Students in front of health communications poster; 'Take a Shot of Truth' information relating to course studies

Communication Studies

  1. Academics
  2. All Programs
  3. Communication Studies

Whether it be for a small business or a corporate conglomerate, a small school district or a university student affairs office, a local law firm, or your local government, employers need people who can communicate well. They want problem-solvers and critical thinkers. They want team players and collaborators. They want those who aren’t afraid to work hard and learn on the fly.

Degrees & Offerings
  • B.A.
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Lock Haven
Department
College
Program Contact
Chair of the Department of Communication Studies, Media and Journalism
Illustration of Mountain

These skills are at the heart of every communication studies graduate.

A group of people standing together for a photo.

Your journey upward awaits!  

  • In the Commonwealth University communication studies program, you'll build your communication, critical thinking, and research skills. You'll also have the opportunity to practice and apply developed skills through coursework emphasizing project-based learning, research, and service learning.
  • Customize your education and create additional career options through a selection of minors and double majors like health communication, emergent media, professional communication, marketing, media and journalism, professional sales, graphic design, and pre-law.

Course Delivery Format

  Bloomsburg

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

  Lock Haven

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

  Mansfield

  Face-to-Face
  Online
  Hybrid

Courses and Curriculum

Degree Requirements Degree Works

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

Upon successful completion of this program, Communication Studies majors and minors will be able to:

  1. Present effective and appropriate messages in multiple communication modalities and contexts.
  2. Integrate theory, research, and practice in a variety of communication contexts.
  3. Exhibit social responsibility and professionalism in their communicative interactions with others.
  4. Implement leadership knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts.
  5. Display the communication skills necessary to engage in competent human relational interaction in multiple contexts.
Illustration of Mountain

Communication Studies Opportunities

Internships

As a communication studies major, you'll complete a capstone course and an internship as you prepare to transition to life after college. The capstone course focuses on career readiness and application of your communication skills. An internship enables you to gain professional experience while applying the theories and skills you've learned in class. You'll have both an on-site and a faculty supervisor to oversee and guide your internship experience.

  • Internship Policy
  • Internship Application Checklist
  • Internship Database

Industry experience gives you a leg-up on future competition and prepares you for life in the real world. Recent students have interned with:

  • American Cancer Society
  • BET Network
  • Geisinger Health System
  • Hershey Park Entertainment
  • Make-A-Wish
  • Nordstrom
  • PA House of Representatives
  • Philadelphia Union
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • The Pittsburgh Pirates
  • The Philadelphia Sixers
  • The American Red Cross
  • Walt Disney World  
  • XM Satellite Radio

Careers

Below are some of the many places our recent graduates have found success:

  • Digital Graphics Producer—WPVI Philadelphia
  • Vice President, Customer and Market Strategy – Highmark Incorporated
  • Educator - SeaWorld
  • Talent Acquisition Partner – QVC
  • National Account Manager - Indeed.com
  • Senior Editorial Director—I-5 Publishing
  • Director of Federal Government Affairs—KPMG LLP
  • Senior Producer—Center City Film & Video
  • Leadership Research Analyst - Pennsylvania House of Representatives  
  • Chief Operating Officer - SportsBubble 

Clubs and Organizations

CU-Bloomsburg:

  • National Communication Association Student Chapter (NCASC)
  • Lambda Pi Eta (Xi Omega Chapter)
  • Frederick Douglass Debate Society 

CU-Lock Haven:

  • Lambda Pi Eta (Rho Delta Chapter)
     

Scholarships

Special Funding Opportunities

  • Brinley Crahall, Jr. Endowed Scholarship  
  • James Bryden Scholarship  
  • John A. Marzano '74 & Jamie M. Marzano Scholarship  
  • Marvin L. Meneeley, Sr. '49 Scholarship presented by Kelly and Marvin Meneeley (LCA)  
  • William Acierno Scholarship for Telecommunications
  • Lisa Riede Excellence in Communication Award (CU-Lock Haven) 

The Commonwealth Difference

4%
46,200 new jobs
Rate of media and communication jobs that are projected to grow in the next 10 years, through 2029
College of Distinction
Colleges of Distinction
National recognition as a College of Distinction, honored for its quality and high-impact practices leading to a personalized education catered to students’ interests.

