editors
  • Writers
  • Investigative reporters
  • News and feature piece writers
  • Radio/television announcers
  • Journalists

Communications majors in media and broadcasting possess a thorough understanding of media as a social instrument. They emphasize responsibility, professionalism, and ethics, and they are able to prepare written copy in professional formats.

Communications majors in media and broadcasting supplement their communications studies with coursework focused on the creation and production of media, the interrelated nature of media industries, and the skills necessary to write, produce, and distribute messages through the media.

Communications Majors in Business and Industrial Relations

Communications majors in organizational and business communications possess the expertise necessary to serve as business leaders, contract negotators and consultants in the corporate environment.

These students go on to become:

  • Labor relations specialists
  • Corporate directors and executives
  • Mediators
  • Communications managers
  • Special events planners
  • Business to Business salespersons

Communications majors in business and industry are able to address the full range of communication that occurs in the corporate world and respond to current and future trends in corporate communications.

With a focus on a corporation’s organizational needs, communications majors in the business environment are able to formulate communication strategies that support company objectives.

Communications majors in business and industry study how to write and speak clearly, develop and deliver formal presentations, improve teamwork and morale, and examine the psychological implications of communicating effectively with management teams and the greater workforce.

Communications Majors in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations

Communications majors in marketing, advertising and public relations effectively coordinate communications programs to create a consistent position and image in the marketplace.

These students go on to become:

  • Account executives
  • Public relations specialits
  • Marketing specialists
  • Media buyers
  • Media relations specialists
  • Promotions managers
  • Advertising sales representatives
  • Film and video editors
  • Graphic designers
  • Market research analysts
  • Writers

Their work involves being skilled in both traditional and digital communication channels such as social media, digital advertising campaigns, television, print and radio.

These communications professionals manage market research projects; develop advertising campaigns and digital, print, and broadcast materials; and plan and purchase media.

Communications majors in media, marketing, and advertising learn all phases of the communications process: planning, budgeting, creative strategy development, copywriting, media planning, and research. They supplement their communications core with study in traditional advertising, search engine marketing, social media marketing, and mobile marketing.

Communications Majors in Government and Politics

Communications majors in government and politics contribute to public administration, either through campaign efforts or by serving in government office.

These students go on to become:

  • Campaign directors
  • Elected officials
  • Lobbyists
  • Media consultants
  • Press secretaries
  • Speechwriters
  • Public affairs specialist
  • Community affairs specialist

These communications professionals appreciate the nuances of communicating a message to voters, constituents, and other members of the public from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. They possess a command of public speaking and message design, and have a critical perspective on society, politics, and culture.

Communications majors in government and politics supplement their core coursework with classes in political science and public administration, and many choose to minor in a field such as political science.

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