Communications Degree

The communications program at Wilkes University prepares the student to enter the fields of advertising, marketing, organizational communication, public relations, publishing, human resources, law, criminal justice, politics, public administration, and more. The program focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Program courses include: intercultural communication, speaking and listening, verbal and nonverbal interaction, rhetorical theory and criticism, argumentation and persuasion, technologically mediated communication, and popular culture. Get more details below including other Pennsylvania colleges that offer communications degrees.

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Wilkes University (Wilkes)

One University Place, Chester, PA

Wilkes University, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is a private four year institution originally established in 1933 as a junior college expansion campus for Bucknell University. Originally known as Bucknell Junior College, the school was granted independence in 1947, changing its name to Wilkes College in honor of John Wilkes, an English politician, and expanded its offerings and programs. The school continued to grow and in 1990 was granted university status, resulting in final name change, and extensive additions to programs available through the school. Since achieving university status the school has developed and added a variety of facilities and majors, including new field specific schools within the university to better assist in the development of education and growth of students.

Academics

Wilkes University serves approximately 2,200 students a year, allowing for a more personalized education while still offering many of the features and advantages of a larger college. The school also offers a large number of undergraduate and pre-professional programs, allowing students to choose the path and major that best suits his or her plans and goals. Undergraduate and pre-professional programs typically take four years to complete and result in a bachelor's degree. Minor degrees may also be pursued, requiring additional courses of study in a given field. Graduate programs are also available, requiring a separate set of prerequisites including having earned a bachelor's degree and acceptable GRE scores. Graduate programs confer a master's degree and typically take between one to two years to complete.

Programs offered include:

• Business Administration
• Criminology
• History
• Marketing
• Sociology

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrollment at Wilkes University must submit a completed application and have earned the nationally recognized prerequisite number of high school credits in English, mathematics, science and social studies. Students must also supply SAT or ACT scores and transcripts with the application, all of which will be taken into consideration during the review and decision process. Students will be notified regarding admissions once the process is complete, and if admitted, will be provided the information necessary to begin their education. Some programs of study will have additional requirements, including additional math courses, auditions, or more specific high school requirements.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs and must be applied for as early as possible each academic year. Students in need of assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be sent to the school in order to develop a financial aid packet that best suits the needs of the applicant. Due to recently implemented federal regulations, students may be randomly selected to provide additional financial information which will be compared to the FAFSA in order to ensure its accuracy. Scholarships are also available from external sources, requiring separate applications and awarded for various reasons. Students are encouraged to go online or visit the financial aid office to identify scholarships they qualify for.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Wilkes University offers a bachelor's degree program in communications.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Radio and Television Announcers

Description

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Public Address System and Other Announcers

Description

Make announcements over public address system at sporting or other public events. May act as master of ceremonies or disc jockey at weddings, parties, clubs, or other gathering places.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public address system and other announcers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.9% from 2014 to 2024

Public Relations Specialists

Description

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public relations specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Camden, NJ Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 300
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.67
  • Average Annual Salary: $61710
• Philadelphia, PA Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.68
  • Average Annual Salary: $61740
• Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 460
  • Average Hourly Rate: $31.81
  • Average Annual Salary: $66160

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).