Communication Studies, BA

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Program Details

Location
Akron Campus
Level
undergraduate
Degree/Program Type
Bachelor of Arts / major
Format
In-person
Course Info
Curriculum Guide
College
Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
School/Department
School of Communication

Program Contact

McKenna Vietmeier, M.A.

Assistant Director & Professor of Instruction

330.972.5657 Send an Email

Overview

UA's Communication Studies program develops students' expertise in crafting meaningful messages and leading productive discussions across organizational, interpersonal, and public contexts. You'll gain hands-on experience through internships, co-curricular opportunities, and real-world learning activities that build strong communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Our graduates are able to demonstrate communication skills that employers value across all industries. 

Admissions Requirements

Students must meet the general admissions requirements of The University of Akron.  

Career Outcomes

A B.A. in Communication Studies prepares students for careers centered on human interaction, critical thinking, and message analysis. Graduates often work as speechwriters, communication trainers, conflict resolution specialists, policy advocates, human resource professional, and sales. They are especially suited for roles that require strong interpersonal, intercultural, and rhetorical skills in education, government, nonprofit, and consulting sectors. This degree also supports pathways into graduate study in communication, law, or related fields. 

Say YES to Career-Ready Communication

Build career-ready communication skills through specialized degree paths, real-world experiences, and add certificates that help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

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Four Concentrations

Customize Your Path

Choose from Media Studies, Public Relations, Communication Studies or Organizational Supervision to focus your degree.

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Real-World Practice

Put Your Skills to Work

Gain hands-on experience and collaborate with real clients through community-engaged projects, internships, co-curriculars, and student clubs.

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Expand Your Skills

Add Career-Focused Certificates

Build additional expertise with certificates in areas like social media, political communication, and business leadership.

Explore Undergraduate Certificates
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Student-run radio

WZIP-FM 88.1

Go live on the air, produce shows, and build your resume at one of the top student-run radio stations in the country.

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Emmy Award-Winning

ZTV

Create, film, edit, and star in original video productions while building professional media skills in a fun, collaborative environment.

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Build Your Professional Network

PRSSA

Connect with communication professionals, hear from industry leaders and gain career insights through Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) events and networking opportunities.