When people ask, “what can you do with a Communication Studies major” (and they ask us a LOT!), our first answer is almost always, “ANYTHING!!” One of the greatest advantages of studying communication is its remarkable versatility that transcends industries, contexts, and career paths. In our ever-evolving professional landscape, where effective communication is the lifeblood of success, employers across industries recognize the invaluable skills that Communication Studies graduates bring to the table. From crafting persuasive messages to fostering meaningful connections, your ability to navigate and influence human interaction becomes a coveted currency. Whether you have a clearly defined passion that intersects with communication or you're still charting your career course, this program empowers you with the essential toolkit and adaptable mindset to thrive in any pursuit.
What You Will Learn
Let's cut to the chase: in today's professional world, what really matters are skills that work anywhere. Forget about being tied to a single job. What you need are practical, versatile skills that you can take with you and excel in any workplace or professional context.
Transferable Skills
- Captivating storytelling and narrative development
- Articulating complex ideas in a clear and concise manner
- Engaging and persuasive public speaking
- Crafting compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences
- Framing arguments and supporting them with evidence
- Creating impactful visual presentations and multimedia content
- Utilizing digital tools and technologies to enhance message delivery
- Active listening to understand and connect with others
- Adapting communication styles to effectively engage across cultures and contexts
- Building rapport and establishing meaningful relationships
- Resolving conflicts and negotiating win-win solutions
- Empathy and emotional intelligence for effective interpersonal connections
- Taking constructive criticism
- Facilitating collaborative and inclusive communication environments
- Project management and coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration within organizational structures
- Understanding and optimizing workflow processes
- Change management and adapting to organizational shifts
- Effective delegation and task prioritization
- Efficient use of resources and budgeting within projects
- Reading critically
- Analyzing texts and information to extract key insights
- Researching and synthesizing complex data and concepts
- Developing strategic communication plans to achieve specific objectives
- Identifying communication barriers and finding innovative solutions
- Applying data-driven insights to enhance communication effectiveness
- Anticipating and addressing potential communication challenges
- Demonstrating professional etiquette and communication norms in various contexts
- Writing professional and concise business correspondence
- Building and maintaining a strong professional network
- Efficient time management and organizational skills
- Ethical decision-making and navigating ethical communication challenges
- Adapting to changing environments and embracing continuous learning
Careers in Comm
Possible Careers
- Admissions
- Advocate
- Alumni Engagement
- Art Director
- Assistant Residence Hall Director
- Attorney
- Brand Strategist
- Business Development
- Campaign Manager
- Career Advisor
- Case Manager
- Claims Investigator
- Client Coordinator
- Coach
- Communications Coordinator
- Community Engagement
- Community Health Educator
- Community Organizer
- Consultant
- Consumer Trends Researcher
- Content Creator
- DEI Advisor
- Data Analyst
- Development Specialist
- Digital Marketing Coordinator
- Digital Media Strategist
- Director of Communications
- Diversity Officer
- Engagement Manager
- Entrepreneur
- Environmental Lobbyist
- Event Planner
- Executive Presentation Coach
- Executive Recruiter
- Family Case Manager
- Flight Attendant
- Fundraising
- Game Day Communications Associate
- Grant writer
- Human Resources
- Human Rights Officer
- Inside Sales
- Insurance Agent
- Internal Communications Specialist
- Leasing Agent
- Legal Assistant
- Lobbyist Logistics Coordinator
- Manager
- Marketing & Event Specialist
- Marketing Specialist for Enrollment
- Media Buyer
- Media Planner
- Member Services Manager
- Minister/Pastor
- Nonprofit Organization Director
- Operations Manager
- Orientation Program Coordinator
- Patient Advocate
- Personal Assistant
- Policy Advisor
- Political Operative
- Political Party Director
- Professor
- Program Director
- Project Analyst
- Project Manager
- Promotions Coordinator
- Public Affairs Generalist
- Public Communication Specialist
- Public Relations
- Public Relations Specialist
- Real Estate Agent
- Recruiter
- Research Coordinator
- Sales
- Social Media Manager
- Speaker and Influencer
- Sponsorship Coordinator
- Systems Manager
- Talent Acquisition Manager
- Training Specialist
- Travel Agent
- Victim Advocate
- Visual Communication Specialist
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Writer
Alumni Profiles
MA in Organizational and Professional Communication and Development, '09
Admissions Representative at Harrison College
MA in Communication Liberal Arts and Sciences, '04
Associate Professor Emeritus at Ball State University
MA in Organizational and Professional Communication and Development, '07
Consultant (self-employed with clients primarily in healthcare)
MA in Communication Liberal Arts and Sciences, '07
Associate Professor at University of Kentucky
MA in Communication Liberal Arts and Sciences, '04
Director of Qualitative Analytics for Shapiro + Raj
MA in Interpersonal Communication, '92
Professor at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
MA in Organizational and Professional Communication and Development, '99
Global Community Leader at Smith & Nephew, LLC
MA in Communication Liberal Arts and Sciences, '08
President of Common People United
MA in Communication Liberal Arts and Sciences, '12
MA in Communication Studies, '07
Associate Professor at Arizona State University
MA in Communication Liberal Arts and Sciences, '11
Assistant Professor at Kent State University at Stark
MA in Communication Liberal Arts and Sciences, '98
Liberal Arts Division Head at Oklahoma State University
MA in Communication Liberal Arts and Sciences, '13
Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University
MA in Organizational and Professional Communication and Development, '12
Corporate Communications Project Coordinator at Cummins Inc.