Communications Degree

The communications program at Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Altoona 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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Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Altoona

2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, PA

Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Altoona is a public institution located in Altoona, PA and provides a large number of degree programs for students. Approximately four thousand students are enrolled per year at Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Altoona.

Students can choose from a few areas of study, including:

• Commerce
• Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Electrical Engineering

Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions committee. Students may provide either the SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admissions at this school. A score in a range of 1340 to 1630 on the SAT, or 20 to 24 for the ACT is usually submitted among accepted students. This school accepts about 80% of students applying annually. Of those students accepted, around 32% of students attended the school. More information regarding admissions can be found at admissions.psu.edu.

The tuition at Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Altoona varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay around $15,000 per year and out-of-state residents are charged $22,000 per year. The price of on-campus housing is around $5,200 for the year. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is generally offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

Athletic programs are available at Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Altoona through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs that are available include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division III)
• Basketball (NCAA Division III)
• Golf (NCAA Division III)
• Soccer (NCAA Division III)

For a complete list of areas of study, programs, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.aa.psu.edu/.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Altoona 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

• Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
  • Total Employment: 400
  • Average Hourly Rate: $28.04
  • Average Annual Salary: $58330

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