Bachelor of Arts in Communication StudiesHenry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences

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Communicate your mind

With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Edgewood College you will immerse yourself in the complexities of human communication, forming skills in listening, speaking, writing, persuasion, and social influence. These communication skills provide you with the foundation in editing, public speaking, media relations, social media, and engagement. Our program explores communication dynamics in personal relationships, teams, organizations, media, and diverse cultural contexts. Not only will you learn the skills to succeed but you will also receive hands-on experience, facilitated through internships and community-based projects.

The curriculum spans diverse communication domains, including interpersonal and organizational communication, intercultural studies, and social media. This allows students to choose a concentration based on personal preference, with the option to customize their own individual track. While pursuing this specialized concentration, students have the option to take two research courses that enable them to build a project and showcase it at a campus-wide event. Additionally, internships are required to ensure students receive practical experience, equipping them with the necessary tools to excel in the complex field of communications.

Communication and Social Influence Concentration

Refine your expertise in community leadership and public service with the Communication and Social Influence Concentration. This program is designed to equip you with essential skills for impactful careers in politics, advocacy, law, and civic affairs.

Individually Planned Concentration

Craft a personalized plan of study tailored to your unique interests with our Individually Planned Concentration. Previous customized concentrations have encompassed diverse fields such as intercultural communication, health communication, public relations, and sports marketing.

Media and Message Concentration

Specialize in message design and production through our Media and Message Concentration. This program is designed to equip you with the skills needed for careers in various fields including public relations, advertising, copywriting, editing, publishing, promotion, journalism, and broadcasting.

Organizational/Interpersonal Concentration

Hone your interpersonal and organizational skills with our Organizational/Interpersonal Concentration. Tailored to help you excel in various career paths, this concentration will delve into management, sales, social services, event planning, marketing, human resources, and fundraising.

Locations
Madison, WI

Formats
On-campus

Number of Credits
120

Next Start Date
January 21, 2025

Careers within Communication Studies

$66,750

The average annual salary for a Public Relations Specialist

Projected employment growth rate, from 2022-2032

Bureau of Labor Statistics

A bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies prepares you for a variety of career paths.

Editor
Journalist / Reporter
News Analyst
Photographer
Public Relations Specialist
Writer / Author

Communication Studies by the Numbers

Average number of students per class

95%

Job placement rate after graduation

Research projects completed in Academic Year 23-24

Student Spotlights

Greis “Kelly” Olivares- Aguilar ‘24

Bachelor of Art in Art and Bachelor of Art in Communication Studies, Minor in Spanish

“My experience in the communication studies department has been transformative, providing invaluable skills like public speaking, persuasive writing, and interpersonal communication while emphasizing the significance of effective communication in every aspect of life. The interdisciplinary approach of choosing a double major not only enhanced my artistic exploration by redefining my ability to articulate ideas but also enriched both my professional and creative pursuits, fostering growth and innovation.”

Jacob Owca ‘23

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

“I went to college so I could learn to get a good paying job and live a happy life.  The communication studies major taught me more than just how to get a job, though. It taught me how to repair relationships rather than end them, how to turn coworkers into long lasting friends, how to love my spouse rather than just date them, and how to navigate life and its complexities. I’m more than just working and well paid – I’m happy, too.”

Amy Brinks ’24

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Minor in Business

“This program emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and proficient communication. We focused on how to improve interpersonal dynamics, career communication, nonverbal cues, and effective presenting. Pursuing a communication studies major not only enhanced my job opportunities but also enriched relationships across all parts of my life.”

Maria Chacin ‘23

Bachelor of Art in Communication Studies, Minor in Graphic Design

“The Communication Studies program gave me the tools and resources to thrive in any environment professionally and personally. All of my classes were dynamic, interactive and provided me with opportunities to apply the knowledge outside the classroom. It was amazing to be surrounded by faculty who were passionate about their field and unconditionally supported me throughout my education.”

Featured Courses

Communication Studies 240 – Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

Examines the fundamental elements of interpersonal communication. Students will explore strategies for listening effectively, resolving conflict constructively, and using respectful language to improve interpersonal communication and relationships. The process of interpersonal communication is not as simple as it might first appear. This course looks at how scholarship can inform everyday interaction and explores how research and theories can lead to more effective and satisfying relationships.

Communication Studies – Senior Capstone

This course is meant to serve as a summary “capstone” experience that will help students integrate what they have learned in their college experience–in and out of the classroom–with their plans for the future. It helps students reflect upon and prepare to present their accomplishments, develop resumes/curriculum vitas, practice communication-theory-based interviewing skills, and explore avenues for locating career and graduate study opportunities as well as opportunities for developing a rich and fulfilling life outside the professional realm through civic engagement. The course also guides students in reflecting on Edgewood’s COR questions in the context of their chosen field.

