Communications Degree

The communications program at Purdue 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 California colleges that offer communications degrees.

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Purdue University

, Stanford, CA

Purdue University was established in 1869 and stands as the flagship campus of the Purdue University System. About 270 programs are offered at the main campus in West Lafayette together with regional campuses located in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Westville, and Hammond in Indiana. Ten other locations throughout the state serve as schools for the Purdue College of Technology, with programs focusing on the use of information technology for both the government and business sectors.

Ranked among the best research universities in the country, Purdue's Discovery Park complex is home to the university's nanotechnology research facility along with other programs in agricultural research, engineering, and environmental studies. Research grants are provided by a number of federal executive departments as well as NASA.

Purdue also features a number of student and recreational facilities which include a sports center, aquatic center, golf courses, and a health center. In celebration of its diverse population, the university provides for cultural learning via the Black cultural center, Latino cultural center, China center, Confucius institute, as well as the Native American educational center.

Traditions and celebrations abound at Purdue, highlighted by annual Fountain Runs and a 50-mile go kart race dubbed as the Purdue Grand Prix. Involvement in intercollegiate athletic events is spearheaded by the Purdue Boilermakers, representing the university in football, basketball, tennis, and wrestling, among others.

Student housing is available both within and outside campus grounds, with an office for Off-campus Housing Services lending assistance to students seeking residency in nearby neighborhoods. A partnership with the West Lafayette City Bus provides for free transportation to all members of the Purdue community. Campus security is presided over by the university's police department.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Purdue University offers a post-baccalaureate certificate 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

Salary & Wages

• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.58
  • Average Annual Salary: $42800

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

• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $45.22
  • Average Annual Salary: $94060

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