Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Our undergraduate program features an innovative curriculum that prepares our majors for careers in the 21st century. From core courses in communication theory and methods, to emphasis areas such as media and mass communication, health communication, and strategic communication, the curriculum is forward-thinking and prepares students to compete for careers in the communication profession or to continue their education in graduate school. Our majors develop an integrated skill set in oral, visual, and written communication and learn how to present information and interact in a digital communication environment. This diverse skill set enables students to meet the challenges of the rapidly evolving communication profession.
Whether you hope to manage a business, produce documentaries, coordinate public relations and publicity for a major corporation, promote a nonprofit or tell stories as a news reporter, the secret to success is effective communication. Tell our faculty your thoughts on where you want to be at graduation, and we will work with you to get you there.
Our curriculum is forward thinking, from core courses in communication theory and methods to our focused plans of study listed below. You’ll find that many classes, such as those in broadcast production and public relations, are taught by industry professionals who can give you practical insight that can put you a step ahead at graduation. If you think you want to pursue an advanced degree, this major provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in the humanities, social sciences, business and law.
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Focused Plans of Study
Students collaborate with faculty to prepare a focused plan of study in such contexts as:
Interpersonal Communication: The study of communication behaviors in dyads (pairs) and their impact on personal relationships.
Organizational Communication: The study and assessment of networks within organizations, including the design of training to improve supervisor-employee communication.
Media and Mass Communication: The study of the uses, processes, and effects of mediated communication.
Health Communication: The study of provider-client interaction as well as the diffusion of health information through public health campaigns.
Public Relations: The study of the management of communication between an organization and its audiences.
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Career Options
Graduates from our program have found jobs in:
Development (fundraising, grant writing)
Media Production
Political Communication/Campaign Management
Public Relations
Radio and Television Production
Sales and Management
Special Events Coordination
Sports Production and Promotion
Organizational Training and Development
Hospitality and Leisure
Human Resources
Allied Health
Social Work and Counseling
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Academic Advising
Our academic advisors work with freshmen, sophomores, students changing majors, and transfer students. Services include:
- Academic advisement
- Course selection
- Transferability of courses; and
- Completion of various academic forms.
Academic advisors are also available to meet with prospective students considering various majors within the colleges. All students are encouraged to make appointments with an advisor in their intended major.
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Internships
Students of communication are gaining wonderful, practical experience in a variety of fields not just across the country but around the world. Over the past ten years, our students have worked in every major job market in America with some of the giants in the communication industry. Communication students can use internship experience to discover their interests or to more finely tune the process of achieving academic goals. Jobs seem to cover a whole spectrum of interests. Places where students have completed internships include:
In addition, students have worked in a host of television markets and for public relations firms, political organizations and sports teams. Students participating in an internship must work a minimum of 120 hours and are evaluated by the site supervisor. They may complete two semesters of internship experience. For more information, contact Dr. Andrew Pyle.
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Change of Major Process
The Department of Communication accepts change-of-major students in fall, spring and summer semesters. Current Clemson students interested in changing their major to Communication must meet specific criteria to be eligible:
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Students must have a minimum of a 2.8 Clemson GPA
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Students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at Clemson or elsewhere.
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Students must have completed the following courses:
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COMM 1010 (Academic and Professional Development I)
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COMM 2010 (Introduction to Communication Studies) with a C or higher
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Change of Major forms will only be accepted in the last week of each semester in December, May, and August. -
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Virtual Explore Communication Appointments
These appointments are offered throughout the semester and are for current Clemson students who are interested in changing their major to Communication. Please schedule an appointment in CU Navigate with Hunter Allen for an Explore Communication appointment. These are group Explore appointments. Please note, Explore Appointments will not be available during the pre-registration advising season. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kaela Gardner at kaelag@clemson.edu.
