Communication Major
Why Study Communication at Virginia Tech?
Communication majors work with award-winning faculty and a flexible curriculum designed to provide you with a liberal arts background and strong career-oriented coursework. Focusing on the dynamics of human communication, students learn to be persuasive communicators across a variety of contexts.
1
Study Abroad Program in Switzerland
24
Average Class Size
23:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Erica Sullivan, '20
Erica graduated with a major in communication and a minor in fashion merchandising and design. While at Virginia Tech, she participated in Collegiate Women in Business all four years and served as their Co-Chief Executive Officer. Erica pitched in the Spring 2020 Entrepreneurship Challenge and was awarded Fan Favorite for her UPF fashion wear - Low Ultraviolet (L.U.V.). She works as CEO and Founder of the LLC for L.U.V. and as an Editorial Assistant for Wine & Country Weddings.
Clay Williams, '22
Clay completed an independent study, where he developed and conducted his own research, during his undergraduate experience with Dr. Duncan. This opportunity prepared him to pursue a master’s degree in Communication Theory and Research at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.
Olivia Moyer, '22
Olivia had several experiences as an undergraduate student to support her future career. She worked with Virtually Vital, a digital marketing agency in Blacksburg, to support the company’s social media accounts, was involved with the Society of Professional Journalists, and PRSSA. Olivia plans to continue at Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in Reputation Management.
Tasia Travis, '22
Tasia participated in many leadership opportunities outside of the classroom, including serving as the president of Hawthorn and an apartment fellow in West Ambler Johnson. She was also a writing center coach at the library. Tasia is attending graduate school at Virginia Tech for communication.
Gabby Taylor, '22
In addition to a major in communication, Gabby also completed minors in psychology and sociology. She was a retail team member at the University Bookstore, Orientation Team Member, Welcome Week Leader, Student Project Assistant for the Office of Student Engagement and Campus Life, Marketing Assistant for New Student and Family Programs, and Writing Intern for VT Magazine. She also was a writer and Recruitment Director for Her Campus. Gabby is now the Communications Coordinator for the Department of Apparel, Housing and Resource Management at Virginia Tech.
Becca Halm, '22
Becca’s research and media skills were expanded through the communication curriculum, the amazing professors, and classes she completed. Becca interned at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center as a communications assistant, editing and producing podcasts, creating graphics for social media and events, and writing stories for the website. Becca works at the CRC as the coworking space administrator and media specialist.
Elizabeth Britt, '24
Elizabeth had an amazing opportunity to intern in New York City as a marketing intern for Paramount+. She was one of 100 streaming summer interns chosen by Paramount out of more than 38,000 applications. She also studied abroad through the Lugano Linking Lives study abroad program, which is offered by the Department of Marketing in the Pamplin College of Business.After graduating, Elizabeth is planning on moving back to New York and work in the entertainment industry.
Jackson Sirbaugh, '23
Jackson graduated with a B.A. in Communication Science & Social Inquiry and a minor in Event & Experience Management from VT in December 2023. Throughout undergrad, he was the President of TechNotes A Cappella, Visual Communications Specialist for Virginia Tech Rec Sports, Social Media Assistant for Virginia Tech, H.U.G Leader for the School of Communication, and Media Relations Executive for Relay For Life at Virginia Tech. Jackson now works as the Social Media Coordinator of Virginia Tech Communications & Marketing where he helps plan, create, and execute social media content for a variety of topics on Virginia Tech's flagship social accounts.
Jessica Kim, '23
As a Communication Science and Social Inquiry major with a minor in Political Science, Jessica’s focal point of studies were the examination of pervasive systemic behaviors rooted in socio-psychological theories, with a keen focus on their implications on contemporary socio economic challenges. She was involved in CLAHS ambassador program, Media Content Assistant for the School of Communication, and did an internship for a political campaign. Upon graduating in December 2023, Jessica is working for the federal government while concurrently pursuing a law degree.
Kathleen Finn, '24
While at Virginia Tech, Kathleen was a member of PRISM, a student-run marketing agency, where she served as co–Chief Marketing Officer during her senior year. Through the PRISM network, she secured a summer sales internship with Otis Elevator in New York City, which led to a full-time role after graduation. After earning her degree in Communications, Kathleen worked in customer relationship and business development at Otis before transitioning into an account management role at Toast.
Eireann Maybach, '25
Eireann is the Education Coordinator for the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, with a focus on expanding healthcare access in rural communities. She earned dual degrees in Communication and Political Science and gained experience through internships in government affairs, health advocacy, and public policy, along with leadership and research roles during her undergraduate career.
Careers and Further Study
What Can You Do with a Major in Communication?
Jobs Held by Our Graduates
- Communication director
- Marketing coordinator
- Sales associate
- Recruiter
- Digital marketing specialist
- Branding manager
- Special events planner
- Content specialist
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning
Talk to a professor about designing your own research project or investigating a topic that interests you. You'll work closely with a faculty mentor to plan a course of action, discuss your findings, and write a report. You can also assist a faculty member with their research project or volunteer as a study participant.
By working in the field, you’ll gain professional experience and learn how communication works in the workplace. Internships help you explore career options and build connections with industry professionals.
Each year, students can join a faculty‑led study abroad program at Virginia Tech’s Steger Center in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. The experience includes a spring course in Blacksburg and two weeks of study in Switzerland, followed by online coursework during the first summer session.
Our faculty includes industry professionals and scholars with expertise in media, public relations, rhetorical theory, political communication, sports broadcasting, and the psychological effects of video games. Whether you’re preparing for a career in the field or planning to pursue graduate study, you’ll find mentors who support your goals.
Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Degree
- Including Virginia Tech's Pathways
Communication Major Requirements
- Visual Media
- The Rhetorical Tradition
- Persuasion
- Professional Communication
Minor and Elective Hours
Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.
120 hrs
B.A. Communication
45 hrs
General Education
46 hrs
Major Requirements
29 hrs
Minor + Elective
Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that Virginia Tech has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.