Communications Degree

The communications program at San Jose 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 California colleges that offer communications degrees.

Learn more by requesting information now!

San Jose State University

2100 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA

San Jose State University (SJSU) is located in downtown San Jose, California, the heart of what is known as "Silicon Valley" - a busy area for the high-technology industry. The SJSU location is halfway between San Francisco and Monterey, California.  SJSU is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system, and offers more than 134 undergraduate and graduate degrees in 110 concentrations or areas of emphasis.

SJSU boasts many famous and illustrious alumni including author Amy Tan, Olympic medallists Lee Evans and Chuck Adkins, and gorilla researcher and author Dian Fossey, among others.  SJSU is one of the top 200 research universities in the U.S.

History

San Jose State University was founded in 1857 as a frontier school that trained teachers.  Over time it matured into a metropolitan university.

Academics

San Jose State University follows the semester-format academic calendar, with a fall and spring semester.

Colleges and Schools

San Jose State University offers 69 undergraduate and 65 graduate degrees in a full range of majors, with a selection of minors, from its seven colleges and many departments, including:

• Applied Sciences & Arts
• Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Humanities & the Arts
• Science
• Social Sciences

SJSU also offers many certificate programs.

Student Life

San Jose State University offers its students the opportunity to participate in more than 150 clubs and organizations as well as NCAA athletics. SJSU also offers on-campus access to many student resources including student housing and dining, events, study abroad programs, student advising and learning assistance, career advising, a health center, and more.

Athletics

The SJSU athletics department competes in many intercollegiate sports with its "Spartans" teams, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming/Diving
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Water Polo

Community Life

Students from San Jose State University benefit from the campus's location in the heart of "Silicon Valley" through the many research programs and internships offered at local Silicon Valley companies.  Further, San Jose is a cultural metro center with many opportunities for recreation, arts and entertainment.  It also is conveniently located to San Francisco and coastal cities like Santa Cruz and Carmel.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. San Jose State University has offered the following degree 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

• 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).