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.
Students think about creating communication messages across platforms - social media, multimedia journalism, broadcasting/film, and public relations/advertising campaigns. Our innovative approach to teaching provides countless opportunities to learn industry skills, gain broad theoretical knowledge, and get hands-on experience for knowledge in all aspects of the communications industry.
Our graduates tackle complex issues with their critical thinking and decision-making skills. The faculty challenge students to think about contemporary ethical dilemmas in society and to gain global experience through study abroad opportunities.
Graduates are prepared for jobs in media, business, health care, advertising, public relations, sports broadcasting and communication, journalism, graphic design, event planning, human resources, and the non-profit arena.
Every field requires strong interpersonal communication, writing and research skills, and persuasive public speaking. Communication studies majors are prepared to make a positive contribution in 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, Widecast 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, 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 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. It is 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 computes 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 #WUCOMS gathering place and home away from home with around the clock swipe-card access.
Communication studies is a natural pairing for fine arts majors. This double major enables students to combine a love of visual art with graphic design.
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 their inside-track success.
Our professors infuse their teaching with latest trends, technologies, and research. Students are prepared for workplace entry. You'll have the opportunity to learn industry standards in our production facilities: expansive digital television studio, editing suites, video and audio equipment; and 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."
A student-designed mental health campaign, called Breathe, has won an international award and been praised as a national model for other institutions.
Many projects at Widener this summer have not only adjusted their format to a virtual setting, but have planned their research topics to advance our understanding of COVID-19.
Whether applying from a four-year institution or a local community college, transfer students at Widener are finding academic programs that fit their goals and put them on track to earning a degree.
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.
The Boys and 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 203
Freedom Hall
Room 203
