Communication
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
Chris Bonelli, '14
Chris is the plant communications manager for General Motors' Orion Assembly and Pontiac Metal Center, located just north of Detroit, Michigan.
Kristin Sorenson, '14
After earning double majors in Spanish and communication from Virginia Tech in 2014, Kristin put Ut Prosim into action and went on to serve as a Program Director for a non-profit, Manna Project International, in Quito, Ecuador. Kristin leads programs while working with the language department at the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (Escuela Politecnica del Ejercito) and with the local branch of the United Nations Peacekeepers.
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.
Joe Jacko, '19
Joe graduated with a major in communication. During his time at Virginia Tech, he captained an esports league that collectively won over $20,000 in scholarships. This sparked his interest in studying gender and communication to create a more inclusive environment for esports. Joe is now the head League of Legends coach at the University of Southern California as well as esports head coach at Westridge School for Girls.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.