Communication Studies Colorado State University

Overview

Communication Studies majors receive a broad-based, liberal arts education designed to equip them for the challenges of the 21st century, the need to adapt to a rapidly changing workplace, and the likelihood of more than one career. Along with courses in communication studies, the major requires courses in the arts and humanities, the social sciences, and history, and a minor or second major.

The department’s goals for undergraduate majors include helping students to achieve an outstanding education in communication studies, to further their knowledge and understanding of human communication, and to provide leadership in communication activities. In so doing, we hope to help students prepare for successful careers, the duties of citizenship, and productive and rewarding lives.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

Students will be able to explain the utility of theories from these areas and utilize research methods to explore questions from each area of inquiry. 

Skills that allow them apply their knowledge of the major as they address contemporary issues salient to their personal, professional, and civic lives.  They will be skilled in both oral and written communication, being able to develop and deliver coherent, well-organized claims to specific audiences.  Students will also develop critical thinking skills that allow them to analyze texts, situations, or issues using credible evidence and following a logical, systematic, and/or precise structure.

Potential Occupations

The Communication Studies major from Colorado State University, like many liberal arts majors, provides students with a broad academic background suitable for a variety of jobs in the public and private sectors. Majors are trained to think independently and critically, communicate effectively, and function in a multicultural world. Employers appreciate communication studies majors for their multiple skills and their ability to adapt to a variety of tasks and work environments.

Many majors find employment in public relations/marketing, politics, sales, human relations, government, business management, convention and meeting planning, education, and social media. Some students move on to graduate work in communication studies and to post-graduate study in business, law, and theology.

Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, employee relations specialist, employment counselor, human resource consultant, industrial relations representative, public relations specialist, labor relations consultant, training director, vocational rehabilitation counselor, advance agent, business communicator, equal opportunity representative, foreign service officer, cooperative extension service worker, politician, lobbyist, speechwriter, press agent, literary agent, interviewer, sales representative, scriptwriter, filmmaker, lawyer, and teacher.

Internships are available to Communication Studies majors and are highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who seek advanced studies can attain positions with higher responsibilities and can rise to top professional levels.