Specializations Within Communications Studies
While Communications Studies in its modern form originated at the beginning of the twentieth century as the study of oral communication and public speaking, the discipline has changed significantly over the past century in response to changing technology and new ways of thinking about how we communicate. This diversity is reflected in the diversity of sections, interest groups, and caucuses in the main scholarly organization in the field, the National Communication Association. Some of the concentrations for a communications degree in which students can specialize are:
- Journalism and Mass Media
- Interpersonal and Organizational Communications
- History and Theory of Rhetoric
- Public Relations
- Digital Communications and Game Studies
1. Journalism and Mass Media
A focus in Journalism and Mass Media prepares students for careers in print and broadcast journalism. Many programs operate television stations, radio stations, or student newspapers, which enable students to get hands-on experience and build their portfolios while still undergraduates. Coursework includes foundational skills such as the ability to research and think critically about media as well as the technical skills necessary for careers.
2. Interpersonal and Organizational Communications
Focusing on how people communicate in small groups, this concentration appeals both to students interested in graduate studies and those who might want careers in business. It can be paired with management training and is also useful for students who want careers in marketing, real estate, retail, human resources, or any other field where the ability to understand the dynamics of small group or person-to-person communication is important.
3. History and Theory of Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the discipline devoted to understanding general theories of persuasion. In antiquity, it was concerned with three main areas of discourse, legislative assemblies, courtroom, and ceremonial oratory, although by the middle ages it expanded to cover letter writing, preaching, and other fields. Students preparing for law school or graduate school often choose this as a specialization.
Ranking: Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs
4. Public Relations
A career-oriented specialization, Public Relations prepares students for careers in marketing, sales, advertising, and other forms of public relations. It can also be a useful major for students interested in the hospitality or retail industries.
5. Digital Communications and Game Studies
In response to the evolution of communications technology in the past few decades, Communication Studies has responded by developing courses which prepare students for degrees in various fields within digital communications. Students focusing on this concentration normally learn about web design, search engine optimization, and other aspects of creating material for the web as well as more general ways of thinking critically about digital information and communication. One growing area that is sometimes configured as an interdisciplinary program is the study of video games, including game design.
Conclusion
There are many different concentrations for a communications degree that can fit the interests and career goals of a wide range of students. These concentrations can be offered as majors or also as a minor or part of a double major. In almost any field, from medicine to politics and management to non-profit advocacy, ability to communicate well enables people to perform better in their jobs. In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, verbal communication skills rank as the most desirable attribute among job candidates across a wide range of fields.
Source: National Communication Association