What it is
Communication studies examines how people, organizations, and media create and share meaning — interpersonal, organizational, mass, and digital communication. It's a flexible, broadly applicable major that builds prized skills in messaging, media, and persuasion.
What you'll study
Coursework spans communication theory and practice:
- CoreCommunication theory, public speaking, interpersonal & organizational communication
- MediaMass communication, media & society, digital/social media
- AppliedPersuasion, PR, research methods, and a concentration
- ExperienceInternships are highly valued
Concentrations & focus areas
- PR / Strategic CommunicationReputation & messaging
- Organizational CommunicationWorkplace communication
- Media & DigitalSocial & mass media
- Interpersonal / Health CommRelationships & health
- AdvertisingPersuasion
- Political / RhetoricPublic discourse
Skills you'll build
- Communication skillsWriting and speaking
- Media literacyUnderstanding media
- PersuasionStrategic messaging
- CollaborationTeamwork
- AdaptabilityMany contexts
Careers & job titles
- PR / communications specialistOrganizations & agencies
- Marketing / social mediaBrand & digital
- Corporate communicationsInternal & external
- Human resourcesPeople & culture
- Media / content rolesPublishing & broadcast
- Sales, management, nonprofitBroad paths
Job outlook & demand
The media and communication group is projected to grow, and communication's skills are in broad demand across PR, marketing, corporate communications, and digital media. It's a versatile degree whose value depends heavily on internships and a focus area.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, media and communication occupations had a median around $66,320. Outcomes vary by path: PR specialists ~$67,440, PR/communications managers up to ~$134,760, with marketing and corporate roles paying competitively.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's is broadly employable across communications, PR, and marketing; a master's supports strategic/leadership or academic roles.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you are a strong communicator, interested in media and messaging, and want a flexible degree across many industries.
Maximize it: communication is what you make of it — internships, a concentration (PR, digital, corporate), and portfolio work turn a broad degree into a clear, employable path.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusHow people & media communicate
- Very versatilePR, marketing, corporate comms, media, HR
- CareersCommunications/PR specialist, social media, corporate comms
- KeyInternships & a focus area drive outcomes
- Pay~$66,320 media/comm median (BLS); PR ~$67,440
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: