Communication Department

About the Communication Department

General Information

We are in an Information Age, and today, like never before, it is imperative that everyone be an effective communicator. Messages originate from face-to-face conversations, the mass media, the stage, through computers, and much more. Whether at school, at home, or at work, we are constantly dealing with information receiving and sending. In addition, we must develop a positive self-concept, so that our relationships are more profitable to all involved.

Prospective employers are looking for the best students; they expect students to have good grades, experience, and leadership abilities. It's the other skills--oral communication, interpersonal, teamwork, and the like--that separate the great candidates from the good ones. In a recent survey asking employers the most desired skills of job candiates, oral communication and interpersonal skills ranked first and second respectively; teamwork skills ranked fourth.

The Communication Department offers four emphases within the Communication major: Mass Communication, Public Relations, Speech Communication, Theatre, and also a separate major in Media Promotions. Graduates from the Department have excellent preparation for the mass media, the ministry, law, teaching, business, public relations, personnel/human resources, sales, the theater, and community service work. A major in Communication requires 36 hours from specific lists of courses, which vary within the various emphases. A communication minor can be earned by completing any 18 hours within the Department (above COM 101).

Vocations of Recent Alumni

Corporate, Health Care, and Educational Public Relations Practicitioners
Playwright, Theatre Professor, Professional Actress
Radio Disc Jockey, Sales, Production
Special Events Planner, Promoter
Radio Program Director

Internships

Students who are majoring in Communication are encouraged to complete an Internship experience. These experiences are available in Advertising; Journalism; Mass Communication--Radio and Television; Promotions/Publicity; Public Relations; and Theatre. Students may complete their Internship during a regular semester or in the summer between school years. It is advantageous, both for the student and the employer, for the Internship to be completed later in the student's college career, when more courses in the major have been completed and the necessary knowledge and skills have been obtained.

Internship Information (.pdf)

COM Department Homepage

Last updated: May 1, 2005