Communication Studies Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees in South Dakota

With local colleges offering concentrations in areas of broadcast journalism, creative strategies, interactive media, news-editorial journalism, public relations, advertising, interpersonal communications, rhetoric and public address, mass communications, journalism and more, the sky’s the limit for eager communications majors in South Dakota. By urging students to exhibit talents through internships with Avera Heart Hospital, Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Argus Leader, Jackrabbit Sports Properties and Tea Weekly, South Dakota schools continue to breed future trailblazers.

Careers for Communication Majors:

  • Marketing Specialist
  • Communication Educator
  • Radio-Television Broadcaster
  • Journalist
  • Publicity Manager

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.

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.

Publishing

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation predicts that by 2018 there will be approximately 140 desktop publishers employed in the state. Yet, many publishing majors continue to carve out careers in book publishing. Some may decide to open their own self-publishing companies like Tracy Nickels did when she created Get’n Even Publishing in Clark. Others may join publishing houses such as Like a Duck Publishing in Centerville or NuVision Publications in Sioux Falls.

Publishers for Children and Young Adults:

  • Erickson Press
  • Heart of Dakota Publishing
  • Spizzirri Press

Journalism

Ambitious students join the daily grind of working on a college paper, like the Collegiate, while completing a journalism degree in South Dakota. Post-graduation, some journalists migrate toward to big name papers like the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, the Tri-State Neighbor, and the Midland Shopper. Those favoring the charm of small towns to the hustle and bustle of city life may feel the draw of more understated journals such as the Sisseton Courier, the Todd County Tribune, and the Gregory Times-Advocate.

Local Magazines:

  • Deadwood Magazine
  • Tri-State Livestock News
  • South Dakota Magazine

Resource for Journalism Majors:

South Dakota Newspaper Association

TV and Radio Broadcasting

Local and national broadcasting companies are the long-standing audio and visual artists of South Dakotans. Three Eagles Communications imparts captivating news, sports, and classic hits on KJAM-AM in Madison and new country tunes on KSDR-FM in Watertown. Meanwhile, Backyard Broadcasting excites listeners with the greatest hits of the 60s, 70s, & 80s on KXQL and adult contemporary favorites on KELO-FM in Sioux Falls. Locals with a proclivity for talk radio stay hooked on KTOQ and rock loyalists jam to KSQY in Rapid City courtesy of Haugo Broadcasting.

Local Radio Broadcasters:

  • Dakota Broadcasting, LLC
  • South Dakota Public Radio
  • Goldrush Broadcasting, Inc.

TV broadcasters are the harbingers of entertainment and information for viewers in the Mount Rushmore State. Duhamel Broadcasting Enterprises provides the programming of KHSD Channel 10 to Lawrence County. Viewers in Minnehaha County can accredit the talented crew of J.F. Broadcasting for series on KAUN-LP Channel 42. And Hoak Media of Dakota caters to the Aberdeen community with KABY-DT Channel 9.

Local TV Broadcasters:

  • South Dakota Public Broadcasting
  • Red River Broadcast Company
  • Young Broadcasting of Sioux Falls

Resource for Broadcasting Majors:

South Dakota Broadcasters Association

Public Relations and Marketing

Businesses that lack the financial funds to hire in-house public relations or marketing specialists often consult with local firms to sharpen their media image. Since each firm is unique, students should establish ties with a PR and marketing company, like Bruning Marketing & Promotions, that reflects their intended area of focus. For instance, Tall Grass Public Relations possesses expertise in book and author publicity, product placement, technology, food, healthcare, fashion, and beauty while nearby Copperleaf Consulting Group plays special attention to the needs of independent, small business owners.

Firms in Rapid City:

  • Robert Sharp & Associates
  • Liquid Communications
  • Midwest Marketing

Resources for Public Relations and Marketing Majors: