The document is a Q&A between a student studying communications and their parents. In response to their parents' questions, the student explains that the field of human communications involves understanding how people communicate in various contexts. They note that there are different tracks of study within communications, such as media production. The student also discusses that degrees in communications can lead to careers such as television producer, advertising executive, entrepreneur, and professor. The student shares salary data for communications graduates and other benefits of studying communications. Finally, the student provides examples of careers pursued by alumni with communications degrees.

1. Glen CharltonAimee DawkinsLauren AtteckMatt McIverBailey PechnerQ&A With Mom and Dad: I <3 Communications!!!

2. “So what’s this you call ‘human communications’ all about???” Well, in scholarly terms, it’s the field dedicated to understanding how people communicate with themselves, another person, within groups, within organizations, and across cultures. Wikipedia. (2010, April 1). Human Communication. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_communication

3. “Ok. Are you telling me it’s all about speech and more speech???” A common misconception of the field of communications is that it involves nothing but speech. Here are a couple more:There aren’t many jobs for those with a CMAT degree. CMAT degree jobs have low salaries.

4. “Hmm… So is ‘human communications’ the only focus in this field?” Because there are so many ways to communicate, there are, in turn, different tracks, or focuses, of study. For example, in the media production track, the aspects of communication on television are explored.

5. “Alright. Well exactly what jobs or even career can you have with a CMAT degree?” television producersportscasteradvertising account executiveentrepeneur lawyer radio program directornews reporterpublic affairs directorcommunications professorSalisbury University. (2010, April 1). Jobs and Internships. Retrieved from http://www.salisbury.edu/commarts/jobs.html

6. CMAT Degree

7. “I see… So what kind of money does a CMAT degree offer?”

8. Salary Averages of Communication MajorPayScale.(2010, April 1). Salary Survey for Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA/AB), Communications. Retrieved from http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Arts_%28BA%2fAB%29%2c_Communications/Salary/by_Years_Experience

9. “Ok this doesn’t seem too bad… but what else is there to it besides the money?”Benefits: Being aware of the social significance of communication skills.Identify problems of communication and build skills in solving them.Competency and communications related fields. Experience in intercultural communication, international media, organizational communications, and public relations. Salisbury University. (2010, April 1). Benefits. Retrieved from http://www.salisbury.edu/commarts/programs.html#benefit

10. “We see you’re pretty serious with this. Now tell us what YOU plan to do with your degree.”Alumni from Salisbury have shared what they currently are doing with their degrees:Mark Lam sales associateKatie Gibson enhanced media specialistRobert Wojtek disaster preparedness coordinatorSalisbury University. (2010, April 1). Alumni Resources. Retrieved from http://www.salisbury.edu/careerservices/students/ChoosingMajorsPage/CommunicationArt.html#Alumni

11. “We’re happy and very proud that you have given this a lot of thought. I trust that you will make the right decisions.”Communication is something that occurs everyday and is not avoidable. Regardless of the career you have, it is imperative that you interact with your supervisor and co-workers. Communication is key in just about every aspect of life.

12. Reference ListWikipedia. (2010, April 1). Human Communication. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_communicationSalisbury University. (2010, April 1). Jobs and Internships. Retrieved from http://www.salisbury.edu/commarts/jobs.htmlPayScale. (2010, April 1). Salary Survey for Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA/AB), Communications. Retrieved from http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Arts_%28BA%2fAB%29%2c_Communications/Salary/by_Years_ExperienceSalisbury University. (2010, April 1). Benefits. Retrieved from http://www.salisbury.edu/commarts/programs.html#benefitSalisbury University. (2010, April 1). Alumni Resources. Retrieved from http://www.salisbury.edu/careerservices/students/ChoosingMajorsPage/CommunicationArt.html#Alumni