Communication
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The Field
Communication is the primary social process. Its emergence as a discipline is connected with the search for new perspectives on contemporary problems and the profusion of communication technologies. The study of communication develops competence in observing, describing, and criticizing communication practices in interpersonal, group, and public contexts, electronic media, and film. As students develop understanding of the history of communication and its policies, institutions, and culture, they gain knowledge of theory, philosophy, and research.
The Major
Unlike Communication programs at most colleges, the curriculum is not technical or skills-based, as in TV or film production or public speaking. The goals are analytical: to understand how communication processes work, whether in an argument between friends, in a political speech, in misunderstandings between people from different cultures, or in the effect of a television program on children. The major receives a liberal education with a social science orientation, emphasizing theories and methods applied to the study of human communication. By insisting on the development of critical thinking, the study of communication transforms students into educated citizens with strong and flexible foundations for careers in which requirements and trajectories regularly change.
The Future
The Communication curriculum helps prepare students for graduate school and for jobs as communication specialists in industry, government, education, research, politics, the media, religion, and more. About 25% of graduates work in media industries, 50% work in business-related occupations, such as advertising, public relations, sales, and administration, and 25% go on to graduate work or professional schools.
Study Abroad and Internships
Internships serve as introduction to many types of communication work and provide hands-on experiences that complement the curriculum’s theoretical approach. In many cases, internships provide experiences and connections that help students find jobs after graduation. It is possible to design research projects for Communication credit that coordinate with internships. Besides internships, the department encourages students to participate in Community Service Learning. Study abroad for one or two semesters is encouraged as well. Go to the International Programs Office for details.
More information: Department of Communication; 413.545.3539
