Do you enjoy using social media? Do you find it easy to tell stories and share information with others? Have you wanted to strengthen your writing while building interpersonal and critical thinking skills? If the answer to these questions is yes, you should consider a major in the communication department! A degree in communication or a communication-adjacent field such as journalism or public relations teaches you to communicate with truth, authenticity, and authority.
What type of skills do communication majors have?
Communication majors take classes such as Orientation to Communication, Public Speaking and Persuasion and Interpersonal Communication. You may also study Communication Theory, Writing for the Media, Media and Culture, or Performance Studies. Many students double major or add a minor or concentration such as Public Relations, Journalism, Sport Media or Leadership Communication. Plan to meet with an advisor from your school learn more about the available communication majors, minors and courses.
What type of internship or hands-on experience is available?
Internship opportunities are routinely available at public relations or marketing agencies, as well as news and radio stations. Many colleges also have student media organizations such as campus newspapers or radio stations. There are often work-study opportunities in marketing, public relations or communication offices. These experiences are great resume builders.
To learn more, check out our blog on Finding the Right Internship for you!
What careers in communication are available?
With a degree in communication, there are many careers you could pursue. These include careers in advertising, marketing, public relations, journalism, broadcast media or film. Other careers in need of strong communicators include event planner, social media manager, human resources specialist, sales representative or brand manager. With a degree in communication, you will be prepared to enter many fields which require strong personal and interpersonal communication skills. You will also be prepared to continue your studies in graduate school.
At Bluffton University…
At Bluffton University, you will develop skills that allow you to produce and manage compelling, ethical, and persuasive content across multiple platforms. With excellent grounding in aesthetics, technical skills, communication theory and journalism in a digital age, students will be well equipped as professional storytellers in a converging media environment.
Students can also gain hands-on experience right on campus through “The Witmarsum,” Bluffton’s student-driven media organization or 96.1 FM WBWH.
Schedule a visit today to explore all that Bluffton has to offer!
Written by Emily Buss ’25, marketing and communication & media major