Communication

You’re already a communicator. You text, photograph, stream, chat, talk and listen. How can you do each more effectively? How can you turn them into marketable skills? Employers in every sector say the top skills they are looking for in new employees are: competent and confident speaking, skilled and detail-oriented writing and excellent leadership in team environments.

Communication skills and understanding are vital in every part of your personal and professional life. Advertising, journalism and public relations are the more obvious careers associated with a communication degree, but the skills you’ll develop in this program will make you better at learning to create shared meaning, and that’s essential to success in every career imaginable. Whether you’re chasing down a story, managing a business, running for office or heading off to graduate school, being a more effective communicator provides you with an edge.

Brooke Foster '23

Communication

“Whether it is sports related, marketing, public relations, advertising or even pursuing a doctorate degree and teaching communication, I was highly intrigued by all of the routes ahead of me.

“My experiences both in and out of the classroom are challenging. Recently I had the opportunity to assist the Sports Communication Department with their podcast ‘CU in Van Male.’ At first it seemed out of my realm, but it pushed me to do something out of the box and developed my perception of a career in communications. I then became motivated to take a podcasting course, and am more comfortable with content management, digital media and more importantly – getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“My liberal arts education allows me to know that learning doesn’t always need to be personally driven and require personal benefits. After I graduate college with my major and minor, I hope to never stop learning. The Carroll Pioneer Core allows a wise student to remember the true essence of learning is ever long!”

A female student sits at a table taking notes

About the Communication Major

Carroll University’s communication program will help you develop your writing, speaking, research and intercultural communication skills. You’ll gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience through coursework, internships and opportunities to participate in campus organizations. Your education in these core skills will make you a more effective writer, speaker and leader.

You may choose to focus your studies in one of three areas: journalism, public relations or relational communication. You can also have a pre-physical therapy emphasis while completing the communication major—you’ll work with your advisor to fill out your interests with health communication and other courses. Furthermore, many students complement their communication major with a second major and most are able to do it within four years. Double majors in business, graphic communication, psychology and theater arts are common.

The flexibility of the communication major allows students the opportunity to study abroad during the junior year in countries such as England, Hong Kong and Belgium. In addition, the communication program offers cross-cultural experience classes both domestically and internationally which fulfill the university’s immersion requirement. Departmental offerings include a three-week intercultural communication class in Thailand and a two-week tour of Appalachia to discover the cultural distinctiveness of this region of the U.S.

While all communication majors take the same four core courses, the following tracks are groupings of suggested courses based on career aspirations. In addition to the major, Carroll also offers communication minors that complement many areas of study.

Internships

We help you build real world experience, explore careers and network with professionals through internship opportunities. Recent placements include the following companies:

ABC News
Milwaukee County Zoological Society
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Milwaukee Bucks
Chicago Blackhawks
Clear Channel Outdoor
Rogers Memorial Hospital
Midwest Whitetail Magazine

Careers

College is a big investment in a bright future. Learn more about the industries and careers our majors pursue, and the workplaces and experiences of the alumni from our program. See where yours may take you.