Communication Studies

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA or BGS, as well as a MA and a PhD in Communication Studies. The Communication Studies major provides a broad liberal arts education that addresses the ways in which people communicate in relationships, in public discourse, and within organizations. The major includes study of the ways in which such processes relate to cultural differences, technological developments, gender, age, and other social variables.

Communication Studies Department Website

Sample of Related Skills 

• Demonstrate ability to apply communication concepts and theories to address everyday dilemmas within dimensions (ethical, social, legal, technological, relational, and cultural) central to the student’s  major focus 
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills expected of a future professional in the field 
• Communicate ethically, responsibly, and effectively as local, national, international, and global citizens and leaders 
• Construct effective written messages in various formats and styles, to a variety of audiences 

Popular Career Paths 

Consumer Communications: Concerns providing information to the consumer or customer to generate revenue. 

Communication Disorders: Involves working with people who have one or more communication disorders to assist them in effectively communicating. 

Jobs to Consider 

• Announcer/DJ
• Advertising Assistant
• Broadcast Journalist
• Community Relations Specialist
• Copy Editor
• Corporate Trainer
• Event Planner
• Magazine Writer/Editor
• Marketing Manager
• Media Buyer
• News Writer/Editor/Director
• Photojournalist
• Print Production Manager
• Promotional Campaign Developer
• Publisher
• Publicist
• Public Relations Manager
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Reporter
• Retail/Restaurant Manager
• Speech Writer
• Technical Writer

Places to Seek Employment 

• Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations Firms
• Alumni Associations
• Book Stores
• Chambers of Commerce
• Consulting Firms
• Corporate Companies
• Institutions of Higher Education
• Event Venues
• Human Resources Departments
• Insurance Agencies
• Local, State, and Federal Government Agencies
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Nursing Homes/Rehabilitation Centers
• Publishing Companies
• Retail Stores/Restaurants
• Radio, Television, and News Stations
• Self-Employed/Freelancers
• Travel Agencies

Explore More Career Resources

American Marketing Association of Kansas City - professional development opportunities in the marketing, as well as career tips, networking opportunities, and job and internship listings 

American Marketing Association - a marketing career management center, where you can "ask the expert," receive career tips and strategies, receive newsletters, and search for jobs 

Communications Jobs in the Federal Government - potential communication job titles, recent position announcements, and positions by region in the federal government  

Environment Advocacy & Communication Jobs - lists communications jobs in the field of environmental advocacy  

New York Women in Communications - list of jobs and internships organized by various communications fields 

Newspaper Association of America: Newspaper CareerBank - available jobs the newspaper industry; NAA members account for nearly 90% of the daily circulation in the U.S. 

Public Relations Society of America - a PR and communications job center with job listings, featured employers, salary information, and job alert features 

Public Relations Society of America: Kansas City - information and networking opportunities in PR, as well as job postings 

Educational Portal - an overview of communication as a major, as well as career ideas, salary information, and informational videos 

International Association of Business Communications - lists job search tips, professional development opportunities, and career profiles and spotlights 

MyPlan - numerous career options for students majoring in communications, advertising, or journalism with occupational descriptions