Greetings from McMurry University’s Department of Communication Studies. Join us as we study, teach, research, and practice the art and science of communication.
Communication is at the heart of the human experience — and goes far beyond public speaking. Simply, it is the exchange of meaning, ideas, and the pathway to forming relationships. Communication is the means to engage, inform, excite, incite, unify, divide, persuade, or publicize.
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies immerses you in communication in its many forms and contexts: involving friends, family, work, social groups — any situation where you exchange ideas and information.
Our degree is built on the pillars of rhetoric, mediated communication, and intercultural communication. Rhetoric focuses on creating, analyzing, and understanding ways of influencing others. Mediated communication examines how different media (internet, phones, television, etc.) effect and enhance communication in a contemporary world. Intercultural communication examines the challenges of communicating across cultural boundaries.
A major in communication studies reflects a mastery of crafting meaningful and memorable relationships — supporting success in both your professional and personal life.
Areas of Study
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
If you search for the top 10 skills employers seek in new hires, most are included in the Communication Studies major.The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies covers theoretical principles and experiential learning, emphasizing rhetoric, mediated communication, and intercultural communication. Classes span the spectrum of skill areas, from argumentation and persuasion to professional-mediated communication (social media, etc.). Students explore the breadth and depth of communication, from personal interactions to career preparation.As part of the major, Communication Studies majors take nine hours in communication ecologies, which are classes in other disciplines that complement communication objectives and incorporate other disciplinary perspectives. These disciplines include political science, psychology, sociology, religion, and servant leadership. CatalogMinor in Communication Studies
The Communication Studies minor focuses on the foundational knowledge of the major. Mediated communication is a core requirement. You’ll build proficiency by choosing classes from three disciplines: rhetoric, intercultural communication, and professional communication. Communication is a vital skill for any career, and the minor in Communication Studies complements any major available at McMurry. CatalogMinor in Communication & Ministry
We live in a world with an ever-increasing need for effective communication skills. Particularly for those seeking careers in ministry, non-profit work, or community development, communicating effectively through digital, print, and oral media is an essential skill, transferable to various contexts. The minor in Communication & Ministry is not necessarily for those with a full-time ministry vocation but for those who see themselves working in related environments: non-profits, event planning, youth and children’s ministry, and community development organizations. CatalogMinor in Digital Design
Our world is mediated, and digital skills can open many career opportunities. In the Digital Design Minor, students will learn how to analyze, envision, and create engaging digital media and online campaigns. In other words, you will learn how to analyze and create media. Course choices include various media-focused English classes, digital image creation, and video production classes. The Digital Design minor aids students in developing the skills necessary for a career featuring social media and online campaigns.
Student Opportunities
Internships
Communication studies majors have the option to choose an internship as part of their degree. Internships can include positions in radio or television, social media, human resources, political campaigns or public relations. We will work to match the internship to each student’s goals and interests.Student Leadership
There are many opportunities to practice your communication skills — interpersonal, rhetorical and organizational — in student government, social clubs, Model United Nations and Servant Leadership.Global Learning Endorsement
The Global Learning Endorsement provides an opportunity for students to highlight academic achievement in global/international studies on their transcript. This endorsement will provide helpful documentation of the student’s expertise for employment in an increasingly globalized world. Learn More
Beyond McMurry
Careers
A degree in communication studies can prepare you for a variety of professions. In addition to communication roles, majors excel in teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, analyzing messages, creating messages, audience analysis, intercultural awareness, intercultural communication and other skills in high demand by employers. Examples of communication careers include:- Benefits Representative
- Business Executive
- Communication Coordinator
- Communication Manager
- Communication Specialist
- Corporate Communication Specialist
- Corporate Trainer
- Digital Media Manager
- Event Manager
- Management Analyst
- Marketing Communication Specialist
- Membership Representative
- Motivational Speaker
- Podcaster
- Political and Social Advocate
- Political Communication
- Program Facilitator
- Public Relations Specialist
- Recruiter
- Researcher
- Sales Representative
- Social Media Writer
- Speech Writer
