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Humanities

Undergraduate Symposium

The Undergraduate Student Symposium, sponsored by the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, presents student projects and performances through oral presentations, paper submissions, and poster displays.
Communication Studies Major

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The communication studies program at NSU has a very low student-faculty ratio and features professors with a wide variety of backgrounds and academic/research expertise. Each communication studies student receives individual attention from faculty on coursework and advice on life after undergraduate studies at NSU. Students can learn and excel in this supportive yet challenging environment. Communication studies majors may also select from a number of minors offered by the college.

Description

The communication studies major takes a broad approach, giving students a varied background in public speaking, media studies, and journalism. Students will learn how to write, speak, and listen effectively, as well as acquire skills in presentation, understand the role of communication in various settings, identify theories and models of communication, demonstrate knowledge and skill in the area of intercultural communication, and be conversant in mass media concepts and practices. A communication studies major prepares students for a wide variety of careers in such fields as broadcasting, education, public relations, television, radio, and law.

The communication studies major is offered during the day and evening on NSU’s main campus.

Learning Outcomes

A successful communication studies graduate is expected to:

  1. Communicate effectively
    1. Write well, especially in the areas of journalism, speechwriting, and public relations
    2. Speak well before public audiences, in small groups, and in interpersonal contexts
    3. Listen effectively in a variety of contexts
  2. Demonstrate skill in presentation design, especially in terms of:
    1. Audience analysis
    2. Research for informative, persuasive, critical, and literary performance
    3. Effective organization of presentation materials, and
    4. Rehearsal and delivery
  3. Comprehend the role of communication in personal, academic, and professional settings
    1. Identify historical and contemporary theories and models of communication
    2. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the area of intercultural communication
    3. Be conversant in mass media concepts and practice

Dual Admissions Option

Please refer to Dual Admissions Web site for additional information.

Career Opportunities

Communication majors attain business, academic, and professional positions in many areas. Occupations that require effective public communication skills include spokesperson, announcer, and on-air talent. In business, communication degrees prepare students to be corporate trainers, advertising coordinators, managers, public relations agents, consultants, and human resource specialists. Students with a degree in communication can pursue a career in education as a high school or college instructor after completing appropriate post-graduate education and/or certification. Communication specialists can serve effectively in government as speechwriters, campaign managers, and professional lobbyists. Communication degrees also provide good preparation for careers in arbitration, negotiation, and labor relations.