Communication Studies

Curriculum for Career Flexibility

The career world is changing so rapidly that communication studies students are prepared not just for their first job, but for the job they will have several years after graduation, one that possibly doesn’t even exist yet. To achieve this goal, communication studies majors explore an intentionally broad-based curriculum focusing on concepts and oral/written skills sought by employers. Further enhancing flexibility, students often complement a major or minor in communication studies with a wide variety of programs, such as business, Spanish, English, kinesiology, social justice, sociology, political science, arts or pre-health.

Experiential Learning

Communication studies majors complete both internships and applied projects embedded in courses. These opportunities enhance theoretical learning and provide interactions with people in a variety of settings and help students acquire professional experience and skills alongside working professionals. Recent experiential learning opportunities have included:

• Planning and promoting an event for a local non-profit organization
• Managing an organization’s social media
• Interviewing immigrants about their experiences
• Volunteering and researching an organizational culture
• Working with individuals with cognitive disabilities
• Corporate partnerships
• Sports communication

Emerging Media Citizenship

Acknowledging that students are highly engaged in social and digital media, communication studies provokes them to think intentionally about their media citizenship. Specifically, students reflect on consuming and producing media messages that construct identities, cultures and social inequalities.

Exploring Civic Engagement

Communication studies includes a focus on local and global civic engagement, examining the role of citizen voices and public forums, social movements, strategic campaigns and risk communication. Intercultural communication enables students to talk about diversity and interact across differences by partnering with nonprofit organizations. Other advanced communication courses closely examine the inherent tensions in our desire for interdependency and social justice.

Off-Campus Experiences

Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Washington, D.C., Central America, Spain, Greece, Iceland, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.

Communication studies majors have the chance to gain world perspective on global business and international corporations.