Communication Studies

Be an expert in all forms of communication

At Susquehanna, you’ll learn the foundational skills of all communication disciplines, as well as the integral theories and ethics that bind them all together. As a communication studies major, you will prepare for graduate study or a career in qualitative research, critical theory or interpersonal communications. With plenty of on-campus media outlets, you can sharpen all your communications skills at Susquehanna.

Explore the world of communication

Gain a broad view of mass communication or target a couple of disciplines to master with the communication studies major. You’ll learn the principles of professional communication and digital media, media law and ethics, graphic design and public speaking. You will also study the ways we communicate with each other, including group communication, intercultural communication and listening. You can also assemble your own degree track that aligns with your academic interests, and take courses from different mass communication fields, including journalism, advertising and public relations or even sports media.

With Susquehanna’s renowned study-abroad program, you won’t just learn in the classroom. You will have the opportunity to study with professional communicators and researchers. This worldly perspective will help you be a better communicator after graduation.

In the communication studies emphasis,

Great for transfer students

As a transfer student to Susquehanna, you’ll have flexibility to stay on track to graduate while you explore your interests within the Communication Studies major.

Communication graduates have recently found jobs with the following companies:

Recent graduates have continued their studies at:

During your time at Susquehanna, you can practice your communication skills with our many clubs and publications.

The Quill—student newspaper
The Lanthorn—Susquehanna’s yearbook
WQSU-FM—on-campus radio station
Flagship—publication for creative work and photography
Lambda Pi Eta—official honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA)
Public Relations Student Society of America
Association of Women in Sports Media
Marketing Club

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Susquehanna offers a major in communications with three possible emphases: digital multimedia (with tracks in broadcasting, journalism, or sports media), strategic communications (with tracks in advertising and marketing communications, or public relations) and communication arts (with tracks in personal and organizational communication or communication studies). Majors complete university Central Curriculum requirements, plus 46 to 58 semester hours of courses in a selected emphasis and track. These include introductory courses, practica for learning skills and specific emphases requirements. A grade of C- or better is required for any course to apply to the major or minor. Courses may count toward only one emphasis or minor.

The department also expects communications majors and minors to participate each semester in related cocurricular activities. Options include WQSU-FM radio; The Quill student newspaper; The Lanthorn student yearbook; Sterling Communications, the student-run public relations firm; the Paul Dannelley chapter of PRSSA, and other activities supervised by department faculty.

Double-counting restriction: students pursuing a major in the department of communications may double-count a maximum of 6 semester hours toward another communications major or minor. In such cases, students will need to meet with the department head to discuss substitute courses to cover department requirements.

Semester Hours	View Full Course Catalog >>
Personal and Organizational Communication Track. Students fulfill the university Central Curriculum requirements, participate fully in departmental activities appropriate to their interests and successfully complete the following courses: 24 Department Requirements
2 COMM-100 Grammar for Communicators
4 COMM-101 Essentials of Digital Media
4 COMM-190 Communication/Media Theory
4 COMM-192 Public Speaking
4 COMM-201 Ethics and Leadership
4 COMM-481 Media Law
1 COMM-501 Practicum
1 COMM-501 Practicum
18 Personal and Organizational Communication Requirements
4 COMM-191 Interpersonal Communication
2 COMM-295 Effective Listening
4 COMM-194 Intercultural Communication
4 COMM-296 Dynamic Presentational Speaking
4 COMM-491 Team Communication
8 Department Electives, chosen from any COMM course
Communication Studies Track. Students fulfill the university Central Curriculum requirements, participate fully in departmental activities appropriate to their interests and successfully complete the following courses: 24 Department Requirements
2 COMM-100 Grammar for Communicators
4 COMM-101 Essentials of Digital Media
4 COMM-190 Communication/Media Theory
4 COMM-192 Public Speaking
4 COMM-201 Ethics and Leadership
4 COMM-481 Media Law
1 COMM-501 Practicum
1 COMM-501 Practicum
2 Communication Studies Requirement
1 COMM-501 Practicum
1 COMM-501 Practicum
24 Department electives, chosen from communications courses.