FAQs -
Frequently Asked Questions by those considering a degree in Communication
Studies
What do you study in the Communication Studies major?
Communication Studies (ComSt) is specifically focused on the study of
human communication within such contexts as interpersonal relationships,
small groups, organizations, and cultures. Topics of study vary accordingly
and include such areas as language and meaning, nonverbal communication,
conflict management, leadership, problem solving, and interviewing. Students
examine the role that symbolic communication plays in managing their interactions
in both personal and professional contexts. While there is some specific
communication skill development in the introductory courses, most courses
focus on understanding and analyzing the nature of human communication
within the given context. For example, students in the organizational
communication course examine how an organization's structure affects interactions.
What can you do with a degree in Communication Studies?
Our somewhat flippant response to this question is usually, "Anything
you want." We say somewhat flippant because the reality is that you
can pursue just about any career path you want with a degree in Communication
Studies. That's because success in almost all jobs requires a good understanding
of communication. Communication skills are always listed as the number
one or two quality that employers are looking for in applicants. The number
of possible career paths is almost limitless.
Unlike many professional degree programs, there is no single job titled
"Communication Expert," so you won't find that listed in the
job announcements. On the other hand, you are not restricted to one career
path after you get your degree in Communication Studies. Some general
areas where Communication Studies graduates are often employed include
human relations, personnel, training and development, corporate communication,
sales, public relations, management, and event planning.
Students also use their Communication Studies degree as a foundation for
continued graduate education in such areas as law, public administration,
business administration, and even communication studies.
How successful are Communication Studies students in getting
jobs after graduation?
Graduates have been very successful in gaining employment upon graduation.
In a survey of 2001-2002 graduates conducted by Career Services, 84% of
the ComSt graduates had secured professional positions in business, industry,
government, or non-profit agencies (compared to 49% for the entire College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences). Despite the weakened job market, the 2002-2003
class had 65% placement (compared to 45% for the college). Reported average
salary for 2002-2003 graduating class of Communication Studies majors
was $32,177 which is a 10.32% increase from the previous year and is more
than the national average for communication majors of $30,565 as reported
by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Within Iowa ComSt
students have been hired by such companies as Maytag, Met Life, Lennox,
Ferguson Enterprises, Pella Corporation, Target Stores, the State of Iowa,
Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, Younkers, Hormel Foods, Prairie
Land Coop, Allied Underwriters, and Victoria's Secret.
What kind of student is most likely to major in Communication
Studies?
If you have an interest in people and are fascinated by how people affect
one another through their words and actions, then Communication Studies
might be a good fit for your interests. Communication Studies students
tend to be people-oriented and are intrigued by such issues as how we
use communication to develop relationships, how communication impacts
an organization's effectiveness, or how do we overcome communication differences
between cultures.
What does it take to be a successful Communication Studies student?
One goal of the major is the development of students' ability to analyze
and synthesize information--important qualities regardless of your career
interests. The courses are designed to help foster the development of
these skills. Upper level courses require reading substantive material,
including published research articles from academic journals. Many courses
require substantial paper writing in which students apply the concepts
and theories to some particular situation (including their own lives)
or develop their own research based hypotheses or research questions.
Do you need a minor or double major?
The decision to minor or have a double major is really dependent upon
the student's own interest and it is unclear whether such a choice improves
a student's employability. Many students elect a minor as a way of created
a supportive area of study that complements their career interests. For
example, if you were interested in going into law or politics, you might
choose to minor in Political Science; those interested in business might
choose a general business minor, or those interested in public relations
might minor in journalism.
Some students choose to double major when they have particularly strong
interests in both communication studies and some other subject matter.
Recent Communication Studies graduates included second majors in political
science, environmental studies, Spanish, and music.
What other communication majors are there at ISU and how does
Communication Studies compare to them?
Iowa State University has several majors connected with communication
including, Speech Communication, Journalism and Mass Communication, Rhetorical
Studies and Technical Communication. These last three majors focus primarily
on written communication in producing articles, technical documents, or
writing for the web. These programs tend to reflect what is referred to
as a "professional" degree because they prepare students for
specific professions. Neither Communication Studies nor Speech Communication
at ISU are considered professional degrees.
Speech Communication focuses primarily on the study, creation, critique,
and performance of oral messages. Speech Communication and Communication
Studies often examine similar human communication contexts with Speech
Communication emphasizing performance and Communication Studies emphasizing
analysis and understanding.
Each of the above communication majors share an interest in how humans
use communication to manage their world and interact with one another
whether it be through written, spoken, or nonverbal messages.
Are internships offered or required of Communication Studies?
Communication Studies students are not required to take an internship,
but internships are available for credit both through the college and
in the major. Internships can be an asset in developing job contacts and
as a valuable experience to list on your resume. Students often use internships
as a way of assessing their interest in a particular career path.
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