Why consider a major or a minor in Communication at Purdue North Central?
Communication is an area of study that opens up many doors, yet closes very few. Graduates can be found working in organizations of all shapes and sizes. Classes are relatively small, so the courses are more personal. In addition, the department places great emphasis on service learning, with several courses containing a service learning component. This means that students obtain real world work experience with community organizations meeting community needs at the same time they are fulfilling course objectives. The department also encourages qualified students to pursue internship opportunities.
Communication faculty place an emphasis on real-world applications. In addition to the case studies and in-depth class discussions, students can participate in the Panther News Network, oral interpretation presentations to the public, a variety of exciting service learning opportunities, and internships with important organizations.
Communication involves a broad area of study that may lead to job opportunities in a wide range of fields. Communication majors study the creation, sending, receiving and interpreting of messages in a variety of contexts including interpersonal, small group, and public speaking. The focus is on the development of critical awareness, analysis and persuasion skills.
Key Skills Developed:
- Public speaking
- Writing for press releases and promotional materials
- Developing persuasive strategies
- Critical thinking
- Working under deadlines
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
- Ability to gather and process data
- Researching and organizing reports
- Leading teams
- Managing diversity
Related Career Opportunities Across a Range of Industries:
In Business:
Event Planning Specialist
Manager
Presenter
Public Relations Officer
Recruiter
Sales Representative
Speech Writer
Technical Writer
Training and Development |
|
In TV/Radio/Print Journalism:
Actor
Advertising Copywriter
Electronic Publications Specialist
Sports Promoter
Newswriter
Public Relations Writer
Reporter
Programmer
Author |
In the Nonprofit Sector:
Administrator
Grant writer
Volunteer coordinator |
|
In Government and Law:
Campaign Manager
Elected Official
Lobbyist
Media Specialist
Speech Writer
Planning director
Recreation Coordinator
Youth Worker |
Scholarships
Edwin
and Elsie Buck Scholarship and John R. Troyer Communication Scholarship
Internships
The internship is a career development concept and an important starting
point that involves placing students in off-campus work
assignments. The work assignment is closely related
to the student's course of study and his/her professional
goals. The internship must also contribute to the objectives
of the participating employer. Participating students
must be in good academic standing at the University
(have and maintain at least a 3.0/4.0 GPA) or have special approval of the Internship Coordinator, Dr. Scott Smithson. Up to three
hours of academic credit may be earned in a single semester
with a maximum of six internship credit hours overall.
What's
Next?
Contacting the Admissions Department at PNC has never
been easier! Call us at
(219) 785-5505, send us an instant message, email us at admissions@pnc.edu or complete our online request
form.
For more information, contact Dr. Scott Smithson, Department
Chair, Department of Communication, Purdue North Central,
(219) 785-5356, ssmithson@pnc.edu.
