Communication
Major, Minor
Program Overview
Communication is the basis of any partnership. As a communication student, you'll develop skills in public speaking, interpersonal communication, research writing, organizational communication and more. With those skills, you'll be prepared for careers in business, government, education and anywhere clear communication is required.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
You want to develop an understanding of how communication serves as the backbone of any social experience. At CMU, you'll gain knowledge in communication research and theory. And you'll have the chance to acquire skills in the following areas:
- Public speaking.
- Small group communication.
- Interpersonal and family communication.
- Debate.
- Research writing.
- Organizational communication.
No matter what career path you choose, communication skills are valuable and in demand. Listening, oral and written communication are three of the top four skills necessary for finding a job, according to the American Society of Personnel Administrators. You'll develop these skills — and many more — in our program.
Our faculty have won several awards for their excellence in teaching. These include the President's Award for Research and Creativity, an award in Excellence in Teaching, and induction into the Central States Communication Association Hall of Fame. With their guidance, you can participate in service enhancement projects beyond the classroom.
You'll have the chance to pursue internships as well. Our students have interned at:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Dow Chemical Company
- Special Olympics Michigan
- Walt Disney World
- Warner Brothers Records
- Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour
Our department also offers study- and work-abroad opportunities in the European Union and China.
Program Highlights
As a communication student here, you'll:
- Learn from faculty who have been awarded the President's Award for Research and Creativity, Excellence in Teaching award, and induction into the Central States Communication Association Hall of Fame.
- Gain international experience abroad in the European Union or China.
- Participate in faculty-led service enhancement projects and pursue internships with major companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dow Chemical Company, Walt Disney World and Warner Brothers Records.
- Acquire oral communication, listening and written communication skills — three of the top four skills considered necessary for a job by the American Society of Personnel Administrators.
Careers & Outcomes
Communication, interpersonal, speaking and writing skills are valuable for many careers in many industries. As a result, studying communication can lead to a broad range of professional opportunities.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Communications Director | $74,755 |
| Public Affairs Manager | $75,151 |
| Communications Campaign Manager | $62,002 |
| Director of Government Affairs | $74,216 |
| Director of Digital Communications | $74,500 |
| Director of Internal Communications | $79,000 |
| Communications Analyst | $81,000 |
| Communications Consultant | $63,000 |
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