Why Communication

Communication is a broad discipline that focuses on the generation of meaning within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and technologies. A communication degree will prepare students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and maintain meaningful personal and professional relationships and to lead in their workplace and communities.

Why major in communication?

● Effective and ethical communication is highly valued across contexts. Communication skills are universally valued and transferable. Our students learn to be critical consumers of messages, to adapt to audiences and diverse cultural contexts, and to apply communication principles effectively and ethically. This flexibility and adaptability prepares students to be successful across a variety of contexts, whether that’s in workplaces, in neighborhoods and communities, or in relationships with others.

● Communication majors develop applied skills that contribute to professional success. Communication skills are regularly among the top skills graduates most need to succeed. Other top priorities of employers include relationship building, teamwork, co-creativity, brainstorming, cultural sensitivity, empathy, and the ability to manage diverse employees, all of which are skills our majors cultivate through our curriculum. Major technology companies and others increasingly recognize these capabilities as just as, or even more, crucial than technical or role-specific skills. Relative to other disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, communication majors have the lowest rates of unemployment.

● Communication majors demonstrate leadership and make a difference. Communication as a discipline is committed to preparing students to be active and engaged citizens and leaders. Through our courses, students gain the opportunity to put their skills into practice through community engagement and other high-impact learning opportunities. Our students take what they learn and apply it as leaders across the ESU campus, and go on to make a difference in their communities and the world.

What can you do with a communication degree?

Graduates of our communication program go on to a wide array of fascinating careers in the private, government, and non-profit sectors. Some become public relations and advertising executives, broadcast journalists, directors of nonprofits, event planners, student affairs professionals, sports information officers, administrators, or entrepreneurs. Others go on to law school or pursue graduate studies in communication. Career opportunities are virtually limitless.

Examples of what our alumni are up to:

● Brandon Danford, teaching English in Japan for the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program

● Anne Hackman, General Manager of Ulta Beauty

● Michael Hubert, Vice-President, Global Communications, Alexion Pharmaceuticals

● Preston James, IV, JD, Attorney, Client Specialist/Agent at JR Sports Enterprises, Executive Director at Other Side of Sports, C.E.O. at PJ4 & Associates Sports Management Consulting, Legal Educator

● Dale Masterson, Senior Director of Development, University of California Berkeley

● Dr. Taylor Relph Kriley, Director of Inclusion & Diversity Excellence, Fort Hays State University

● Sarah Van Petten, Professional Relations Coordinator, Shriners Healthcare for Children

For more on our alumni, visit the Alumni Information page.

Testimonials