Communication Studies

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Know a bit of everything

Don't limit yourself to one aspect of a communications career. There are lots of jobs available for a good communicator who stays curious and learns on the fly.

A communication studies major is great for double majors, but also for students who want to consider journalism, public relations and advertising. Take just five core courses and then select from any classes the Communication Department offers.

You'll learn to write press releases, do social media, design newsletters, maintain websites and take photographs.

This is great for creative problem solvers who like to stay active and involved in all the communications needs of non-profits and small businesses.

Great for transfer students

Communication studies give you the flexibility to stay on track to graduate and explore your interests, even if courses don't match up perfectly with your previous institution.

Communications graduates have been employed at:

ABC 27 WHTM
Citigroup
Comcast
Fox 29 WTXF-TV
Hollywood Media Corporation
MediaPower
National Geographic Society
QVC
Rockstar San Diego
Sapient Nitro
Six Flags America
Swarovski
Tiffany & Co.

Recent graduates have continued their studies at:

University of Pennsylvania
Boston University
Colorado State University
University of Denver
University of West Florida
Pennsylvania State University
Duke University
Villanova University

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.