In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid for your communication studies degree.
Communication Studies Degree
Communication Studies Degree Program
The Communication Studies degree program prepares students for careers in corporations, community, health care, law, ministry, speech pathology, higher education, politics, and public service. The Communication Studies program is also designed for students interested in graduate programs in law, ministry, speech pathology, accelerated nursing, or communication programs.
Good communication skills are valued for all professions. Organizations desire to employ individuals with strong speaking, writing, critical thinking, listening, creativity, problem solving, and collaboration skills. The program focuses on interactions between individuals, groups, and organizations. Communication skills are cultivated and honed through coursework, clubs, and internships.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S. in communication studies
Hours required:
For concentration: 36-48
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120
Popular minors: Biology, Journalism, Business Administration, Theatre, Editing and Publishing, Electronic Media, Music, English, Art, Sport Management, International Studies, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science
School: Arts and Humanities
Department: Communication Arts
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the communication studies degree program.
Skills Learned
- Interpersonal and family communication
- Speech delivery / public speaking
- Critical thinking and reasoning
- Persuasion, argumentation, and advocacy
- Organizational communication and leadership
- Intercultural communication
- Mass communication through various media
- Conflict management
- Professional standards and ethics
- Cultural awareness and civic engagement
Possible Careers
- Professional speaker / presenter
- Public relations specialist
- Digital strategy specialist
- Communications specialist
- Marketing director
- Social media manager
- Speechwriter
- Human resource specialist
- Speech pathologist
- Writer or journalist
- Ministry
- Teaching/coaching
- Event planner
Employers
- Online media outlets
- Publishing companies
- Businesses and corporations
- Marketing or advertising agencies
- Public relations firms
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Government programs
- Non-profit organizations
- Theatres and production companies
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Television/broadcast companies
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished, with 87% of our full-time faculty having the highest degree in their field. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the communication studies degree program.
Raihan Jamil
Assistant Professor
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in communication studies by participating in clubs, organizations, internships, and more.
Clubs and Organizations​
- Forensics Team (competitive speech team)
- Lambda Pi Eta Honorary
- PR in Action
- Civic Leadership at Wayne State (CLAWS)
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Workshops - Communications and theater arts workshops will give you abundant firsthand experience for you to hone your skills in preparation for a career in this field of study.
- Trips, conferences, and more – Attend communication conferences and presentations, and participate in leadership opportunities.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Internships
Internships through community organizations are a great way to prepare you for a communication studies degree. Careers in corporate, community, and public relations, organizational leadership, organizational consulting, health care, law, ministry, politics, theater production, and public service await you. Your academic advisor and the Career Services department can help you find internship opportunities.