Communications Degree

The communications program at University of South Carolina – Aiken 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 South Carolina colleges that offer communications degrees.

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University of South Carolina – Aiken (USC Aiken)

503 South Broad Street, Clinton, SC

About
The University of South Carolina - Aiken, was founded in 1961 as a branch campus of the University of South Carolina. The goal of the institution was to provide the equivalent of a community college education in the center of Aiken county and was established through an agreement between the school and the Aiken County Commission on Higher Education through permission granted by the state. By 1968 the school was able to grant associate degrees and granted permission to purchase a new permanent location which was finalized in 1972. In 1975 the school gained approval to provide senior level courses and grant bachelor degrees. Soon after the school entered into a period of expansion, adding new buildings and modernizing facilities to cater to student demands at the university level. The school expanded its educational offerings in the 1990's, introducing new master degree programs and the development of newer facilities, such as athletics facilities and fields. The school is dedicated to providing the best education possible for its students through review, expansion and relevancy.

Academics
The University of South Carolina - Aiken offers a number of programs allowing students to choose a course of study and major that best reflects their long term goals and career aspirations. Bachelor degree programs typically take four years to complete and may be accompanied by a minor degree in a separate field of study, earned through additional coursework. Majors require students to take a number of lower and upper division courses related to their field of study combines with general education requirements and elective courses. Master degree programs require a separate admissions process as well as having earned a bachelor's degree and a minimum acceptable GRE score. Master degree programs typically take between one and two years to complete.

Programs offered include:

• Communications
• Political Science
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Business Administration

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment at USC Aiken requires students to have completed a standard high school education or equivalent combined with an acceptable GPA to SAT or ACT ratio. Students who meet the requirements for admission must complete the application form, providing all necessary information, including essays and transcripts, which will be used to render a final admissions decision. Students will be notified when the process is complete, and those admitted will be provided the necessary information to begin their education.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine the student's financial needs, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. As per federal regulations, students may be randomly selected to provide financial documentation to the financial aid office to be compared to the FAFSA and verify its accuracy. Financial aid must be applied for prior to the start of each academic year due to the possible changes in the student's or the family's financial situation.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. USC Aiken 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

• Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC
  • Total Employment: 550
  • Average Hourly Rate: $22.56
  • Average Annual Salary: $46910

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