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Why consider a major or a minor in Communications at Purdue North Central?

Communications 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.  

Communications faculty place an emphasis on real-world applications. In addition to the case studies and in-depth class discussions, students can participate in the student newspaper, The Voice, oral interpretation presentations to the public, a variety of exciting service learning opportunities, and internships with important organizations.
           
Communications involves a broad area of study that may lead to job opportunities in a wide range of fields. Communications 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. Because of the department’s commitment to community involvement, most majors will participate in various service learning projects in a variety of community settings.  

Key Strengths and Skill Sets:

• Effective public speaking skills
• Strong writing for press releases and promotional materials
• Persuasive skills
• Critical thinker
• Effective under deadline
• Attention to detail
• Creative
• Able to gather and process data
• Research strengths
• Works independently or in teams
• Understanding of diversity issues

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). 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.