Communication Studies (BA)
Develop communication skills in high demand by employers.
Develop communication skills in high demand by employers.
Guided by its classical roots, communication addresses the persuasive power of discourse and its role in democratic societies. Our program will help you develop as a civic-minded and ethical communicator. Courses and projects are designed to hone your skills in: public speaking, teamwork, persuasive communication, solid argument construction, and analytical reasoning.
Throughout the program, you will examine people's use of verbal and non-verbal symbols to construct messages and create meaning. Gain experience in analyzing communication between individuals, groups, and organizations in private, public, and mediated contexts.
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies major is designed to provide you broad preparation for entry-level professional jobs (with for-profit and non-profit organizations) and graduate-level specialization. You may choose from the following concentrations within the Communication Studies major: public advocacy, public communication, or organizational communication.
An individual concentration–often called an individualized major, custom degree, or interdisciplinary concentration–allows students to design a tailored degree program by combining courses from two or more academic disciplines around a specific theme, career goal, or research interest. Rather than following the standard, pre-set Communication Studies major path, a student with an individual concentration works closely with faculty advisors to craft a cohesive curriculum, articulate a core focus area (such as the concentrations listed below), and typically complete a capstone project or senior thesis that integrates their chosen fields of study.
Focused on performance and delivery skills. Courses like Acting Techniques, Oral Interpretation of Literature, and Talent/Performance for Tv and Radio best prepare students that are focused on careers involving performance, broadcasting, or theatre.
Centers on communication within businesses and organizations, including Organizational Communication theory and Business & Professional Writing. Ideal for students headed into corporate, HR, or management-centric careers where understanding internal communication, culture, and organizational dynamics is vital.
Blends communication with social justice, pulling in from courses like Proposal Writing/Grant Administration, Introduction to Community Leadership, and Social problems or Franciscan Values & Social Justice. This concentration is a strong fit for students interested in nonprofit work, community organizing, grant writing, or advocacy-driven careers.
This concentration combines performance options with public relations and professional writing. This concentration is a flexible and PR-oriented track for students interested in public relations, corporate communications, or media-facing roles that require both polished writing and public-facing presentation skills.
The Communications Studies program at Madonna University equips students with the skills and knowledge to navigate a diverse range of dynamic careers that shape the world we live in. From crafting compelling narratives and engaging audiences as a journalist or public relations specialist to influencing consumer behavior as a marketing professional, a BA in Communication Studies opens doors to a multitude of exciting opportunities.
Career options include:
*These career paths are considered Rapid-growth occupations, per O*NET OnLine Bright Outlook Occupations, indicating they are projected to grow faster than average (employment increase of 5% or more) over the period 2024-2034 for the US nationwide.
Madonna University's strong industry connections and emphasis on hands-on learning provide Communications graduates with a competitive edge in the workplace. Internships with local, state, and national organizations offer practical experience and valuable networking opportunities, preparing graduates for successful careers in the ever-evolving communications landscape.
Why did you choose your major?
"In high school, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I loved writing, but I knew that
journalism was not the fit for me, and that the writing world in general was a bit
too shaky for me to rely on. I also loved working with people, and Communication Studies
really is a great combination of both of those things. It’s also broad enough that
I don’t have to be pigeonholed in just one career and can have unique opportunities
like this internship!"
What career advice would you give other students?
"Communication is key—and I’m not just saying that because it’s my major. It really is very important when dealing with people on a professional level and in the business world. If you don’t explain yourself well enough, then it could lead to some serious mistakes. Also, a good résumé can really help! The fact that the phrasing “creative writer” was pulled out and made my potential supervisor eager to learn more about me shows that a résumé can make or break an interview."
Examines television, radio, filmmaking, and media. Combines theory with intensive hands-on learning.
Learn the skills necessary skills to succeed in mass media career fields.
Offers an exploration and overview of writing theory and practice across a variety of fields and genres.
Professor and Chair,
Department of Communication, Fine and Performing Arts, and Design
Ph.D., Wayne State University
M.A., Central Michigan University
B.A., Wayne State University
734-432-5659, 2430 Administration Bldg.
Dr. Kathleen M. Edelmayer is a Professor of Communication. She joined Madonna University in 2003 after having been the Chair of the Humanities Division at St. Mary’s College of Ave Maria University. Previously, she was Director of Debate at Illinois State University, Assistant Director of Forensics at St. Olaf College, and Visiting Assistant Professor at Albion College. She earned a Ph.D. in Communication and a B.A. in Economics from Wayne State University. Her M.A. in Communication is from Central Michigan University.
Dr. Edelmayer teaches interpersonal communication, argumentation and persuasion, small group communication, and political campaign communication. Her research areas are religious and political communication, teaching methods, and administrative issues. She is very involved in Madonna University’s Study Abroad program, having led programs to Ireland and Poland/Prague.
She is very active in the professional community. She currently serves the National Communication Association as a member of the legislative assembly and the leadership team of the Undergraduate College and University Section of NCA. She has served as president of the Religious Communication Association, executive board member of the Central States Communication Association, and finance committee chair of the American Forensics Association.
Professor
Ph.D., Wayne State University
M.A., Michigan State University
B.A., Michigan State University
734-432-5540, 2431 Administration Bldg.
Dr. Neal Haldane directs the Journalism/Public Relations program and also teaches Communication and Writing courses. His courses prepare students for a wide range of media careers by emphasizing hands-on experience with traditional and digital communication tools and strategies.
The former newspaper reporter, editor and public relations practitioner extols the virtues of experiential learning through internships and co-ops. He also emphasizes the importance of connecting the classroom to the community via service-learning and study abroad initiatives. In addition, Haldane works closely with the First-Year Experience helping students transition to college.
