Communication

So, what can you do with a communication degree? The short answer is anything. This B.A. degree is extremely versatile, making one adeptly suited for any career. Research studies have consistently shown the ability to effectively communicate is just as important, if not more so, than any other professional attribute, including technical proficiency and experience. This makes communication the perfect area of study in preparation for a career in law, advertising, politics, public relations, media or business. This major examines the ways in which communication occurs within a business, nonprofit or other organizational setting. Students also may select a minor in communication.

The Jewell Difference

As a communication major, you have the option to choose one area of emphasis:

• Business and professional communication (additional required courses for this emphasis include Introduction to Communication and Media Studies; Communication Theory; Organizational Communication; Social Media and Digital Strategy; Public Relations; Senior Seminar; Communication Internship; Business Foundations; Business Analytics; and Marketing Principles)
• Health communication (additional required courses include Introduction to Communication and Media Studies; Communication Theory; Social Media and Digital Strategy; Public Relations; Capstone in Public Relations Campaigns; Communication Internship; Healthcare Leadership; Healthcare and Its Role in Society; Healthcare Management)
• Public relations and social media (additional required courses include Introduction to Communication and Media Studies; Communication Theory; Organizational Communication; Media Reporting and Writing; Social Media and Digital Strategy; Public Relations; Capstone in Public Relations Campaigns; and Communication Internship)
• Social influence (additional required courses include Theory and Practice of Persuasion; Social Media and Digital Strategy; Public Relations; Are You an Influencer?; Influence and Social Change; Influence Practicum I and II; and Marketing Principles)

All communication majors complete an internship, preparing you for your chosen career and providing invaluable networking opportunities. Jewell interns have an exceptional reputation and are highly valued by organizations throughout the country. Our flexible academic program will also allow you to pursue a second major in an area outside of communication or public relations.

As a communication student at Jewell, you will:

• Prepare, organize and deliver well-written, verbal and non-verbal messages crafted for a particular audience and context
• Demonstrate an understanding of communication theories and principles
• Interpret and demonstrate expected communication practices as informed by a variety of professional and social contexts
• Critically evaluate communication messages through identifying their ideological, cultural and contextual assumptions and implications

Internships

Internships will help you make the transition from formal academic study to actual on-the-job situations. Your career goals are matched with appropriate sponsoring organizations to provide increased learning opportunities. This will help you discover what you are good at, what you like, and learn to make choices and build relationships with people in the professional world. Internships make connections between what you learn in class and what you experience at work and in professional life. For this reason, the Department of Communication encourages all students to engage in internships that complement their course of study.

Employers supervising Jewell interns may use this form for their evaluation:

Scholarships

Scholarships and academic credit are available through our department's co-curricular activities. Contact Dr. Joshua Hoops for questions about the Gina Lane Debate Society or Dr. Robert Wells for information on the Hilltop Monitor Newspaper.