What is a communication major? Communication is the study of human interaction. Traditionally, this field focused on public speaking and the ancient study of rhetoric, which is the art of how people use language strategically for persuasion and other goals. The field branched out into the study of interpersonal communication, or how people interact with each other individually or in small groups. It also has branched out into media studies or mass communication, which is the study of communication through broadcast or printed media. In recent years, the field has moved into virtual communication, which is the study of how people interact online and through other new media.
What kinds of classes are communication majors required to take? Communication classes usually fall into two categories, which can overlap. Some communication classes are skills oriented, such as public speaking, group communication, interpersonal skills, media production, and public relations. Other courses are more traditionally academic and focus on theories about human interaction. These classes take a critical look at subjects such as political communication, public address, persuasion, intercultural communication, organizational communication, popular culture, news media, and virtual communication. Different communication departments vary quite a bit in what topics they emphasize.
Advantages and disadvantages of a communication major? At many schools, the communication major is very popular, and classes can be exceptionally difficult to get into. Communication also tends to have a reputation for being a “blow-off” major that is not academically rigorous. Anyone who has taken classes in a communication department knows that this, for the most part, is a myth. On the plus side, there's a reason these classes are so popular. They often are interactive and relevant.
What careers are available to communication majors? Because communication offers a combination of skills-oriented and theoretical classes, it provides a solid liberal arts background for many careers. Typical career choices for majors include public relations, advertising, corporate communication, human relations, broadcasting, and marketing. This major is a fairly common choice for pre-law students, especially when combined with a political science or history major.
Next: Read about more college majors such as linguistics and sociology, and read about great ways to enjoy a study break.
