Major in Communication Studies
What is Communication Studies?
According to the National Communication Association, “Communications focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, and is the discipline that studies all forms, modes, media, and consequences of communication through humanistic, social scientific, and aesthetic inquiry.” With the concentration in Communication Studies, you should expect to develop outstanding skills in critical analysis, written and oral communication, cultural and environmental awareness, and ethical communication. With a bachelor’s degree in Visual & Performing Arts, you can pursue entry level positions in business, entertainment, public service, journalism, technical writing, education, and public relations just to name a few. Likewise, you can continue your education in graduate programs to study business, law, administration, government, medicine, or any number of fields in the social sciences and humanities. It is important to identify an area of interest and take the initiative to develop the appropriate skills, experience, and credentials to enter your chosen field.
Marketable Skills
- Communication – the ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly and professionally to diverse audiences
- Creative Problem Solving – the ability to view problems in multiple ways and generate unique solutions
- Research – the ability to analyze and gather information from a variety of sources
- Interpersonal – the ability to communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds
Possible Job Titles
- Account executive
- Alumni coordinator
- Author
- Career counselor
- Communications consultant
- Community outreach director
- Consultant
- Copywriter
- Editorial assistant
- Entertainment agent
- Event coordinator
- Grant writer
- Human resources manager
- Instructional designer
- International relations officer
- Interpreter
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Market researcher
- Operations manager
- Patient rights advocate
- Politician
- Public affairs director
- Public relations specialist
- Publicist
- Real estate agent
- Teacher
- Training specialist
- Translator
- University administrator
Learn More
The University Career Center has even more information for those interested in “What can I do with a major in Communication Studies?“
Contact Information
Dr. John Gooch
Associate Professor and Area Head
Phone: 972-883-2038
Email: john.gooch@utdallas.edu
Office: JO 3.542