| What
can I do with a major in....?
Communication
Studies
The
Department of Communication Studies fosters in students an understanding
of the nature of human communication by examining the processes by which
people create, send, receive and are affected by messages.
Students explore and analyze verbal and nonverbal communication through
the study of rhetorical theory and social science methodology, both developing
their skills as communicators, and understanding ways to investigate how
the communication process works. Settings include political campaigns,
small groups, work and volunteer organizations, personal and family relationships
and intercultural situations.
The department also emphasizes the production of electronically mediated
communication, looking at how to communicate effectively using mediated
communication, as well as the ways in which mediated communication expands
our communication options and influences our lives. Students study
the art of audio and video production, and acquaint themselves with new
electronic media technologies. They also study the television, radio,
and corporate industries that have developed to support and distribute
those messages. In keeping with the UST emphasis on diversity, the department
seeks to integrate the issues of gender, race, and class into all communication
studies.
The study of communication is at the forefront of a liberal education,
preparing students to analyze carefully, to think creatively, critically,
and ethically, and to develop skills that can be applied to a variety
of careers.
Required
Courses for the Communication Studies Major
Transferable
Skills
Some information taken
from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's career website
Create
powerful images with sight, sound, motion and words
Write clearly
Present specific viewpoints
Synthesize information
Reporting and editing skills
Demonstrate creativity and artistic expression
Evaluate ideas and presentation
Compare and contrast evidence
Critical thinking skills
Measure media effects
Work with deadlines
Attention to detail
|
Effective
speaking
Influential/persuasive skills
Interpretation skills
Create entertaining and persuasive messages
Define hypotheses
Gather information and data
Evaluate information and sources
Develop market research
Planning and managing skills
Work independently
Work in teams/small groups
Understand institutional and cultural values
Identify and manage needs of different individuals and groups |
Career
Opportunities
Some
information taken from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's
career website
| Communications |
Business
and Industry |
| Advertising
account executive
Advertising copywriter
Communications lawyer
Copy writer
Editorial assistant
Electronic publication specialist
Government relations specialist
Market research specialist
Media buyer
Media manager
New writer/editor
Photojournalist
Production Assistant
Proofreader
Public relations
Reporter/journalist
Writer/author |
Advertising
manager
Association administrator
Bank officer
Claims adjuster/examiner
Consumer affairs specialist
Corporate communications
Events planner
Human resources
Industrial and labor relations
Insurance agent/broker
Lawyer
Paralegal
Personnel specialist
Promotions manager
Training and development specialist
Sales representative
Technical writer
Speech writer |
| Government
and Social Services |
Education |
Campaign
manager
Community action director
Consumer advocate
Counselor
Elected official
Foreign service officer
Recreation coordinator
Social services worker
Interviewer
Lobbyist
Planning director
Public administrator
Youth worker |
Administrator
Audio/visual specialist
Camp counselor
Development officer/fund raiser
Student services specialist
Mediator
Educational tester
Recruiter
Educational consultant
Spokesperson for education |
On
Campus Sources for More Information
Internet
Sources for More Information on Communication Careers
The
Communication Department's
website has several links for more information on careers in this field.
Thoughts
on a Communication Major from Current and Past Students
Matt
Deutsch
Class
of '03 |
I
am truly thankful for the special opportunity to have studied the
only major that is applicable to every minute of every day, communication
studies. |
Leah
Graham
Class
of '01 |
Thanks
for the fabulous education. It is really paying off. |
| Sara
Glynn
Class
of '98 |
As
a law student and law clerk, I have really come to appreciate my communication
background. Much of what I do involves writing and speaking effectively,
logically, and persuasively. I definitely had an advantage over other
law students who didn't concentrate on communication in their undergraduate
work. |
|
Evaluations
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