Explore our Communication Studies programs
A Communication Studies degree is perfect for those who want to influence public opinion, create engaging content, or captivate an audience. Employers across a variety of industries highly value communication specialists for their ability to connect with people, solve problems, and lead with confidence. With a Communication Studies degree, you can become the voice that shapes ideas, narratives, and the future.
Wayne State’s Communication Studies degree offers two concentrations: Organizational Leadership and Public Relations, and Theatre Arts. Whichever concentration you choose, the skills you’ll learn in the Communication Studies degree program will empower you to thrive in a wide range of careers, making a lasting impact in whichever path you choose.
Communication Studies concentrations
The concentration in Organizational Leadership and Public Relations will equip you with expertise in crafting compelling messages, managing brand reputations, and navigating media landscapes – skills essential in today’s digital world.
Degree offered: B.A. in Communication Studies/Organizational Leadership and Public Relations
Program credit hours: 36 or 48
The Theatre Arts concentration will sharpen your creativity, public speaking, and performance skills, preparing you for dynamic careers in entertainment, education, or any field where storytelling and presentation are key.
Degree offered: B.A. in Communication Studies/Theatre Arts
Program credit hours: 36 or 48
Communication arts education
If you're interested in teaching the ways of communication, Wayne State offers the following related education programs:

Communication Arts Department faculty

Sean Ahern, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Sean Ahern is a communication arts professor at Wayne State College. Ahern teaches Sports Writing, Radio Production, and Radio Workshop. He is also the advisor for the on-campus radio station KWSC-FM 91.9 The Cat.

Brian Begley, MFA
Associate Professor
Brian Begley is a communication arts professor at Wayne State College and technical director and designer for the theatre program. He teaches lighting and set design, technical theatre, play writing, and acting specialties, including performance for the camera and stage combat.

Raihan Jamil, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor

Pat Janssen teaches in the Communication Arts Department at Wayne State College. His academic interests include journalism ethics, sports and popular culture, and the relationship between politics and mass media.

Allyn Lueders, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Allyn Lueders is a communication studies professor at WSC. She teaches undergraduate courses in public relations and interpersonal communication and graduate courses in public relations leadership. She is the chair of the Communication Arts Department.

Teresa Morales, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Teresa Morales is a communication arts professor at Wayne State College. In addition to teaching CNA 100 Principles of Human Communication, she also teaches Public Address, Argumentation, Persuasion, the Rhetoric of Civic Life, Professional Presentations, Language and Human Behavior, Organizational Leadership, Leadership Theory, and Case Studies in Organizational Leadership.

Rusty Ruth, MFA
Associate Professor
Rusty Ruth is a communication arts professor at Wayne State College. He teaches acting, directing, dramatic literature, and stage dialect courses.

Liz Viall, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
She teaches Communication Law, News Writing, Photojournalism, Agricultural Communications, and Integrated Brand Promotion, and advises the student-run newspaper, The Wayne Stater, as well as the Photography Club.

Mike White, Ed.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Mike White is a communication arts professor and teaches television and video production, electronic media, and other mass communication courses at Wayne State College. He advises KWSC-TV, the college’s cable television station, serving Wayne and streamed online. White also oversees the KWSC Productions (The Hot Attic), the student video and the short film production studio.

Joe Whitt, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Joe Whitt is a communication arts professor at Wayne State College. He specializes in human communication, particularly in interpersonal, intercultural, family, small group, environmental, and organizational contexts.
Get in touch
Department of Communication Arts
Humanities Building, Room 213
Phone: 402-375-7395
Clubs for Communication majors
Forensics Team - A competitive speech team that that competes regionally and nationally in a variety of public address and interpretation event categories
KWSC-FM - Student-run radio station of WSC
KWSC-TV - A student-run cable access channel
Lambda Pi Eta - National honor society for communication majors
PR in Action - Focuses on improving the practice of public relations

Rankings and accolades
Recognized for excellence
A Best College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Best College of Distinction for our excellence in student engagement, teaching, community, and successful graduate outcomes.

A Top Public College in the Midwest
WSC was identified as one of the top public universities in the Midwest for 2025 by U.S. News & World’s Best Colleges ranking report.

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