Communication
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.
1
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.
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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.
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.
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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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.
What Our Students Are Saying
"Communication studies provided me with the flexibility to have two minors and tailor my coursework to my interests. During college I was able to apply what I was learning in my program to courses I took in other departments and in campus leadership roles. I have excelled in graduate school in part because of critical and analytical skills I developed through the communication studies courses."
Anjelica Smith, BA '14, M.A. '16
“As a student in the School of Communication, I gained several employable, tangible skills, including data analysis and news writing. These skills and three internships led to a full-time job offer from a marketing agency in Richmond upon graduation. I credit my success to the professors who pushed me to achieve professional and academic excellence.”
Meghan Schmidt, ‘21
Careers and Further Study
Melanie Kiernan Courey, '11
Melanie Kiernan Courey discovered she had a passion for corporate social responsibility and community engagement. She served a a program leader for the YMCA's Alternative Breaks program. After graduation, she was an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow and is now working as a marketing and community relations specialist at Whole Foods Market.
Chris Bonelli, '14
Chris is the plant communications manager for General Motors' Orion Assembly and Pontiac Metal Center, located just north of Detroit, Michigan.
Christina Sullivan, '13
Christina Sullivan directed marketing and communication for the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, a regional nonprofit, for over a year after graduation. She is now the director of brand strategy for the social media marketing company Heyo in Blacksburg.
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.
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
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