Marketing Minor
Advantages
Explore marketing research, digital advertising, and business communication courses to learn how to impact diverse consumer groups.
Outcome
Brand Strategist
Undergraduate Major
Communication Studies Major (BA)
A degree in communication studies will open up a world of possibilities—in healthcare, advertising, journalism, media and design, and more—as you hone versatile and valuable skills.
At a Glance
Click to OpenOffered as
Major & Minor
Format
On Campus
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Communication Studies Major
As a communications major, you'll gain a diverse, highly sought-after set of skills that will empower you as a communicator and prepare you to join an expansive list of fields and industries.
Choose from a variety of specializations or create your own to customize your education to your unique goals. No matter what, you'll have countless opportunities to learn industry skills from faculty mentors, broaden your professional network, and get hands-on experience across communications industries through internships, research projects, and service-learning.
When you graduate, you'll feel confident in your strong interpersonal communication, critical thinking, decision-making, writing and research, and persuasive public speaking skills, ready to help make a positive contribution to any professional environment.
Communication Studies Specializations
By pursuing a communication studies degree with a communication, culture, & society specialization, you'll acquire valuable skills in effective communication, intercultural understanding, and film production. Throughout the program, you'll develop strong verbal and written communication abilities, navigate cultural differences adeptly, and gain proficiency in filmmaking techniques.
The interdisciplinary approach of the program enhances your knowledge and equips you with versatile skills, including critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical abilities that are applicable across industries. As a result, you'll be well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in film production, healthcare communication, intercultural consultancy, and other communication-related roles.
As a communication studies major who specializes in content creation and media production, you will embark on a transformative journey to become a journalistic storyteller, equipped with the skills to write, edit, and produce captivating news, sports, and entertainment stories across diverse multimedia platforms. You will delve into the realms of cinematography, storytelling, and editing, utilizing industry-standard equipment to create compelling content. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore screenwriting, animation, film analysis, and directing, perfect for creatively inclined individuals with technical production skills.
As a graduate, you will find fulfilling careers in production houses and advertising agencies, employing your knowledge of design concepts and applications, including Adobe Creative Suite, in areas such as advertising, television/film, motion graphics, web design, and interactive media.
As a student specializing in strategic communication within the communication studies program, you'll have the opportunity to delve into a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum. The program encompasses a wide range of subjects, including strategic communication, social media promotion, event planning, integrated marketing communication, public relations, advertising, healthcare communication, and corporate communication.
Throughout your studies, you'll develop a strong foundation in crafting creative and strategic marketing messages, while also honing your event planning and social media promotion skills. By the time you graduate, you'll be well-prepared to thrive in agency, corporate, non-profit, and creative environments, equipped with the knowledge and expertise necessary to excel in diverse communication and marketing roles.
Loading... Graduates with strong written, verbal, interpersonal, visual and technical communication skills are highly desirable in a wide array of professional settings. Students are encouraged to explore all aspects of our dynamic and diverse discipline. Meet with your advisor to discuss an academic plan that celebrates your creativity and passion. This concentration can provide the perfect path to law or graduate school.
Communication Studies Program Options
The following majors have established curriculum ladders for pairing with a degree in communication studies:
English
Combine your interest in literature and writing with real-world experience that will prepare you for exciting employment opportunities.
View the curriculum and coursework.
Visual & Performing Arts
Combine your love of visual art with graphic design, or hone your music skills as you prepare for a career writing film scores.
View the curriculum and coursework for the ARTS/COMS double major
Pair Your Communication Studies Major with a Minor or Certificate
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Communications Majors
Why Study Communications at Widener?
Learn With Industry Grade Equipment & Facilities
Our digital television studio, control room, and editing suites mirror the top technology used in the industry today. Use the VFXGreen Screen Room to create the perfect backdrop for your shoot, or reserve the Tricaster to livestream from a remote location. Our equipment room is stocked with everything you need—state-of-the-art cameras, lighting kits, mics, and more.
For all your design needs, the graphics lab is loaded with all the essential software you need for studio courses.
After you produce your film or demo reel, watch your work in the Freedom Hall Theater, an 80 seat, 7.1 Surround Sound Theater with stadium seats. There's no telling where you'll go from here.
Expand your network
Our tight-knit program means you'll be part of a vast and supportive network. You'll often find alumni serving as guest speakers in class, eager to mentor students like you in building professional skills and navigating the path to a rewarding job.
Industry leaders within our communications studies advisory board express a wide variety of experience and interests, also providing valuable networking opportunities while supporting the program in its future growth and competitive development.
Engage beyond the classroom
There are countless opportunities to join clubs and organizations across campus including WUTV, WUCAST Radio, Lambda Pi Eta - National Communication Honor Society, and more.
With Philly at our doorstep, you're never far from the latest shows, biggest games, and latest events. Scoring an internship with a team like the Union can totally be done!
If you want to explore even farther, short- and long-term study abroad opportunities can be woven into your academic plan with help from your advisor.
Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One
Student Stories
Our Faculty
"I'm privileged to teach our students at different points throughout their journey. From initial interactions during first-year seminar, providing a preview of the many career paths they may take, to foundational courses where students make the connection between the “why’s” of what they do (theory/research) and the how’s (hands on, production and campaigns courses), and finally applying all that they’ve learned to work for a real client during their Capstone project. It makes my heart smile with pride to watch seniors present their Capstone and reflect on how far they've come through their journey in our program."
Recent News
Widener Celebrates Excellence at 2025 Commencement
The 2025 graduates marked their accomplishments in a series of ceremonies held on Memorial Field.
Meet Taylor Easter, the 2025 President’s Award Winner
Taylor Easter is the 2025 President's Award winner. One of the university's highest honors, the President's Award recognizes a graduating senior who has contributed the most to Chester campus life through scholarship and participation in extracurricular activities.
STEM Teaching Center Brings Community Learning and Engagement to Life
The STEM Teaching Center, formerly known as the Science Teaching Center, is making a big local impact and creating a pathway for students from across the university to engage with the community.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions
Financial Aid
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need.
You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.
Paths to Savings
Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid
Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.
The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.
Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years
(including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)
Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.
4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition
In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.
Undergraduate Admissions Office
-
Muller Hall
University Pl
Chester, PA 19013
- 888-WIDENER
- admissions.office@widener.edu
Communication Studies Department
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Freedom Hall, Room 220
- 610-499-4382
- amcorbo@widener.edu
Angela M. Corbo
Chair of Communication Studies
-
Freedom Hall
Room 203 - (610) 499-4382
- amcorbo@widener.edu