Careers

Career options include event planning, speech writing, employee training, sales, management, public information, personnel recruiting, campaign direction, lobbying, and negotiations. It's also good preparation for graduate school in several different disciplines, including communication, law, education, business, public administration, student affairs, instructional technology, and counseling.

Potential Job Opportunities

  • Training and Development Specialist
  • Marketing Manager
  • Media Relations Specialist
  • Special Events Planner and Coordinator
  • Brand Strategist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Web Developer
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Journalist
  • Sales Manager
  • Content Marketing Manager

Continue to Explore

Continue your climb in one of our graduate programs like the Accelerated MBA, M.S. Instructional Design and Technology, M.S. Information Technology, and M.S. Sport Management. Our graduate programs can enhance your existing skills and knowledge as a communication studies major, increase your earning power, and prepare you for a leadership role in your field.

Communication Studies student

Competent and effective communication skills, both written and oral, are essential for professionals to practice in various industries. This program has prepared me for my professional career and served as a thorough foundation as I pursued my master’s degree in Communication. I use all aspects of my undergraduate degree in my professional career through skills like problem-solving, interviewing, small group communication, interpersonal communication, public relations, theory, public speaking, writing, and more. This program helped develop my confidence in presenting and communicating my thoughts and ideas in front of leadership teams for organizations and businesses of all sizes and industries.

Kayla Schneider
Communication Studies
During my time in undergrad, I established a strong foundation in my knowledge surrounding business and communication. I completed an internship with Hailstone Economic where I had the opportunity to work alongside their team as a Marketing and Communications Support Intern as they accomplished the goals of the Columbia County Placemaking Initiative.

During my time as an undergrad, I established a strong foundation in business and communication. I completed an internship with Hailstone Economic where I worked alongside their team as a Marketing and Communications Support Intern as they accomplished the goals of the Columbia County Placemaking Initiative.

Devon Bird '24
Communication Studies
Communication Studies student

I would not have had the skills and confidence to sit in front of the panel of administrators for my interview for this teaching job…I have professional communication with principals and coworkers daily. I do not believe I would have the confidence to do this if it weren’t for my Communication degree. I am appreciative of all that I’ve learned in your classes to get me to where I am today.

Courtney Quiggle
Communication Studies
Student in graduation robe.

I’m a completely different person since my first day as a freshman. I was very unsure of everything, everyone, and even myself. Since then, I’ve been able to progress in my academic career and personal growth.

Nora Yakscoe '19
Communication Studies
Communication Studies student

I remember when I first started at Lock Haven, I had difficulty getting through a sentence without stuttering or drawing a blank, but with instruction and guidance from the communication department, I am now able to deliver messages clearly and confidently. Oral communication skills are vital while working in the law enforcement field. My life and the lives of others depend on my ability to perform my duties accurately and confidently.

Dylan Kranzel
Communication Studies
During my time in undergrad, I established a strong foundation in my knowledge surrounding business and communication. I completed an internship with Hailstone Economic where I had the opportunity to work alongside their team as a Marketing and Communications Support Intern as they accomplished the goals of the Columbia County Placemaking Initiative.
Communication Studies student
Student in graduation robe.
Communication Studies student
Communication Studies student

Communication Studies Program Contacts

Angela

Angela La Valley

  • Chair of the Department of Communication Studies, Media and Journalism
  • Bloomsburg
Erin Brummet

Erin Brummett

  • Associate Professor of Communication Studies
  • Bloomsburg
Kara Schultz

Kara Shultz

  • Professor, Communication Studies
  • Bloomsburg

Applying to This Program

Apply

  • Application Process

    Review the step-by-step process whether you're a first-year student, transferring to CU, or more.

  • Apply Now

    By starting your application, you gain access to your personalized application portal to view your progress.

  • Scholarships

    As the largest comprehensive university in north central and northeastern Pennsylvania, CommonwealthU works hard to provide a world-class education that consistently rates among the best values in the nation.

Explore More