In the Communication program at SVSU, students will study many contexts of human interaction, including media, public relations, communication within and between organizations, roles and responsibilities of managers in workplaces, and interpersonal relationships. Students will explore conceptual models for framing communication in action and for studying symbolic action. SVSU graduates move on to communication careers in media, management, marketing, public relations, community organization, education and more. The program is flexible and allows students to focus on specific areas of interest that develop into life long passions.
Communication (BA)
About
Our lives are defined by what and how we communicate and how we manage human relationships. Consider how many changes over the past decade have transformed the way people connect with one another. True communication is the first step to positive change, as such, the versatility of Communication majors adds value to any organization—causing them to be increasingly in-demand. The knowledge and skills that students develop and strengthen at SVSU will help them become outstanding candidates as they begin their future vocations. If students are looking for a dynamic career that challenges them to adapt from one moment to the next, to evolve personally and professionally as society itself changes, then the Communication B.A. at SVSU is their academic program.
Cardinal Points
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The Department of Communication hosts the annual Sims Public Speaking Competition.
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Students have the opportunity to participate in speech and interpretative events on campus and at other colleges and universities.
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The Communication program has courses designed to develop public speaking and interpersonal competencies in small class sizes.
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Qualified students can join Lambda Pi Eta, a national honor society.
Highlighted Courses
Year 1
- COMM 105A Fundamentals of Communication
Year 2
- COMM 270 Communication in Marketplace and Media
Year 3
- COMM 351 Interpersonal Communication
- COMM 379 Research Methods in Human Communication
Year 4
- COMM 405 Human Communication Theory
Key Electives
- COMM 105B Public Speaking
- COMM 227 Small Group Communication
- COMM 225 Nonverbal Communication
- COMM 315 Persuasion and Attitude Change
- COMM 352 Organizational Communication
- COMM 389 Family Communication
- COMM 425 Gender in Communication
- COMM 455 Intercultural Communication
- COMM 465 Human Communication and Technology
- COMM 485 Intercollegiate Forensics
- COMM 105C Argumentation
- COMM 220 Performance Studies
- COMM 275 Public Relations
- COMM 325 Business and Professional Communication
- COMM 365 Language Thought and Behavior
- COMM 415 Communication in Conflict
- COMM 451 Communication and Social Support
- COMM 460 Culture, Communication and Identity
- COMM 475 Communication in Popular Culture
Click here to see a listing of programs
Programs
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Your Plan for a Successful College Experience
The Cardinal Plan is a unique outline created by faculty for your program at SVSU and serves as a guide for student success.
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Beyond The Books
Internships for Academic Credit
Students are encouraged to seek internships, which may apply toward academic credit.
Participate in Professional Conferences
Students may attend professional conferences including those for the Central States Communication Association and the National Communication Association.
Join the Local Chapter of the National Honors Society
Lambda Pi Eta is SVSU's local chapter of the national honor society for students in the Communication program.
Our Students After Graduation...
Employers
Dow Chemical
Huntington Bank
Independent Bank
Duro-Last, Inc.
Michigan Works! Association
Nexteer Automotive
Saginaw Children’s Zoo
Graduate Programs
Central Michigan University
Michigan State University
Syracuse University
University of Michigan
University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee
Career Opportunities
Event Planning
Higher Education Staff
Management
Marketing
Public Relations
Sales
- 9% projected growth for employment of public relations specialists with a bachelor’s degree through 2026. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- $57,530 is the median yearly pay for media and communication occupations in the U.S. in 2018. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- With a bachelor’s degree from SVSU’s Communication program, graduates go on to work in education, industry and government, as well as continue their education in graduate programs across the nation.