Communication is a necessary part of daily life for every human on the planet.

Communication is a wonderful degree option for those interested in utilizing their communication skills for their future career.

“I chose this major because I want to work with a record label. I was actually a business major until someone told me about this degree and that I should be a mass communications major,” Logan Knox, junior mass communications major said. “I really like all of the classes, and it’s not a ridiculously difficult degree but it isn’t easy either.”

The communication degree offers a wide variety of areas of specialization. The four concentrations include Digital Media Production, Public Relations, Communication Advocacy, and Journalism.

Each concentration comes with many areas of emphasis in convergent media, photojournalism and documentary photography, blogging, web design, multimedia designs and many more.

“Our video production class re-shot a scene from a movie, which was a lot of work but it was very fun and a good experience,” Knox said.

“The video production class is really awesome and has been my favorite so far. It’s really interesting. Though we only have one digital media professor he really works with us,” Knox said.

Knox believes this is a useful major that is open to everyone.

“Everyone told me I needed a desk job because they don’t think I’m capable of doing things, and this isn’t really a desk job and I can do it,” Knox said.

Students with a degree in mass communication have many career options available directly after graduation.

Without a masters, mass communication students may work for a wide variety of media outlets.

“Before our merge we saw an influx of about 40 or so students. That growth has continued over the summer. Digital media professor, John Rodriguez said.

“Though we had to combine due to budget cuts, it has been a good merge. I have been writing grants and we have lots of brand new equipment and completely new labs.”

Rodriguez believes that a communication degree can lead to many different options of employment to graduates.

“Communication is an ever expanding field and is in very high demand. I looked up the median salary for digital media and it was around $57,000 to $69,00. That’s true of all the other fields as well. It’s a great salary, and a great field,” Rodriguez said.

Several organizations are connected to the department including student publications, which is open to all interested students.

Lambda Pi Eta, the communication honor society, recognizes student achievements, brings together faculty and students, promotes the degree and helps graduate students explore education options.

The Public Relations Student Society of America serves its members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and provides access to professional development opportunities.

The Speech and Debate Forum also welcomes mass communication majors, and majors of all kinds.

“We’re always looking to improve, and in fact have plans for a state of the art digital media facility in Walker. This major is great for creative people who are looking to have fun and enjoy their work. It’s all about storytelling.” Rodriguez said.

Differing from other universities, our Communication program is very hands-on.

Our students are always working to create portfolios, news stories or short films.

Our public relations deals with real projects, such as a Wellspring promotion dealing with domestic abuse.

“We produce valuable graduates with hands on experience and a vast amount of knowledge. The medium is constantly changing and we teach all forms of communication available. We produce content and put it into practice, giving our students real world experience,” Rodriguez said.