Communication Studies

Students in the communication studies major or minor will find their new skills useful in personal and professional situations, valuable in every job and effective when community leadership is needed. You'll learn how to choose your words and tone for speeches and written communication as well as how to listen for the communication cues of others to be able to quickly solve problems. You'll study methods and techniques for producing effective communication locally, nationally and internationally.

Program Requirements Judy C. Pearson Department of Communication Studies Communication Studies Scholarships Minnesota Transfer Pathway

Program Highlights

• Committed faculty with extensive backgrounds either as a participant in or leader of international study opportunities.
• Degree that complements other majors and minors such as human relations, business and mass communications.
• Diversity in internship experiences through a variety of businesses, nonprofits and charitable organizations.
• Active student groups that are competitive, inclusive and provide leadership opportunities as well as social interaction.
• Education Abroad opportunities that build global communication skills and perspective.
• Extensive on-campus and community activities that enhance multicultural learning and perspective.
• Select classes are available online.
• This discipline is also available as a minor to complement another major. 

Program Distinctions

• One of the top 5 programs in degrees granted for 11 years.
• Core classes occur in smart classrooms in Riverview, the only campus building on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Ten scholarship funds focus on communications studies.
• Notable alumni: Justin Wampach '95 is owner,  president and chief executive officer of Adjuvant Technologies, a provider of software for physician scheduling and an on-call management system, and co-founder and former president of Digital Green. Brian Schoenborn '92 counsels businesses in sports, entertainment, high technology and manufacturing as managing partner of Leonard, Street and Deinard.

University Facts & Stats

• 93% of communications studies graduates employed

• 1 million hours of campus, community volunteer service

• $106 million in scholarships loans and grants

• More than 200 student organizations

• Among Forbes' "America's Top Colleges" 

• A 2021 Military Friendly® Top 10 School designation