Media delivers information to society and humans engage in all modes of communication to shape their interactions. People consume news on Snapchat, blog about contemporary issues, shape their identity on Facebook and create living autobiographies on Instagram. The ways of communication are changing every day, yet the human need and ability to connect is stronger than ever.
The Communication Studies program is designed to give students the critical skills needed to negotiate the communication demands and challenges of contemporary industries and teach them how to understand the ever-changing mediascape affecting society, both in the past and the present. Communication Studies examines the forms and practices of communication through six areas of emphasis:
- Media and communication history
- Media and cultural theory
- Visual communication
- Global communication
- Cultural and creative industries
- Digital media studies
Students will gain foundational knowledge of mass media, along with a critical perspective, allowing them to become a reflective, influential and engaged citizen. They will learn to analyze communication in its social, economic, political and cultural contexts.
The broad approach to the field will prepare students for diverse careers, including professional communications, publishing, politics, nonprofit work and public relations. They will also be equipped to pursue professional programs after graduation, such as journalism, business and law.
Management Option:
The fundamentals of business are at the heart of any organization and many careers. While students complete their degree in an Arts, Economics, Science or Music program, the Management Option will provide them an understanding of the core principles of the business world, including accounting, marketing, human resources, operations, policy, and finance. They will take courses such as Understanding the Business Environment; Introduction to Financial Accounting; Introduction to Microeconomics or Macroeconomics; and Statistics.
