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Welcome to the Department of Communication

Communication is the study of how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels and media. The mission of the Department of Communication is to provide students with education in the theory, history, ethics and practice of communication and to prepare them for careers and leadership in a wide variety of professions, depending upon the student's specific interests. The department offers a diverse curriculum that emphasizes the role of highly competent, well-trained and ethically driven communicators.

A Bachelor of Arts in communication prepares students for professional careers in a wide range of communication fields such as broadcasting, communication management, journalism and public relations, and graduate studies in areas such as business, communication and law. Communication majors also have success in fields such as business, education, government, healthcare, international relations, and social and human services.

Faculty in the Department of Communication are outstanding teachers, scholars and mentors. At the beginning of their first semester on campus, students are assigned a faculty adviser who will serve as a primary contact in developing a program of study and exploring career options.

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Academic Programs

The major in communication allows a focused program of study in one of five concentrations, as listed below. The Department also offers a nationally recognized Master of Arts degree in communication. Outstanding undergraduates have the opportunity to enroll in graduate classes and extend their studies to earn a master's degree in a five-year B.A./M.A. program.

Communication Management Concentration

The communication management concentration prepares students to develop and manage people, information, technology and messages in contemporary organizations. The study of communication management prepares students for a wide range of careers in business, education, government and nonprofit organizations. Students have begun their careers as human resource managers, product managers, information technology specialists, corporate communication managers, sales representatives, shareholder relations specialists, directors of communication, technical recruiters and marketing managers.

Public Relations Concentration

The public relations concentration prepares students to research, plan, implement and evaluate communications between an organization and its publics, monitor an organization's environment, and recommend programs and policies. Upon graduation, students have begun their careers as corporate public relations specialists, account managers, media planners, development officers, marketing specialists, publicity managers, sales managers, creative directors and account executives.

Electronic Media Concentration

The electronic media concentration provides students with course work and experience in both the traditional and newer media, and in emerging communication technologies. Students also study the social, economic and international dimensions of electronic media. A sampling of careers in electronic media and radio-television broadcasting include broadcasting station manager, director of broadcasting, video and film editor, news director, sports director, community relations director, technical director, media buyer, market researcher, news anchor, sports anchor, announcer, producer, director and unit manager.

Journalism Concentration

Courses in the journalism concentration provide students with the knowledge they need to understand how news and information is selected, gathered, prepared and disseminated. Students also develop an understanding of the ethical and legal expectations in the profession and the working practices of journalists. The study of journalism prepares students for reporting, editing, management and publishing positions. Students have begun their careers as reporters, editors, newscasters, copywriters, scriptwriters, technical writers and in a variety of online journalism positions.

Theatre Concentration

The theatre concentration prepares students for a professional career in the performing arts, either on stage or in theatre management, instruction, technical and production positions. In the theatre program, students have the opportunity to learn in an environment in which a community of artists and scholars work collaboratively toward the study, practice and development of the theatre art.

Communication Studies Concentration

Students may also select the communication studies concentration, allowing development of an individualized program of study in communication by completing the four foundation courses and nine additional communication classes that match their specific academic and career interests.

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Undergraduate MajorsUndergraduate MinorsGraduate Programs

Careers

Our graduates have a wide variety of career options awaiting them. Knowledgeable, skillful communicators are an asset in many industries.
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Opportunities & Activities

Communication majors can choose from several curricular and extra-curricular activities to enhance their learning experience. Read below about our student-run media, professional associations, internships, study abroad programs and other activities in which our majors participate.
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Faculty & Staff

The faculty and staff of the Department of Communication invite you to meet us and find out what we have to offer.
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Research & Scholarship

The intellectual power and creative vitality of the College of Arts and Sciences reside in our faculty. While students lie at the center of the College’s attention, the work of the College’s faculty makes possible the distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences that our graduates attain. All of the College’s achievements and aspirations spring in some way from faculty members’ creativity, talent, and dedication in scholarship, teaching, and professional service.
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Internships

Communication students can learn more about their chosen field of study and apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom to a working environment through internships. The course CMM 498: Communication Internship Through hands-on experience, students can see how theories discussed in textbooks and by their professors make daily workplace endeavors effective and efficient. Through internships, students also can gain valuable insights into their overall education and educational plan.
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Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us for more information about our programs. We look forward to hearing from you.

OFFICE INFORMATION

Department of Communication
University of Dayton
St. Joseph Hall Room 121
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469-1410

Phone: 937-229-2028
Fax: 937-229-2055

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