Communication Studies Major

Hone your critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Core courses will provide you with a strong foundation in all aspects of human communication. Design a program of study that meets your personal learning objectives and career goals when you choose elective courses within the major.

Career Potential

  • Advertising
  • Business
  • Government
  • Journalism
  • Media production
  • Public relations

What Will I Learn?

When you choose communication studies, you will:

  • have a greater understanding of the role that communication plays in shaping culture and identity.
  • look at the ways in which the process of meaning-making — whether through the use of words, images, symbols or technology — is used strategically to influence human judgment and actions.
  • sharpen your critical thinking abilities, allowing you to become an ethical producer and consumer of messages.

Concentration Options

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Special Features

  • Immerse yourself in one or more internships either on campus, in the Cortland community or in neighboring cities such as Ithaca or Syracuse.

“Having an internship is one of the more important things to do while in college. It gives you the hands-on experience of what the real world will be like after graduation."
– Justin Bailey, communication studies major

Student working in the campus television station CSTV

Get Involved

Write for the newspaper, host your own radio show, produce TV programs or edit a magazine.

Student Clubs

Next Steps

Contact Us

Office: Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-117
Phone: 607-753-4201
Fax: 607-753-4821

Fast Facts

The Dragon Chronicle newspaper has been published for more than 135 years.

Type of Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Credit Hours: 120

Excellence

We recognize excellence in our students with awards and scholarships.

  • Laura Horsman ’90 Memorial Award
  • Ann C. Allen Memorial Award
  • Outstanding Senior in Communication Studies Award
  • Thomas O. Mwanika Award
  • Eugene Bierbaum Award

See all scholarship opportunities

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