Communication Studies

Effectively presenting yourself and your ideas is crucial, regardless of your profession. NSU communication studies graduates communicate clearly and confidently because they're trained to think critically - an asset for any employer.
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About The Program
College of Arts and Sciences

Communication Studies

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Northern's communication studies students learn to understand and practice communication, developing insight into and ability in effective expression and listening. 

In this compact, agile communications program, we'll help you tailor experiences and projects to your special needs and interests.

Our communication studies degree also prepares you for professional schools in law, journalism, public relations, and organizational communication; or graduate studies in speech communication, rhetoric, public relations, mass media, and others.

You can also test your abilities and sharpen your competition skills on Northern's Speech and Debate team, which places competitively in state and regional meets and whose members have qualified for national competition.

 

Public Relations Emphasis

Public relations specialists read, research, write and speak well - they're doers who have a creative flair. NSU's Communication Studies program offers a focus on public relations, opening opportunities for you if you're interested in preparing and sharing information that keeps people informed.

 

 

Careers 

The communication studies degree program provides a foundation for many careers. You'll learn the skills needed to obtain positions in business, industry, education and government service. Other potential career areas include sales and marketing; artists, broadcasters, editors, entertainers, public relations specialists and writers; and management- and administration-related occupations.

Public Relations

Public relations specialists work for private firms, educational institutions and government agencies, or are self-employed. They also have positions in sales and marketing or as artists, broadcasters, editors, entertainers, and writers, and work in management and administrative occupations.

For more information on careers in your major or help choosing a major, contact the NSU Career Center.

Internships 

Communication Studies students gain valuable real-world experience through a required a 3-credit internship.

NSU College of Arts and Sciences Internships

Scholarships 

Arts and Sciences Scholarships

NSU Scholarships

 

Courses 

Communication Studies (BA) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

Communication Studies Minor Course Requirements

Public Relations Minor Course Requirements

Plans of Study 

Communication Studies (BA) Plan of Study

Public Relations Emphasis (BA) Plan of Study

Program Success/Outcomes 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“I came to Northern with no idea of what I wanted to pursue, but thankfully one of the first professors that I had once I got to Northern talked to us about the speech and debate team. Through that program, I learned about the Communication Studies major and realized that I found something that I genuinely enjoyed learning. I think that something that sets Northern apart is its size. At a bigger school, I don’t think that I could have gotten as much personal interaction with my professors. I have friends at bigger universities whose professors don’t even know their name. At Northern, however, when I walk around campus my professors address me by name. Without that personal connection I may have never thought of a major in Communication Studies and be on the path that I am now.” – Makaela Moser, Mobridge #beNORTHERN #unleashYOURpotential #NorthernStateU

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Contact Information 

For more information about this degree, contact Jessica Ness, or call 605-626-2272 or 605-626-7900.

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