Introduction
Television and radio broadcasting, online and print news, and mediation are just a few things you can do with communication!
Why Communications?
Nearly every list of the most popular fields of study in the United States lists Communication Studies somewhere in the top tier. Now students at Western New Mexico University have the opportunity to minor in this exciting contemporary field with deep classical roots.
The Princeton Review describes students who study communication as “great storytellers with quick wits and fiery personalities.” It goes on to describe the type of work one does in Communication Studies. “You’ll spend a significant amount of time scrutinizing different kinds of presentations . . . and the strategies behind the messages that speakers and writers use to make their points. You’ll learn about verbal and nonverbal messages, audience reaction, and the varied effects of different communication environments. It will prepare you for a wealth of career options in business, advertising, human resources, public relations, government, education, media, and social services” (Franek, 2014).
In fact, there is probably no career that wouldn’t benefit from a minor in Communication Studies.
The National Communication Association defines Communication Studies as “the discipline that studies all forms, modes, media
and consequences of communication through humanistic, social scientific and aesthetic inquiry” (National Communication Association, 2014). The new minor at WNMU provides requirements and options that reflect this multi model and multidisciplinary understanding of what COMM is. Students will not just come away with a single way of understanding Communication, but all the skills they need to succeed as professionals in a variety of fields.
Student Learning Objectives
Students will be able to
- communicate well in mass media
- communicate well in intercultural contexts
- communicate well in Public Speaking.
- apply theories of persuasion.
Degree Plan
- Communication and Thought Major Degree Plan
- Communication Minor Degree Plan
Contact
Dr. Benjamin Cline
Associate Professor of Communications
Bowden Hall 206
benajmin.cline@wnmu.edu