Communication Studies

What is Communication Studies?

Communication Studies explores how communication shapes everyday life, culture, relationships, and public life. Students examine how messages work in face-to-face conversations, groups, organizations, and mass and digital media, then apply communication concepts to practical situations.

Why study Communication Studies at Schreiner?

Schreiner’s Communication Studies major combines a liberal arts foundation with focused study in communication. Coursework connects theory and research to experiences such as planning events, producing media, and studying communication in sports, health, and relationships. The degree includes a senior capstone; the catalog also describes an internship as a capstone option.

What you’ll learn

• Coursework builds skills and understanding in areas such as:
• Speaking and persuasion: Research a topic, evaluate sources, organize ideas, and present an argument.
• Relationships and culture: Study interpersonal communication, conflict, identity, and how culture shapes interactions.
• Research and theory: Learn communication research methods and frameworks for understanding communication in social and cultural settings.
• Media: Explore mass and new media, media’s relationship with society, and media production.
• Track-focused study: Depending on your track, coursework may include event planning, radio broadcasting, sport communication, video reporting, photography, or narrative video production.

What you can do with this degree

Schreiner’s catalog identifies fields such as journalism, public affairs, management, social media, filmmaking, event planning, social services, and government-related work as possible directions for Communication Studies students. The senior capstone includes preparation for post-graduation opportunities. Career paths depend on your experience, interests, and further preparation; the degree does not guarantee a particular job.

Learning beyond the classroom

Communication courses can include applied projects. Catalog examples include planning and reflecting on events, producing content for radio, creating social media campaigns for a sports team or event, and developing video or documentary stories. The catalog also describes a supervised internship option where students apply communication skills in an organized work setting. Specific courses and experiences depend on the track and course availability.

How the program works

Schreiner offers a B.A. in Communication Studies. Current catalog materials identify three tracks: Applied Communication, Communication, and Media Production and Criticism. Schreiner’s 2026 sample plans use the name “Strategic Communications” for the Communication track. Each 2026 sample plan shows a minimum of 120 credit hours; review the current degree plan with an academic advisor.

Schreiner also lists a separate 100% online Communication Studies option. Visit the online program page to review its format and details.