Communication Studies450 – Communication Internship

This course provides an opportunity for the communications studies student to intern in a professional organization and to develop an understanding of the range of professional practice within the field. The practicum will be supervised by program faculty working with a mentoring member of the organization interning the student. The student, the faculty member, and the interning organization’s mentor will develop a printed contract with stated learning objectives, means of performance evaluation, and expected time commitments. The student is expected to successfully complete all required expectations of the organization as well as the expectations of the faculty mentor. 3 credits = 160 (minimum) to 240 hours 4 credits = 241-321 hours 5 credits = 233-401 hours 6 credits = 402-482 hours.

Explore All Courses For This Program

Student Organizations

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. The PRSSA chapter at Edgewood College offers educational programs, resources, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities that prepare our students for a successful career in communications. Additional benefits of membership include internship listings, competitions, scholarships, awards, and leadership opportunities that allow you to develop your skills as both a communications professional and a leader. PRSSA provides publications, news and social media to keep students updated on organization and industry trends.

Faculty Spotlights

Victoria Palmisano

Associate Dean for Business, Communications, and Innovation / Assistant Professor, Department of Business

VPalmisano@edgewood.edu

Leigh Maxwell

Associate Professor

LMaxwell@edgewood.edu

Xiaodong Kuang

Associate Professor

XKuang@edgewood.edu

Marihelen Stoltz

Senior Adjunct Instructor

mstoltz@edgewood.edu

View All Faculty

Communication Studies Certificates

Edgewood College offers Certificates in four topics aimed to enhance your knowledge in that area. Certificates expose students to the major theories, frameworks, and perspectives underlying successful leadership. Courses can be taken in any order.

Leadership Development (16 total credits)

Designed to engage students in projects that develop and fine-tune their analytical, problem solving, social interaction, and facilitation skills.

Organizational Development (16 total credits)

Exposes students to methods and techniques that promote organizational renewal and adaptation.

Performance Improvement (16 total credits)

Provides information on various analytics frameworks and strategies to encourage individual, team, work areas, and organization-wide improvements, with an emphasis on leadership, learning, and teaching within the coursework curriculum.

Public Relations (12 total credits)

Emphasizes foundations in public relations, writing for the media and communication campaigns. Students also can choose between several electives, including social media, persuasion, promotion, and advertising.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can students engage in research or independent projects?

Absolutely! Our Communication Studies program is unique in that we require students to engage in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Recent research projects have examined the relationship between social media and loneliness, birth order and academic achievement, and self-disclosure in the workplace. We also offer independent study credit. Recent independent projects have included: sports communication and administration, artificial intelligence and marketing, and legal studies and communication.

What are the qualifications and backgrounds of the faculty members?

Dr. Leigh Maxwell has a PhD in telecommunications and electronic media from The Ohio State University. She received an MA and BA in Communication from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Maxwell has taught at the college-level for 19 years at Edgewood College and previously taught at the University of Louisville and University of Central Arkansas. She teaches classes in interpersonal, professional, nonverbal, and group communication. Her research focus is communication in the workplace, in particular how workers achieve task, relational and self-presentational goals in a remote work environment. She conducts workshops on a variety of communication topics from effective presentations to managing conflict and difficult clients.

Dr. Xiaodong Kwang has been teaching for 16 years in US universities. He has taught at Edgewood College for 11 years. Before that, he taught at Central Washington University and UW Eau Claire for a total of five years. Dr. Kwang worked for two years at a strategic communications service company in China before coming to the US. He received a BA in Economics and MA in Linguistics at the University of International Business and Economics in China. Dr. Kwang received a PhD in Mass Communication at UW-Madison, and an MBA at Edgewood College. His teaching covers introductory courses in human communications, organizational communication, public relations, advertising campaigns, and social marketing. His research areas include organizational communication and cross-cultural communication.

What career paths do graduates commonly pursue with this degree?

What career paths do graduates commonly pursue with this degree? One of the strongest advantages of a degree in Communication Studies is the variety of work you can pursue. Our recent graduates are working as social media content creators and coordinators, political campaign managers, communication directors, coaches, event planners, and hospitality professionals. Graduates are also working in human resources, social services, sales, real estate, and recruiting.

How well does the program prepare students for graduate studies in communications?

Two research methodology courses help students learn and practice research skills necessary for graduate studies. Students are encouraged to participate in semi-annul Edgewood Engaged research events with faculty’s support.