Communication - Communication Studies Emphasis
Learn how to analyze and improve human communication through theory, research, and practice.
Develop Highly Sought-After Skills
Here, you’ll find countless opportunities to develop your leadership abilities as well as your skills in communication, writing, and persuasion. From local internships and student organizations to working with your peers on a student-faculty research project, our program is designed so that you not only feel prepared to enter the workforce — but will make an impact when you do.
Curriculum within the communication studies major is intentionally built to provide you with firsthand experience in a variety of communication-related areas. Explore classes in interpersonal communication, organizational communication, small group communication, professional communication, and mass media. Coursework will look at how people communicate in interpersonal relationships, how messages influence individual and group behavior, and how messages can be used to improve both individual and community life. Unique projects and assignments will give you opportunities to speak publicly, analyze media, and craft strategic messages, allowing you to identify areas of interest and strength.
Job possibilities with a degree in communication are endless. Our graduates go on to work in industries such as event planning, social media, politics, and writing. No matter your path, our communication studies program will give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to find your niche and launch into a career you love.
Program Details
The Communication and Journalism Department is home to the Communication and Journalism Center, a state-of-the-art facility that includes TV and radio news studios and projection facilities, a visual communication studio and lab, and the offices of The Spectator and Blugold Radio (WUEC FM 89.7) — student media outlets. Here, you can take what you've learned in the classroom and put it into practice, all while gaining professional experience.
All classes are taught by passionate, enthusiastic professors who know and love their craft. They bring real-world experience into the classroom through creative projects and guest presentations, going out of their way to immerse you in the complex world of communication. Small class sizes help you form meaningful relationships and gain an even more personalized education.
At UWEC, you will have the opportunity to participate in exciting research projects, such as examining groupthink or students’ knowledge of sustainability on campus within our student-faculty collaborative research program. In addition to building your resume and portfolio, these projects will help you network throughout the community and introduce you to potential employers.
With so many career paths available to those with a communication studies degree, communication students are highly encouraged to pursue one or more internships. And because of the program's strong reputation, many students have no problem finding one. Previous students have interned at Visit Eau Claire, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin, UW-Eau Claire athletics, and the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram. Often, these internships are paid and/or count for credit.
Blugold Stories
I am so lucky to have been surrounded by a world of options — both scholastic and extracurricular — during my time at UWEC. I've been able to gain experience in the business world in addition to strengthening my skills as a multimedia creator. UWEC has given me so many life skills for life after college.
Throughout my time at UWEC, I have had so many amazing experiences. Studying abroad in Guatemala, working on campus, being involved in the American Marketing Association, and conducting research in my capstone class. UW-Eau Claire has allowed me to meet my best friends, discover my passions, and has prepared me for the real world.
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Where can the communication studies program lead me after graduation?
A degree in communications studies offers endless career opportunities and now, more than ever, organizations are looking for employees with excellent oral and written communication skills. Students graduating from this program are prepared to work in a variety of fields, including community development, environmental or social activism, ministry, politics, government and higher education.
Example Careers
- Digital marketing coordinator
- Marketing specialist
- Business development representative
- Digital and broadcast program manager
- Copywriter
Core classes will give you the experience and know-how to develop, refine, and analyze messages, as well as the skills to become an excellent public speaker. Building on that foundation, a variety of electives offer you the opportunity to study effective communication tactics and strategies, including those that influence political and popular culture. A Communication Research Seminar capstone course will round out your studies and require you to investigate current research issues in interpersonal, group, intercultural, organizational, and public communication.
Here are a few courses in Communication - Communication Studies Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.
CJ 201
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Emphasizes knowledge of the factors and processes affecting communication in relatively unstructured face-to-face contexts, and the development of communication skill in those contexts. Topics include relationships, conflict, self-concept, and self-presentation.
CJ 206
Human Communication Theory
Theoretical genres for the study, analysis, and practice of effective communication. General theories of human communication, contextual theories of interpersonal, group, organizational, public, and mass communication.
CJ 307
Small Group Communication
Theories, concepts, and skills to improve small group communication. Includes principles of group dynamics, decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal conflict, leadership, and team-building.
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