B.A. in Communication Studies

Opportunities

• Professional field experiences: Students gain vital work experience while supporting community organizations or WVU offices.
• Seelio, an online portfolio service, is part of all capstone courses, allowing students to showcase their work and interact with professionals in their field.
• SpeakWrite Certified Major automatically fulfills the WVU General Education Foundations (GEF) writing and communication skills requirement.
• Facilities include an Interaction Lab with research suite, media observation room and data chamber.
• Alumni Mentor Program
• Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
• 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
• Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Coursework

Explore a few of our popular courses.

Featured Courses

Capstone Projects

Professional field experience is a key element in the undergraduate communication studies curriculum that allows students to gain experience in applying their classroom knowledge to a variety of corporate and organizational environments.

Organizations looking for students with an in-depth understanding of communication areas that include communication theory, data analysis, health communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication and social media/communication technology can request an intern from the Department of Communication Studies. Communication Studies majors can contact Nikki Loy for information on internship opportunities.

Visit the Communication Studies coursework showcase to view featured works by students.

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

1. Public Relations Specialists

   Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

   Also called: Communications Specialist, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist)

   Public Relations Specialists

2. Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing

   Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

   Also called: Outside Sales Representative, Sales Consultant, Sales Representative (Sales Rep), Salesman

   Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing

3. Human Resources Specialists

   Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.

   Also called: HR Coordinator (Human Resources Coordinator), HR Generalist (Human Resources Generalist), Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist), Recruiter

   Human Resources Specialists

4. Search Marketing Strategists

   Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

   Also called: Digital Media Planner, Online Marketing Consultant, Paid Search Strategist, SEO Strategist (Search Engine Optimization Strategist)

   Search Marketing Strategists

5. Advertising and Promotions Managers

   Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

   Also called: Advertising Manager (Ad Manager), Communications Manager, Promotions Director, Promotions Manager

   Advertising and Promotions Managers

6. Marketing Managers

   Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

   Also called: Brand Manager, Business Development Manager, Marketing Director, Marketing Manager

   Marketing Managers

7. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

   Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

   Also called: Market Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Market Research Consultant, Market Research Specialist

   Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

8. Fundraisers

   Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

   Also called: Contract Grant Writer, Development Officer, Fundraising Consultant, Philanthropy Officer

   Fundraisers

9. Advertising and Promotions Managers

   Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

   Also called: Advertising Manager (Ad Manager), Communications Manager, Promotions Director, Promotions Manager

   Advertising and Promotions Managers

10. Advertising Sales Agents

    Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.

    Also called: Advertising Account Representative, Advertising Representative, Advertising Sales Representative (Ad Sales Representative), Sales Representative

    Advertising Sales Agents

Related Majors

Launch your career with a bachelor’s degree from WVU in one of 140+ majors. We have everything from accounting to world languages. Consider adding a second major or a minor (or two!) from these related paths.