The new major in Communication Studies provides an ideal springboard for a rapidly growing number of new careers, many established but fast-growing occupations, and a large variety of graduate degrees and certificate programs.
In particular, the concentration in Interpersonal and Group Communication will prepare students to enter the following professions: speech or communication training and coaching, counseling, mediation, sales, employee relations, community outreach or development. The concentration is suited for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in Communication Studies and fields such as communication education and psychology. Students will also be prepared for certification programs or advanced degrees in counseling or human resource management.
The concentration in Intercultural and International Communication is intended for students who are interested in careers in intercultural community relations, organizational diversity and inclusion, multicultural consumer research, the diplomatic service, international education and exchange, and international development. In addition to graduate studies in Communication Studies, graduate studies in fields such as international relations and international business match this concentration. The concentration is also suited for certification or advanced degrees in diversity training, intercultural business consulting, and global relocation and transition counseling.
The concentration in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy is designed for those students who are interested in careers in communication and public policy, lobbying, legislative work, political campaigning, speechwriting, community outreach, and political activism. The concentration prepares students for graduate studies in communication and related fields, and is especially relevant both for students wishing to pursue a law degree and for those who have a general interest in effective and ethical leadership roles in all areas of public life.
The concentration in Digital Communication and Culture will prepare students for careers in new media industries, multimedia planning, social media coordination, digital communications, digital content management, publishing, and media sales. The concentration is suited for students interested in graduate studies in Communication Studies as well as graduate studies related to journalism and broadcasting. Students will also be prepared for certificate programs in screenwriting, documentary media, media management, and film production.