Communication Studies

Uncover the stories that need to be heard

How do we learn to communicate with others? What is the media environment like today and why? What ethical principles should guide communication? In communication studies, you’ll acquire the theoretical and analytical skills needed to understand the many media products encountered in everyday life. Employers are looking for skilled communicators, and graduates of our program will have numerous career options.

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Why study Communication Studies at Millsaps?

In their own words

Grace Fruge , Class of 2025

“I will be applying to dental school and after taking one communication class, I knew I had to major in Communication Studies in order to be the best health care provider and person possible. Our department continuously amazes me by applying real-world situations.”

Andrea Webb, Class of 2025

"I have found lifelong friendships and many mentorships with my professors. The notorious Socratic method I once dreaded has now become my absolute favorite part of college, liberating me of the anxieties I once felt when sharing my thoughts out loud or on paper.”

Clay Busby, Class of 2024

“Anything from media production to sports communications, the department is sure to have a class to pique any students’ interest. The professors have set me up with internship opportunities and I will be leaving with many skills that will help me in the professional world.”

Featured Courses

Here is a sampling of a few courses that might pique your interest.

COMM 2430 Journalism

This course introduces the basics of news writing and reporting, including the history and principles of journalism, and the techniques of layout and copywriting.

COMM 3300 Media Production

Dive into digital media production for the internet, broadcast and social media platforms. Students will develop the fundamental skills and techniques of storytelling, lighting, composition, audio recording and editing of image and sound.

Browse all Communication Studies courses

Degree Options

Discover your degrees, minors, concentrations and certification options available for this field of study.

Communication Studies, B.A.

Communication Studies, B.S.

Communication Skills Rated Most Desirable by Employers

Employers rated the “ability to verbally communicate” as the most important candidate skill.*

Road to Leadership Roles

The Center for Creative Leadership states that communication is at the core of leadership and a key characteristic to being a successful leader.

7% Employment Growth for Communications

Employment of communication specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029.*

_{* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics}

Our distinctive strengths

The communication studies major at Millsaps grounds students in concepts while also providing hands-on instruction through the production sequence.

Students all take three production-focused courses, such as Media Production or Beginning Digital Arts. This includes internship opportunities for hands-on training.
Students have opportunities to learn alongside students majoring in creative writing and literature in English.
Students design and complete their own research project in the Senior Seminar.

Gain hands-on experience

Students majoring in literature in Communication Studies have studied abroad in many locations, including England, Ireland, Italy and Mexico.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Pathways

Our curriculum emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking skills essential to any career (and therefore any Pathway), as well as scientific writing and experimentation skills that may be especially critical to students interested in any of our six Pathways tracks.

Learn More About Pathways