Communication Studies

About the communication studies major

A major in communication studies focuses on interpersonal communication, small group interactions, organizational communication, and public communication. You'll learn how to relate to individuals and groups, as well as the importance of clearly expressing oneself to others through various forms of media. The major is designed to provide you with a broad-based liberal arts education and to develop transferable skills that are valued by many employers.

Skills and abilities this major develops: research, public speaking, problem solving, writing, and intrapersonal communication (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service learning

We believe in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year, our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Join us if you want to make a difference.

Career services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career paths—like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.

Study abroad

Choose among programs in over 50 countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are also available.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of public relations and communications managers is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,100 openings for public relations and communications managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for communication studies graduates with a bachelor's degree was $49,091, and the median was $42,000.

The national median annual salary for public relations and communications managers was $119,860 in 2021 (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Communication studies majors may pursue a diverse range of advanced degrees, such as:

Business administration
Communication
Law
Nonprofit management
Social work

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Argumentation and debate
Communication research methods
Interpersonal communication
Introduction to acting
Mass media
Organizational communication
Research experience

Possible careers

Human resource specialist
Fundraiser
Marketing specialist
Recruiter
Sales coordinator
Social media manager
Training and development specialist

Where could I work?

Education
Eli Lilly and Company
IU Health
IU Indianapolis
Public relations
State of Indiana

Complementing interests

SSocial

EEnterprising

AArtistic

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Department of Communication Studies

National Communication Association

Liberal Arts Office of Career Development

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

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