Communications colleges offer students the potential to learn the necessary skills for telecommunications, journalism, public relations, and advertising. A communications degree is both versatile as well as a broad enough field that it is applicable to any potential career or post graduate focus.
Students who choose this degree should choose a school, whether it is online or offline, that has the best programs for the specific focus they wish to pursue as well as the availability of networking opportunities to complete internships necessary for graduation as well as career placement.
Programs
There are many different programs within communications schools, from print journalism to public relations to advertising. Different schools have different strengths. However, no matter what focus a student picks, there are certain factors that make all programs more successful. Technological advancement is key, especially for those interested in visual communication or broadcast journalism. As print journalism begins to fade into online resources, so does the necessity of a strong communications-based foundation for all of those wishing to enter the field.
Those seeking positions in radio or television may want to attend colleges in bigger cities so that they will be at a school affiliated with a station that can provide them with the availability of real-life experience and pre-professional networking opportunities.
Ranking
Due to the diversity of such a field of study, it is difficult to rank communications colleges. Some universities offer each field as a separate major, while others just offer the fields as a focus under the broad degree of ‘communications.’ However, some schools do stand out above the others in regards to hands-on activities, plentiful resources, and renowned professors. The following are some of the most renowned communications colleges in the United States.
Annenberg School for Communication
Located at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, the Annenberg School for Communication is renowned for its cutting edge approach to education. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available, led by professors as well as adjunct faculty. Annenberg maintains centers for public policy study, global communication studies, and visual arts. Specific projects, such as the Center of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research, focuses on researching the origination and effects of communication in all facets of a specific topic.
Newhouse School of Public Communications
Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications emphasizes its students’ study of ethics and professionalism in all communications fields. Various technology and online resources are available to students, and the program even has its own television station. Admission requirements are extremely strict, and only a lucky few high-ranking candidates are granted admission each year. All professors at Newhouse are communications professionals, so students also gain knowledge of real professional situations from the faculty’s own experiences.
Seaver College Communications Divison
The gorgeous Pepperdine University campus, located in Malibu, California, is known for much more than the sunshine and ocean view. The highly renowned Seaver College offers a communications program that focuses upon the relationship between professionals and the public. The focus is on affecting both society and culture in a beneficial way via communications focuses, from telecommunications to public relations. Mandatory courses include studying theory, ethics, and research, to assure students have a well-rounded morally sound communications foundation.
Indiana University School of Journalism
For those seeking a degree in the Midwest, the Bloomington campus of Indiana University has offered for over 100 years one of the best communications programs in the nation. Classes taught at Ernie Pyle hall include a wide range of topics, from graphic design to social media seminars to public relations. All classes are led by a variety of journalism professionals who provide not only national but often international perspective on the future of communications. IU also features a speaker series of communications luminaries, that in the past have featured Bob Woodward, Andrea Koppel, Lisa Ling, and David Halberstam. IU focuses on providing students with a well-rounded and extensive education that goes beyond the classroom.
