Navigating the Landscape of Modern Communication

Communication Studies Major

Hone your media production skills and sharpen your strategic communication tactics, preparing you for a successful career in the digital age.

Accredited

The University of Lynchburg is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Facilities

T.V. studio and video editing spaces

Opportunies

Join the campus newspaper, Debate and Forensic Society, Public Relations Student Society of America

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

If you have a passion for writing, speaking, or creating videos to express your ideas, the communication studies major offers a comprehensive path to mastering the art of communication. This program immerses you in practical experiences from day one, utilizing our state-of-the-art TV studio, video editing facilities, and participation in campus media like the Critograph newspaper and the Debate and Forensic Society.

We also emphasize the importance of internships, providing both on-campus and external opportunities to apply your communication skills in real-world settings, guided by our experienced faculty. Whether your ambition is to become a journalist, a public speaker, or a PR specialist, our program equips you with the skills needed for effective communication across various platforms and professional environments.

Curriculum and Resources

2024-25 Academic Year Information

Program requirements for the following can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

Communication Studies — Electronic Media Emphasis (BA)
Communication Studies — Journalism Emphasis (BA)
Communication Studies — Public Relations Emphasis (BA)
Communication Studies — Social Influence and Advocacy Emphasis (BA)

Academic Resources

Additional Resources

What Jobs Can I Get With a Communication Studies Degree?

Good communication is key in any field. But what can you do with a communication studies degree? You could work in journalism or politics, do public relations or communications for a corporation or nonprofit, or use your digital skills for social advocacy. This means you could have a thrilling career in many different industries.

A Look at Communication Careers and Their Potential Earnings

Here’s a list of jobs in different areas, along with how much they usually pay per year. This will help you get an idea of where a degree in communication studies can lead.

Social Influence and Advocacy

Advocacy Coordinator: $45,095
Government Affairs Director: $209,600
Nonprofit Organization Manager: $68,812
Public Relations Specialist: $78,540
Sales Manager: $62,070
Social Media Manager: $56,918

Journalism

Copy editor: $53,169
Multimedia specialist: $66,837
News anchor: $65,498
Photojournalist: $44,506
Radio host: $48,070
Reporter/journalist: $49,300

Electronic Media

Filmmaker: $51,042
Motion graphic artist: $77,700
News director: $65,530
Screenwriter: $61,384
Sound engineer: $58,360
Video editor: $59,863

Public Relations

Account executive: $56,962
Brand manager: $102,552
Chief information officer: $167,064
Crisis communication specialist: 70,630
Publicist: $50,309
Media buyer and planner: $52,313
Speechwriter: $85,717

Diverse Career Opportunities and Salaries in Communication Studies

When you choose a career in communication studies, you get to pick from a world of exciting jobs and earn good money. You could help change what people think as a public relations specialist, uncover breaking news stories as a journalist, or work to make the world a better place. Studying communications equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your chosen field — and anywhere.

Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.

Debate and Forensics Society

What we do

The Debate and Forensics Society offers students the opportunity to travel and compete in inter-collegiate parliamentary debate, Lincoln/Douglas debate, original oratory, interpretive events, and limited preparation events.

How can I benefit?

Be part of a competitive, award-winning team
Compete in team and individual events
Become an effective presenter and debater
Improve your public speaking abilities
Hone your argument and reasoning skills
Meet others who want to be regarded as professional and well-spoken
Gain confidence in your abilities
Give back to the community
Travel to New York, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Ontario, Canada for CFA tournaments