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B.S.CommunicationMinorMajor

communications

A communication degree can open doors to a wide variety of exciting and creative professional opportunities. Western Carolina University’s communication degree program gives students a choice of concentrations in broadcasting, broadcast sales, journalism or public relations. Students follow a dynamic curriculum taught by expert faculty members, many of whom possess years of professional experience. They learn in classrooms and facilities equipped with the latest technology to provide them with marketable skills. Each year, approximately 75 to 85 students earn their communication degree. Thanks to the program’s required professional internship experience, graduates enter the most sought-after fields, often in major markets.

What You'll Learn

The WCU Communication Program blends a traditional curriculum with hands-on learning and experiences through collaboration with fellow students, faculty and industry professionals. There are four concentrations for students to choose from, Broadcasting, Health Communication, Journalism or Public Relations. The core curriculum is composed of practical, theory and professional courses such as Writing for Communication, Communication Theory and Criticism, and Introduction to Professional Development. Regardless of their chosen concentration, all students become actively involved in local and regional service learning projects with real-world clients. The required professional internship allows them to work in their medium of interest for several weeks. Students also have plenty of opportunities to gain professional and networking experience, from working for WCU’s broadcast service or the department’s news website to joining The Public Relations Student Society of America, to name but a few.

Where You'll Go

From producing their own broadcasts, print materials and television programs to joining the faculty at national professional conventions, communication students do it all. They can, therefore, pursue a wide range of career specialties in fields such as radio and television broadcasting and advertising sales, print and electronic media, public relations, and communication training and development. Many broadcasting graduates enter the top 100 markets, while broadcast sales graduates are in high demand because they earn industry-recognized professional certification prior to graduation. WCU journalism and public relations graduates can be found in some of the top media outlets, corporations and government agencies.

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