Communication Studies

About the Major

A major in communication studies focuses on interpersonal communication, small group interactions, organizational communication, and public communication. As a communication studies major, you will learn how to relate to individuals and groups, and the importance of clearly expressing oneself to others through various forms of media is also emphasized. The major is designed to provide you with a broad-based liberal arts education and to develop transferable skills that are valued by many employers.

Skills and abilities this major develops include: research, public speaking, problem solving, writing, and intrapersonal communication (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Complementing Interests

EEnterprising

SSocial

AArtistic

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Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates from the communication studies program will have many options for careers, and opportunities will vary by field. For example, positions for news analysts, reporters, and correspondents are expected to show little growth while public relations specialist positions are expected to grow as fast as average through 2024. Meeting and convention planner positions are expected to grow faster than average at a 10% growth rate (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2017).

The average starting salary for IUPUI graduates with a communications studies major was $36,584 for the May 2016 graduating cohort. The median national starting salary for graduates with a communications major was $51,000 for the class of May 2016, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2017).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Communication majors may pursue a diverse range of advanced degrees, including communication, law, nonprofit management, business administration, and social work.

Quick Facts

Sample Coursework

Communication research methods
Interpersonal communication
Introduction to acting
Organizational communication
Mass media
Argumentation and debate
Research experience

Possible Careers

Human resource specialist
Fundraiser
Marketing specialist
Recruiter
Sales coordinator
Social media manager
Training and development specialist

Where could I work?

Education
Eli Lilly and Company
IU Health
IUPUI
Public relations
State of Indiana

Where to Get More Information

IU School of Liberal Arts

Department of Communication Studies

National Communication Association

Liberal Arts Career Development Office

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

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