A degree in communication studies will open the door to many different career paths as it provides skills to become an effective communicator in all aspects of your life.
As a communication studies major, you'll graduate with diverse, sought-after skills that'll prepare you to join an expansive list of fields and industries. While your opportunities can be truly endless, careers may focus in media, business, health care, advertising, public relations, sports broadcasting and communication, journalism, graphic design, event planning, human resources, and the non-profit arena.
Widener's innovative approach to teaching will provide you with countless opportunities to learn industry skills, gain broad theoretical knowledge, and get hands-on experience in all aspects of the communications industry. You'll choose from a variety of concentrations—or create your own!
Faculty mentors will challenge you to think about contemporary ethical dilemmas in society and to gain global experience through study abroad opportunities.
No matter what field you pursue, the skills you acquire as a communications major like strong interpersonal communication, critical thinking, decision-making, writing and research, and persuasive public speaking will help you make a positive contribution to any professional environment.
At Widener, you'll focus on your communication studies interests while building a range of powerful, portable skills with internships, research, service-learning, and a network of professionals in your field.
All of our majors complete a core curriculum where they are prepared with foundational knowledge. Students gain real-world experience in their advanced classes as they partner with community partners and clients.
You have the flexibility to choose a specific concentration tailored to your personal interests.
You can join Widener TV, WUCAST radio, and PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) as early as your first week on campus.
Each student has the opportunity to get involved in various clubs and activities that will help you grow as a leader on campus, in your industry, and in the community. Our faculty inspire each student to achieve personal and professional success.
Our television studio, control room, and editing suites mirror the top technology used in the industry today. If you want to work outside of the studio, the Tricaster allows students to film and live stream from remote locations.
The VFXGreen Screen Room allows for broadcast and film students to create the perfect backdrop for their filming needs. Graphic design students learn how to use interactive graphics as part of production.
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. Your work will look amazing on the big screen.
Need a camera or lighting kit? Our equipment room is stocked with cameras and equipment that students can reserve for class projects. You'll get to work with high-quality technology and advance your professional skills.
The graphics lab is filled with 20 Mac computers loaded with all the essential software required for your studio courses such as TV Production, Photography, Layout & Design, Interactive Media, Editing Film & Video, Web Development, Visual Effect in TV & Film, and Audio Production.
Freedom Hall has a number of study rooms and comfortable furniture for your study needs. Students meet in Freedom Hall for quiet study and for collaborative work. Freedom Hall is the gathering place and home away from home for communication students with around the clock swipe-card access.
As a communication studies major, you can easily pursue a second major. Here are a few natural pairings that compliment a communication studies degree.
Visual & Performing Arts and Communication Studies
This double major enables students to combine a love of visual art with graphic design.
English and Communication Studies
Combine your interest in literature and writing with real-world experience that will prepare you for exciting employment opportunities.
A major in communication studies will put you on the inside track to success with experience in the field, faculty-student mentorship, and knowledge of industry standard equipment. Our graduates are frequent guest speakers and mentor current #WUCOMS students.
You'll have opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Our seniors create communication deliverables for non-profit organizations in the Capstone Course. You can get involved in various clubs and activities that enable you to refine your skills, gain familiarity with industry equipment, and develop confidence in your own abilities.
Here, you'll find personal connections with faculty and peers through classes and close mentorship. Our small class sizes mean that before long you'll feel like you've found your second family. The #WUCOMS network is strong! Alumni mentor our current students in building their professional network and navigating the path to a rewarding first job.
Our professors infuse their teaching with latest trends, technologies, and research. You'll prepare for workplace entry and have the opportunity to learn industry standards in our production facilities: expansive digital television studio, editing suites, and video and audio equipment, plus our graphic design lab. Internships also provide industry experience.
Working professionals, established in their fields, provide valuable input to making our curriculum and student experience stronger. These professionals dedicate their time and talent so our students have professional contacts in sports communication and broadcasting, public relations, politics, technology start-up companies, acting, journalism, and corporate communications.
Learn from professors whose teaching, leadership, research, and consulting are shaping the communication studies field.
"I'm privileged to teach our students at different points throughout their journey. From initial interactions during freshman 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."
Widener students helped support a communications conference in Philadelphia, providing them far more insight than a textbook case study could offer.
Widener values student voices and creates ways for them to contribute ideas and feedback about their education. A new Student Advisory Board is the latest example.
A student-designed mental health campaign, called Breathe, has won an international award and been praised as a national model for other institutions.
When you graduate, you won't just start your career. You'll continue the work you've been doing all along.
Hear from our students about their experience in the communication studies program.
On my first day I met with Professor Angie Corbo and within 24 hours she rearranged my schedule and perfectly fit me in to all of the communication and elective classes that I needed to be in. From there, she was my guardian angel.
The Boys & Girls Club of Chester’s story is worth sharing. I am glad I was able to use my senior year at Widener to help tell it.
To being able to start here, go toward my internships, and then take everything and put it toward a big NFL team, has been phenomenal.
Come visit today! Meet with our faculty and shadow a student for a day. #WUCOMS is an interactive learning community dedicated to your success.
Freedom Hall, Room 220
Freedom Hall
Room 203
