What is Communication Studies Really?

In theory what is it?

The "theory" is pretty much being able to communicate effectively in all forms of communication, especially oral and written, with a wide range of different people and be able to see thing from another person's perspective. Depending if you are more of a rhetoric person or social sciencist will determine if you look more at texts or deal more with people. That is a general overview and the major goes into much more than this.

What is it used for?

A Communications Studies degree is used for many things. It is used to better understand people, media, and texts. Thats just a broad overview, but it is used in many other ways as well.

What does the major actually entail - work-wise?

There is a lot of presentations and writing! It also entails many hours of research and probably a few group projects.

What kind of jobs do you get with it?

A degree in Communication Studies can be used in a variety of careers. If you ask a employer the first thing he looks for in an employee, it is communication skills. With this major, you become an expert in that. Personally, I am using it to go into publicity.

What are the fellow students like (personalitywise) in it?

Most students are very outgoing and fun to be around. There are always the few who are full of themselves, but you have to expect it when a lot of your classes are giving speeches. Comm majors are usually excellent writers and verbal communicators. You'll never get through a class without there being some dialogue between the class and the professor…lectures are always followed with many questions and comments. This major is definitely not like any other.

Common Misconceptions

Some people say that no one will hire you with a Comm degree and that is not true at all. With the broadness of the Comm program, you are prepared to go into many fields of work.

Another misconception is that you'll never make money. That is not true either. Comm graduates are one of the top paid students right out of college.

People also say that it is not a difficult major because all you have to do is speak. This is definitely not true! Comm students write, speak, write some more, and have to do research on topics. Do NOT go into this major because you think it is less work, it is just as much work as others.