For some students, the choice of a college major is set even before they enter Kindergarten. They have had aspirations to become doctors, lawyers, actors, or even teachers. Then there are those of us who marvel at the power of the spoken and written word. English is the first major that comes to mind. With a degree in English, students can take their writings skills to the classroom and teach, or perhaps work in a publishing house. But for the student who is looking for a dynamic career and who likes to speak, write, create and inspire, communications is the major to consider.
Communications integrates the humanities and social science with writing and speaking skills. You will learn how to master principles and techniques that will offer the opportunity to be a leader in the many professions for which you can prepare. Strong communication skills are necessary for leadership roles in all aspects of society.
This major takes many forms, and as such, tHere are several areas within the communications major in which you can specialize. With an emphasis in advertising or marketing, you can learn to plan and manage advertising, public relations or sales campaigns. Designing press releases and planning promotional events are part of what can be learned in this curriculum and classes might include consumer behavior and writing for marketing. Another emphasis open to communications majors is broadcasting.
This of course could put the graduate in front of the camera at a local or national television station after taking classes in feature writing and news images.
For those students who want to want to change the world, an emphasis in political communication can make the difference. This aspect of the major can lead to working on political campaigns or you can select nonprofit, government, or educational settings. Among the classes open to those students in this emphasis would be those involving political writing, American government, even courses in politics and comedy. Finally, the communications major can also prepare for a career in the hectic venues of arts and entertainment management by including in your studies classes in entertainment and media relations.
A major in communications can help you develop skills in speaking, listening, critical thinking, research and the technology of communication. A great advantage to his major is that you can be prepared to assume a leadership role as a responsible communicator without several years of post graduate study. But, those who wish can use their communications studies as a springboard to graduate school and a career in teaching and research.
Unlike any other, the communications major is flexible and adaptable to your unique interests. You can master the tools to help you be a leader in your chosen profession and to truly make a difference in the local and global community.
