Communications Degree

The communications program at Colorado State 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 Colorado colleges that offer communications degrees.

Colorado State University

1575 Hoyt St, Lakewood, CO

Colorado State University (CSU) is a leading public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. CSU is named as the "university of choice" for residents of Colorado. The university offers more than 150 programs of study and 55 departments in eight colleges. It has excellent academic programs in science, math, business, creative writing, engineering and technology. It also has top professional programs in veterinary medicine, occupational therapy, journalism and agriculture, atmospheric science, sustainability and clean energy, among others.

CSU is considered one of the best undergraduate education institutions in the nation, and deemed one of the "Best in the West" universities overall by education services company, The Princeton Review. CSU offers a combination of excellent academics and affordability for graduate-level and undergraduate-level students, along with some unique programs, that makes it a popular choice for many. One unique program is offered through the university's School of Global Environmental Sustainability, which allows students to add environmental courses to their major and receive training in a broad range of environmental issues.

History

Colorado State University was founded in 1870 as a land-grant college called "Agricultural College of Colorado." It's first students (five of them) enrolled in 1879.

By 1882 the school had 24 women among its student body, and over the years the curriculum was expanded from its popular agriculture and engineering programs to include programs in typewriting and stenography, that were tailored more for women.

Academics

The academic calendar for Colorado State University follows the semester format with fall and spring semesters, and three shorter summer terms.

Colleges and Schools

• Agricultural Sciences
• Applied Human Sciences
• Business
• Engineering
• Liberal Arts
• Natural Sciences
• Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
• Warner College of Natural Resources
• Graduate School
• Online Plus (Distance Learning School)
• School of the Arts
• School of Biomedical Engineering
• School of Education
• School of Global Environmental Sustainability
• School of Social Work

Student Life

The student activities and resources on the Colorado State University campus are plentiful.  There are more than 200 student groups, clubs and organizations to become involved in, as well as helpful resources like the RamRide program. Modeled after the CARPOOL program at Texas A&M, RamRide is a safe ride program for students who need safe, carpool-style transportation during the nighttime (RamRide is available Thursday through Saturday.)

A "Twilight Garden Series" is offered to students and gardeners of all abilities.  This is a series of three, 2-hour workshops.  There are many intramural sports activities available in all seasons, including ski trips and the Colorado State Ultimate Frisbee League.

Live music concerts are available at the Lory Student Center, among other arts and entertainment offered on campus.  On campus housing is available, along with many on-campus dining options.  There are several chapters of fraternities and sororities at CSU.

Traditions

The CSU school colors are green and gold and the school mascot is the ram.

Athletics

The Colorado State "Rams" athletics teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, and there are always many vocal Rams fans at the college's sporting events.

Men's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Water Polo

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

Fort Collins City Parks, Colorado State Parks, and Rocky Mountain National Park offer plenty of outdoor recreation for CSU students in the area around campus and Fort Collins, Colorado. Ski Colorado offers ski vacation packages so students can enjoy the world-class ski slopes in the area during the winter months.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Colorado State University has offered the following academic levels for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

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

Salary & Wages

• Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
  • Total Employment: 50
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.69
  • Average Annual Salary: $49270

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

• Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.71
  • Average Annual Salary: $61800

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