The School of Communication Studies (COMS) offers a liberal arts education, emphasizing the scientific and artistic bases of communication. A historical understanding of communication theory is important but insufficient in a globally completive world, so the communication studies major also equips students with the competencies most prized by employers including strong oral and written communication, effective interpersonal and group communication skills, critical thinking, cultural awareness and adaptability, meeting planning, project management, and problem-solving/decision-making.
Communication majors work to understand communication processes and build communication skills applicable across a variety of industries and settings.
The B.S. in Communication Studies major equips students with the competencies most prized by employers in a globally competitive world, including strong oral and written communication, effective interpersonal and group communication skills, critical thinking, meeting planning, and problem-solving/decision-making. In the program, students focus their studies on one area of emphasis or more to prepare for a variety of possible career paths.
Coursework in the organizational communication emphasis equips you with the skills to shape and transform organizational realities through effective message construction, inclusive leadership, and collaborative innovation.
Coursework in the health communication emphasis equips you in communicating about complex medical and public health dilemmas, message design and storytelling about health, and using new technologies to develop health literacy.
Coursework for the public communication and advocacy emphasis equips you with the skills to interpret, analyze, and guide complex public deliberations, influence policy-making processes, and craft compelling messages in various channels such as public speaking, digital media, legal advocacy, and written communication.
Coursework in the interpersonal/intercultural emphasis equips you with the skills to work with diverse populations, build community, create inclusive environments, develop relational and cultural narratives, and navigate historic and dynamic power relations across various communicative contexts.
Most Ohio University communication majors complete this program at our fully equipped and nationally renowned residential campus in Athens. Here, you’ll enjoy a supportive and social experience in conjunction with your academic studies, finding a wealth of groups to join and places to see, no matter what your tastes may be.
Current OHIO students who want to change majors can declare Communication Studies as their program of study.
If one of our regional campuses happens to be closer to home, you can take several communication courses from there before transferring to Athens. This is a great way to begin or continue your education even with lifestyle changes in the middle of your degree.
OHIO’s online communications program is perfect if you want to attend from afar. Ideally suited for professionals in a variety of public, non-profit and private organizations who have positions that emphasize internal and external communication, the major cross-trains individuals in visual, written and oral communication
So, what can you do with a degree in communication studies? A more apt question might be, what can’t you do? Prepared with transferable competency sets that enable them to work in a variety of organizations, many of our communication studies graduates have gone on to take lucrative and personally fulfilling jobs like and more:
While many students of our BS in communication program head straight into the workforce, there are plenty of academic doors open to you right after graduation. For instance, you might decide to attend our online master’s degree in communication. It’ll equip you with even more specialized skills and allow you to further tailor your academic credentials to a particular industry or professional niche.
Or, maybe you’re interested in researching the theories behind communication studies and entering academia yourself. OHIO’s Ph.D. program in communication is perfect for you, and you can pursue it in one of three different primary research areas:
The Communication Resource Center is a place where communications majors can find support for public speaking, develop their communication skills, build thesis statements, and much more. They’ll meet with peer leaders, who are fellow students who have faced the exact same challenges as you – and who can provide one-on-one guidance where necessary.
The best way to master communication theories and speaking strategies is to put them to the test. That’s why OHIO communications students will participate in many experiential learning opportunities.
Want to get your name out there and flex your hard-earned skills. Join the Ohio University Speech and Debate Team, which regularly welcomes new communication students and competes on the national stage against other debate teams from schools around the country.
The Student Professionals of Communication Studies is a student-run organization that helps communications majors develop their professional and networking skills. Meet on a biweekly basis to find new internship opportunities and projects to participate in.
The HTC program in Communication Studies aims to provide the exceptionally-qualified student with a comprehensive understanding of communication theory and practice, a student-driven focus in a specific aspect of communication studies, and extensive experience in communication inquiry and research. COMS HTC students will learn with other COMS majors in some courses, while developing their expertise in tutorials devoted to developing in-depth experience and understanding.
The Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies degree from Ohio University is a well-rounded and highly valuable degree because it teaches students the underlying theoretical concepts surrounding effective communication and instructs them on the proper application of those theories. In other words, students emerge knowing not just what to say to get a message across but how and why.
As a result, our students have competencies that employers always appreciate in business and other contexts. The communication studies program covers everything you need to be a highly persuasive messaging expert, whether that’s in sales, marketing or something else entirely. Many students appreciate this program thanks to those practical skills, which often help them acquire jobs before or shortly after graduation.
Other students also enjoy this program because it helps them understand people like never before. Psychological ideas are at the heart of many core communication concepts, so pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications will empower you to understand yourself and others in new ways.
There’s a plethora of student organizations for communication studies degree majors that you can join for leadership experience or social enrichment! The School of Communication Studies is home to major-specific groups that are welcoming to all, such as the:
Communication studies majors can further get support for public speaking and other major-related challenges at the above-mentioned Communication Resource Center. Students can get additional academic support and advising at the Harris Student Support Center.
College is different for every student, and Ohio University is committed to ensuring all incoming communication majors have the support they need to succeed. It all starts with access to regular academic advisors who can help you create and stick to graduation plans. Of course, the faculty in our undergraduate communication studies program are also highly rated for their teaching abilities and their individual attention to students who need tutoring or one-on-one guidance.
Thanks to the experiential learning you’ll find at OHIO, you’ll graduate from the program with the confidence and communications capabilities needed to thrive in any position. Student organizations, on-campus activities and engaging classes combine to create an enthralling college experience at Ohio University.
Current Ohio University Students who wish to declare COMS as their program of study are encouraged to e-mail Candice Rios Wenmoth at rioswenmoth@ohio.edu.
Submit applications and supplemental materials using the link below (a 300-word essay: Why is COMS an appropriate major for you? And, a "What If DARS" for COMS). Please note that we review applications the first week of each month.
