Communication Major

Perhaps no single profession is challenged in the same way as the field of communication. New technologies change at lightning speed, and news reaches around the world in an instant – definitely not for the faint of heart, yet a truly exciting time to explore a career in communication.

Today’s pressing question: “How do you prepare for jobs that don’t exist today?” Who would have thought a few years ago that a position such as social media strategist or satellite radio producer would be available? Yet, those are real careers today and you will be well prepared with the skills necessary for these exciting jobs – and those that have yet to arise.

At Parkside, we focus on the development of cultural competence within the context of the local community, the nation, and the larger world — fostered through experiential learning opportunities within the context of theoretical coursework.

Emphasizing the relationship between theory and practice, you are given the opportunity to improve your skills in oral and written projects based on a deep understanding of the complex process of human communication. In addition to regular coursework, you will complete at least one internship and have many opportunities to put learning into action.

Tuition & Fees Program Requirements Course Schedule

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Are you interested in hosting your own radio program? Consider WIPZ, the campus radio station streaming live on the internet. Would you like to put your journalism skills to good use? Consider working for Ranger News, the student newspaper.

Do you like to organize events and bring in guest speakers? Join the Parkside Association of Communicators. PAC provides opportunities for students, faculty/staff, alumni, and working professionals to interact and discuss the communication field.

Parkside has many great talent and academic scholarship opportunities for communication majors. Your application for admission acts as your initial application for Parkside scholarships and grants. Be sure to indicate your intended major on your application. Once you have been admitted, we may request additional information via email. To be eligible, you must be admitted to the university by February 1.

Here are a few of the scholarships available for new and continuing students:

Communication Endowed Scholarship
Picken Scholarship
Mary Louise Link Arts and Humanities Scholarship

Learn more about Communication scholarships.

Employment of communication occupations is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations, which will result in about 43,200 new jobs. Demand for communication occupations is expected to arise from the need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms.

The median annual wage for communication occupations was $54,780 in May 2016, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $37,040.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)