MAJORS
Communication Studies

MINORS
Communication Studies
Interdisciplinary English/Communication Studies/Theatre Arts

Concentrations in the Major:

Interpersonal/Organizational concentration:
This concentration focuses on developing the “people skills” necessary to work successfully in businesses, nonprofits and other organizations, and it can lead to careers in management, sales, social services, event planning, development and fundraising, and more.

Message and Media concentration:
This concentration focuses on message design and production and can lead to careers in public relations, outreach, advertising, copywriting, marketing, editing, publishing, promotion, journalism, broadcasting, etc.

Social Influence concentration:
This concentration focuses on developing skills in community leadership and public service and can lead to careers in politics, advocacy, law, or civic affairs.)

Individualized concentration:
This concentration allows you to choose courses from across the college to design a plan of study that fits your exact needs. Past examples include Intercultural Communication (double major with Spanish), Health Communication, Public Relations, and Sports Marketing.)

As a Communication Studies major or minor, you will find your own voice, consider why and how people communicate, learn how to better listen, and fine-tune your skills of persuasion. Edgewood students receive a strong foundation in communication theories and the physiology of spoken and mediated communication. You will study the history and structure of argument, the nonverbal aspects of communication and the intercultural challenges of communication. When you graduate, you will be prepared to survive in the professional world and be capable of sharing your knowledge in a way that is effective and engaging.

As part of our curriculum, we also offer exciting opportunities to apply communication knowledge and skills through research, community service, and internships. Madison and surrounding areas offer a plethora of internships and chances to build experience and expertise. By meeting one-on-one with your Communication Studies advisor, you can select and locate work experience that will help you to hit the ground running when you finish your degree!

The research conducted within the department and our service learning provides other opportunities to apply what has been learned in class. Here the focus is on applying theory and knowledge in a way that benefits the larger community or society. Through this experience, students acquire valuable skills and additional work experience while learning from and serving others.

What can you do with a degree in Communication Studies? A lot! In fact, the ability to communicate effectively is often cited as the skill rated number one for career advancement across all professions. Examples of communication careers include advertising, consulting, customer service, fund-raising, human relations, law, management, media, politics, public relations, publishing, sales, social services and teaching. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nine of the possible career paths mentioned above will be the biggest generators of new jobs over the next 10 years.