Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies Thiel College

Human communication is a transactional process in which persons share meaning. The communication studies major includes a variety of courses including public speaking, small group, and organizational communication, persuasion, rhetorical theory, and intercultural communication. As the world becomes more fractured and divided, understanding how communication works is becoming increasingly more important.

The Thiel College communication studies major prepares students for a wide variety of jobs in which sound human communication skills are especially significant and necessary. It also prepares students for graduate study in communication.

Major Features

• Demonstrate outstanding communication skills and proficiency as a public speaker
• Gain competence in resolving ethical issues in effective communication
• Be prepared for entry-level employment in jobs where communications skills are necessary, or to enter graduate programs in media, advertising, or public relations
• Be able to join the Lambda Pi Eta chapter of the National Communication Association

A student who graduates from Thiel College with a major in communication studies will:

• Be able to adapt to various levels of communication such as interpersonal, small group, and organization;
• Be able to apply effective argumentation and persuasion skills to interpersonal, small group, and organizational communication;
• Understand the ethical issues involved in the various levels of communication such as interpersonal, small group, and organizational communication;
• Demonstrate effective communication in oral and written forms in the field.

Major Requirements

• COMM 171 Introduction to Communication
• COMM 175 History of Communication
• COMM 181 Public Speaking
• COMM 225 Interpersonal Communication
• COMM 250 Small Group Communication
• COMM 265 Communication and Gender
• COMM 281 Media Literacy
• COMM 300 Persuasion
• COMM 321 Organizational Communication
• COMM 325 Communication Ethics
• COMM 331 Intercultural Communication
• COMM 455 Media Law & Regulation
• COMM 470 Senior Seminar

Choose one

• COMM 155 Introduction to Integrated Marketing OR
• COMM 220 Introduction to Digital and Print Journalism OR
• COMM 235 Announcing OR
• COMM 440 Communication Theory

Recommendation: It is recommended that students majoring in communication studies take an internship and become involved with extracurricular activities in theatre and student media.

Communication competence and critical literacy are essential tools in dozens of careers. The ability to communicate well and to understand and analyze others' communications will open doors in many careers.

A degree in communication studies from Thiel College will prepare you for positions in:

• Sales - A full-time real estate agent makes a median salary of $54.000. A sales representative for a technical firm earns an average salary of $57.564.*
• Human Resources - HR specialists and recruiters earn a median salary of $59,180.**
• Training and Development - Corporate trainers earn an average of $47,393, but salaries for trainers at some companies reach as high as $122,000.***
• Insurance - Underwriters earn a median salary of $65,030. Claims Adjuster I earn a median salary of $44,354 and Claims Adjuster II earn a median salary of $58,526.+
• You may pursue a career working for government or business as a labor relations specialist. These jobs pay a median salary of $117,421.++

*glassdoor.com
**Bureau of Labor Statistics Human resources salaries
***indeed.com
+recruiter.com
++ salary.com