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Communication

Communication Studies

Communication is a universal human experience that lies at the heart of our social interactions, relationships, politics, and culture. We study its processes and systems to get a better understanding of how people relate to each other and the world around them.

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN SWITZERLAND

24

 AVERAGE UPPER-LEVEL CLASS SIZE

23:1 

STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO

36

DEDICATED FACULTY MEMBERS

Total Credit Hours: 120

Communication Requirements (46 hours)

General Education (45 hours)

Minor and Elective Requirements (29 hours)

What You'll Study

  • 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree, including Virginia Tech's Pathways 
  • 46 credits of communication courses, including:
    •  Visual Media
    •  The Rhetorical Tradition
    •  Persuasion
    •  Professional Communication
  • Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area of focus by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate. 

Related Links

What Is a Degree in Communication? 

Our communication major offers preparation for careers in business, politics, human services, management, law, education, and ministry. You will engage in critical thinking, developing and presenting effective messages, analyzing and solving problems, managing conflict, and establishing and maintaining relationships.

Why Study Communication Here?

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.

Beyond the Classroom

Investigate 

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.

research

Get Experience

By working in the field, you'll earn job experience and learn more about communication in the workplace. You will have the opportunity to explore potential career paths and network with communication professionals.  

 

internship

Come with us

We host an annual faculty-led study abroad experience at Virginia Tech's Steger Center for International Scholarship in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. The program includes a one-credit course in Blacksburg during the spring semester and two weeks of study in Switzerland, with online course components during the first summer session after you return from the trip. 

 

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study abroad

Collaborate

Our faculty has a mix of industry professionals and teaching and research scholars. Whether your interests are in a career as a communications practitioner or going on to get a Ph.D., we have a mentor for you. Our list includes anchors and news directors, a producer for HGTV, niche specialties like sports broadcasting, and experts on rhetorical theory, political communication, and the psychological effects of video games. 

 

faculty

What Our Students Are Saying

Careers and Further Study

What do I do with a communication major?

You will learn a set of skills that translates well to a wide range of careers. They are a serious asset when applying to many types of positions requiring excellent communication skills. The ability to think critically and perform empirical research puts you ahead of the competition.

Some common jobs our graduates earn include:

  • Communication director
  • Marketing coordinator
  • Sales associate
  • Recruiter
  • Digital marketing specialist
  • Branding manager
  • Special events planner
  • Content specialist