Communications Degree

The communications program at Washington 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 Washington colleges that offer communications degrees.

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Washington State University

Also known as Walla Walla College

204 S College Ave, College Place, WA

Washington State University (WSU) is one of the top 60 public research universities in the U.S. The main campus for WSU is its Pullman Campus, located in southeastern Washington and 75 miles south of Spokane. WSU also has campuses in Spokane, Vancouver and the Tri-Cities.

The faculty at WSU is highly acclaimed, and includes Fulbright Scholars, National Science Foundation awardees, and members of the National Academies among its researchers.  WSU offers more than 200 fields of study, with 95 majors available for undergraduates and 64 master's degree programs available for graduate students. There are 44 doctoral degree programs available, and two professional degree programs (Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine). WSU offers many study abroad programs in 91 countries.

History

Washington State University's Pullman was Washington's original land-grant university, which was founded in 1890.

Academics

The academic calendar for Washington State University follows the semester system with fall and spring semesters and a summer session.

Colleges and Schools

Washington State University has 12 academic colleges, a graduate school and a center for distance learning and professional/career education:

• Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
• Business
• Communication
• Education
• Engineering and Architecture
• Honors
• Liberal Arts
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Sciences
• University College
• Veterinary Medicine
• Graduate School
• Center for Distance and Professional Education

Student Life

There are more than 300 student clubs and organizations available to students at Washington State University, with many of opportunities for civic engagement, leadership, and student government.  There are also multicultural student centers, as well as mentorship programs that offer peer tutoring in topics that include writing, engineering and mathematics.  There are also many chapters of national fraternities and sororities available on campus.

The WSU Pullman campus has many residential halls for students who wish to live on campus. The residence halls feature "living-learning communities" that help to keep freshmen students focused on their studies.  Off campus housing is also available in the tree-lined communities that surround the Pullman campus.

Athletics

The "Cougars" athletic teams of Washington State University compete in numerous intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Track and Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball 

The athletic department of Washington State University also runs a baseball academy for youths.

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its Pullman Campus, Washington Status University has campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver, Washington. It also has Extension Offices in every county of Washington State, and offers online programs that are available to students around the world.

Community Life

The WSU Community Action Center serves as a connection or liaison between families and their community. Its mission is to help low to middle-income families become self-sufficient and self-sustaining. The WSU faculty and staff are involved to help with activities and programs such as the food assistance services, nutritional counseling, assistance and guidance with budgeting, and more.

Among its many other community programs, WSU offers agricultural research stations throughout the state that provide benefits to local industries and communities through research and services. WSU also has Small Business Development Centers, the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, and a 4-H Youth Development Program.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Walla Walla College offers a doctorate 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

• Walla Walla, WA
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $27.85
  • Average Annual Salary: $57930

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