Communications
Search for Communications programs near you.
Graduate programs in communication can focus on a wide range of topics, including theory and research methods. Many students who study communication theory or research go on to doctoral programs with the intent to teach at a college level.
One of the top tracks for communication graduate degrees is journalism, for which there are a number of high-ranking and well-respected programs. These programs include print, broadcast and radio journalism. How to tell a story hasn't changed - but the way in which people consume those stories is different than it was even just five years ago. With the evolving emphasis on Internet connectivity, the landscape of journalism continues to change rapidly. Most graduate schools are adapting accordingly. For example, many programs offer some kind of digital component, including sound and video editing, along with social media classes.
Another option for graduate students is strategic communications, where students learn how to analyze and solve business communications problems. These types of programs prepare students for leadership positions after graduation.
Public Relations continues to be an attractive major for students. While the core curriculum has remained largely unchanged, program directors have shifted some focus. The integration of social media into public relations means that communications directors have less time to react to news, good or bad. The chief officers of businesses, hospitals, schools, and non-profit organizations need people to help formulate and effectively disseminate their messages. A graduate degree in public relations prepares students for this challenge.
Other PR tracks include health communication, political communication, digital specialization and communication for nonprofits.
