Communication (BA)

Description

The University offers a bachelor of arts (BA) in communication.

Communication majors study theory and practice in a focused set of courses designed to maximize professional development. Communication graduates are prepared for careers in multimedia fields, journalism, public relations, and human communication. The program offers excellent preparation for graduate studies.

Coursework includes a required core of communication courses, a set of elective courses, and courses in a concentration selected from the following areas:

  • Cultural Communication
  • Health Communication
  • Journalism
  • Digital and Interactive Media
  • Public Relations

An important feature of the program is its emphasis on blending classroom learning with practical experience and cocurricular activities that result in exciting and challenging study. Most courses in the major feature structured team-based work that prepares students for a contemporary workplace.

  • Students gain practical skills and experience by conducting independent research or producing creative projects, completing internships, and pursuing community engagement through client-based and volunteer experiences with various on-campus and community-based organizations, including television and radio stations, newspapers, not-for-profit agencies and associations. These experiences help students build a portfolio and receive professional assessment of work that may lead to employment after graduation.
  • Students benefit from mid-size to smaller classes taught by award-winning faculty who have a diversity of specialties. Department faculty hold doctoral degrees, engage in research, and publish within their specializations.
  • Facilities available for student research and activities include multimedia production studios, equipment support for field production, public relations production laboratory, and various instructional laboratory spaces.

Communication majors are actively involved in several student organizations, including the Public Relations Student Society of America, Sycamore Video, WISU-FM, a 13,500-watt stereo radio station, and Lambda Pi Eta, a communication honor society.

Majors are encouraged to pursue other opportunities including study abroad (ranging from summer programs to a single semester or a full academic year in over 56 countries), the University Honors Program, and certificate programs in nonprofit leadership or in professional communication.

Special Note: In addition to the communication major (listed above), the department also offers a minor in communication that includes 21 credits. The communication minor is open to all non-communication majors—and is an excellent way to increase employability and supplement skills and abilities.

Required Courses

Careers

Our graduates are well prepared for careers in their chosen area study. In addition, the Communication Program is excellent preparation for graduate study. Listed below are a few of the opportunities.

Communication and Culture

  • Campaign manager
  • Communication coach
  • Community organizer
  • Crisis management officer
  • Professional fundraiser
  • Human resource specialist
  • Mediator
  • Nonprofit manager
  • Professional writer
  • Sales manager
  • Social worker
  • Speech writer

Media Studies

  • Account executive
  • Director
  • Disc jockey
  • Media buyer
  • News anchor
  • Producer
  • Program director
  • Public relations positions
  • Reporter
  • Sales manager
  • Station manager
  • Talk show host
  • Video and film editor
  • Web designer
  • Writer
 

Journalism

  • Editor
  • Copy editor
  • Media interviewer
  • Newscaster
  • Publisher
  • Reporter
  • Researcher
  • Scriptwriter
  • Technical writer

Public Relations

  • Advertising manager
  • Audience analyst
  • Corporate public affairs specialist
  • Creative director
  • Development officer
  • Fundraiser
  • Lobbyist
  • Marketing specialist
  • Media analyst
  • Media planner
  • News writer
  • Press agent
  • Publicity manager
  • Public opinion researcher

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.

In addition, the Department of Communication offers a variety of scholarships and awards.

Further Information

Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions for further information and assistance.

Currently enrolled students should contact the following:

Department of Communication
Indiana State University
812-237-3068

 

The Graduate Catalog and Undergraduate Catalog of Indiana State University are the documents of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalogs supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.

Tools

Contact

Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions for further information and assistance.

Currently enrolled students should contact the following:

Department of Communication
Indiana State University
812-237-3068