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).

Engaged Learning Experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service Learning

We believe strongly in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. If you want to make a difference, too, you have a home here.

Career Services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career path--like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni and recent graduates.

Study Abroad

Choose among programs in 50+ countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are available

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 $39,231, and the median salary was 37,00 for the May 2019 graduating cohort. The median starting salary for graduates with a communications major was $57,000 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2020).

(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

Complementing Interests

SSocial

EEnterprising

AArtistic

Get your interest code

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.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

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