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Communication Studies

Communication studies focuses on how people use messages to generate meaning. From digital media, such as video, to small group communication topics like leadership, communication spans all contexts.

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Becoming a Communication Professional

People in the professional world agree that there has never been a more exciting time to study communication or to become a communication professional. New communication technologies are connecting people around the world, and a need exists for college graduates who can effectively communicate and navigate that world. Today’s need for competent communicators and ethical leaders in business and in society tells us that a communication degree is a “must have!”

Program Information:

Major | BS

  • 39 Credit Hours

Minor

  • 21 Credit Hours

Location

  • North Manchester
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I originally wasn’t a Communication Studies major, but I really enjoyed the friendliness. I felt like they got to know me as a person. They really wanted me to succeed.

Bella Hurd, Class of 2024

Why Choose MU for Communication Studies?

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What You Can Do with Your Communication Studies Degree

Communication Manager

Oversees messaging and public relations for organizations, like zoos or nonprofits.

Development Coordinator

Helps raise funds and build community support for nonprofits.

Project Manager

Manages teams and projects in various industries, including government agencies.

Sports Information Director

Manages media and public relations for college sports teams.

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Career outlook for Communication Studies Majors

Communication Studies at Manchester University equips students with versatile, real-world communication skills: oral, written, digital, and intercultural – preparing graduates for a wide range of fulfilling careers. A Communication Studies degree from Manchester University isn’t just about mastering messages, it’s a strategic launchpad into careers across marketing, media, nonprofit, sports, education, and public relations with successful outcomes and strong employer alignment.

two students look at a laptop and discuss what is on the screen

Meet the Faculty

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Communication Studies Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate effective and appropriate communication as message producers, message critics, and public speakers.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will demonstrate communication competence by creating messages tailored to the needs and expectations of a specific audience across a variety of contexts.
  • Students will analyze media messages and provide insightful critiques that demonstrate an understanding of underlying assumptions, biases, and potential influence on various audiences.
  • Students will demonstrate professional speaking skills through oral presentations.

2. Students will utilize communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will engage in communication inquiry by utilizing research to analyze and interpret communication principles and concepts.
  • Students will apply communication theories and perspectives to analyze various communication across contexts.

Successful Graduates

Andrew Kibler ’22

Former Sports Information Director for Manchester University

Athaniel Whitmer ’22

News Photographer for WISH-TV

Benjamin Miles ’22

Coordinator of Athletic Communications at Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process

Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.

Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.