Communication Studies

Programs of Study

Major:

• Communication Studies

Minors:

• Communication Studies
• Professional Communication
• Public Policy

The Communication Studies programs of study are part of the Department of Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, and Psychology.

Course requirements and descriptions can be found in the Huntingdon College Catalog.

Why Huntingdon?

Huntingdon’s Communication Studies program focuses on students’ understanding of the elements involved with both how and why humans communicate the way they do in various contexts. The major covers both rhetorical and social science approaches to provide students with many ways of analyzing and understanding communication. Communication Studies major coursework covers subjects such as the effects of media on society; interpersonal communication; theories of communication; rhetorical theory and criticism; and public relations. A strong liberal arts core curriculum places special emphasis on the development and mastery of critical thinking and analysis skills.

The knowledge and skills gained through the Huntingdon Communication Studies major provide a framework for graduate study or for careers in sales and marketing, public relations, promotion, event planning, media, broadcasting, business, and a number of other fields.

Special features include:

• The Presidential Fellows Program and the Kingswood Initiative offer opportunities to learn and practice skills in sports media and in media production.
• Abundant professional internship opportunities in the capital city.
• Travel/study in your senior year through the Huntingdon Plan, which also includes a laptop computer and books and information resources provided within regular costs.
• The Hobbs Honors Program and Lambda Pi Eta communications honor society.
• Flexibility to accommodate a second major.
• Assistance from the Huntingdon Center for Career and Vocation as you consider internships or plan for graduate study or employment.

Communication at Work

Speaking, writing, relational communication and teamwork are all success skills fostered in the Communication Studies major. The knowledge you gain in the classroom will be reinforced by hands-on learning experiences. Huntingdon offers real world learning through:

• Internships in settings such as sport media, public relations, broadcasting, church media, political organizations or offices, and non-profit organizations.
• The Senior Capstone project—a culminating experience in the major.
• Opportunities to present at state, regional, and national conferences.
• On-campus colloquies, lectures, salons, and mini-conferences allowing exploration of special topics.

Faculty

• Siobahn Stiles, Ph.D.
  Chair, Department of Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, and Psychology
  Associate Professor of Communication Studies
• Kyle Christensen, Ph.D.

  

  Assistant Professor of Communication Studies
  Coordinator of the Communication Studies Program

• Elizabeth Rogers, M.A.
  Director, Office of Academic Affairs; Instructor of Communication Studies

Alumni

Huntingdon Communication Studies graduates are working in corporate and non-profit public relations, advertising, and communications and in media relations, broadcasting, sports information, organizational communication, politics, law, higher education, and journalism.