Communication (B.A.)

About the Program

Are you interested in providing public relations for an individual or organization? Do you want to go into broadcasting? Would you like to learn how to deliver an effective speech? Or how about analyzing the effects of media on our lives?

ESU's Department of Communication aims to prepare students for civic participation in an increasingly complex world that requires sophisticated practical, critical, and theoretical understandings of human communication. The coursework and degree programs focus on the history, theory, and critical evaluation of human and mediated communication.

View Courses and Requirements

Department Vision

The Department of Communication is committed to creating and protecting a diverse and inclusive environment for our students, staff and faculty members. In pursuing these goals, we collaborate with students to engage communities as active citizens who attend to, include, and advocate for the rights of all persons and communities. We believe in the importance of promoting freedom of expression in respectful dialogues in our classrooms, clubs, and interactions. We commit ourselves in our undergraduate and graduate classes to cultivate environments that include, empower and encourage all experiences and voices in our research, study, and practices of communication.

Concentrations

Gain hands-on experience in television, radio, and digital production while learning how to create, direct, and deliver compelling media content for today’s broadcast landscape.

Explore the impact of media on society, culture, and politics through critical analysis and research, preparing you for careers in media policy, research, and education.

Learn how to craft persuasive messages and lead public discourse around social issues, preparing for roles in community organizing, nonprofit advocacy, or government communication.

Develop strategic communication skills to manage brand reputation, craft messaging, and engage audiences across traditional and digital platforms—ideal for agency, corporate, or nonprofit PR careers.

Student Organizations

WESS Radio (90.3 FM) is a student-operated, non-commercial, FCC-licensed radio station. WESS offers a variety of alternative entertainment and educational programming including music, talk shows, Warriors sports, and vintage radio programs. In 2014, WESS won the prestigious MTV College Radio Woodie Award for being the "best student- operated radio station in the country."

Learn More

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a professional organization for students looking to excel in the field of public relations. Although many members are Communication majors, PRSSA's student-run public relations firm cooperates with students majoring in other related programs such as Art + Media + Design, English, and Business Management. Students who are involved have the opportunity to work with real clients to learn effective time-management skills in the process of developing and implementing PR campaigns.

Learn More

Internship Opportunities

The internship program for Communication majors is designed to provide real-world experiences in the field of Communication. Internships are considered essential in the areas of broadcasting and public relations, but are also helpful in preparing students for many other communication areas. The broadcasting concentration requires students to take a three-credit internship, but students in all concentrations are encouraged to apply for an internship.

Career Development at ESU

We'll help you launch your career. Support services are available through the ESU Career Development Center. The center offers a variety of internship opportunities, career planning, and employment services to all ESU students and alumni.