This document provides an overview of communications studies and related career paths. It discusses how communications is an integral part of daily life and an important workplace skill, with numerous career opportunities in fields like public relations, journalism, and media production. It then summarizes the core areas of study - human communications, public relations/journalism, and media production. For each area, it outlines relevant coursework and potential career paths with expected employment growth and median wages. The document concludes that a communications degree provides skills applicable to many careers and stable job opportunities.

1. Cassia Martens
David Kozlowski
Jared Kraus
Kristina Letcher
Megan Brown

2. Why Study Communications?
An integral part of daily life
An important skill for the workplace
A way to express ideas through entertainment
Numerous careers available in the fields of human
communication, public relations, journalism, and
media productions.

3. Human Communications Overview
Study of the methods and processes humans use to
communicate with each other

4. Human Communication Courses
Interpersonal Conflict
Intercultural Communication
Political Communication
Nonverbal Communication

5. Human Communication Job
Outlook
1. Human Resources Specialist
 22% employment growth
 $45,470 median annual wages in May 2008
2. Meetings/Conventions Planner
 16% employment growth
 $44,260 median annual wages in May 2008
3. Technical Writer
 18% employment growth
 $61,620 median annual wages

6. Public Relations/Journalism
Overview
Journalism- The profession or
practice of reporting about,
photographing, or editing news
stories for one of the mass media.
•Public Relations- The
professional staff employed
to create, promote, or
maintain a favorable
relationship between an
organization and the public.

7. Public Relations/Journalism
Courses
Introduction of Mass Media- core
Writing for the profession-core
Public affairs reporting- Journalism elective
Media and criminal justice- Journalism elective
Media design & layout- PR elective
Advertising campaigns- PR elective

8. Public Relations/Journalism Job
Outlook
Media Planner
$35,604 to $46,600
Public Affairs Specialist
$34,000 to $40,000
Sports Media
$36,00 to $100,000

9. Media Production Overview
Media Production focuses on the hands-on aspects of
television, radio, and film. Students begin by creating
short radio and television programs and then progress
to producing entire programs.

10. Media Production Courses
CMAT 243 Television Studio Production
CMAT 399 International Studies in Communication
CMAT 434 Producing a TV Magazine Show

11. Media Production Job Outlook
• Producer – There is a growing need, but it is still tough to be
employed as a producer. Median annual wages of producers and
directors were $64,430 in 2008.
• Managing Editor – There is a slow growing employment, but it
is a very competitive occupation because so many people are
attracted to this job. The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$28,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,490.
• Broadcast Engineer – There is a slow growing need for
engineers. People seeking entry-level jobs as technicians in
broadcasting are expected to face heavy competition in major
metropolitan areas. Prospects are expected to be better in small
cities and towns. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,510,
and the highest 10 percent earned more than $66,550

12. A Degree in Communications…
Permeates all career paths
Provides numerous, stable career opportunities
Provides skills for all human interactions