Communication is your key to success. Learn how to open more doors.
As a COM major, you’ll work on your own communication skills, from crafting a persuasive piece of writing to delivering a moving speech. You’ll also learn to look at communication through a critical lens. Communication students analyze both text and subtext, separate fact from fiction, and break down the components used by other powerful communicators (both ethical and not-so-ethical, an important distinction). You’ll emerge as not only a more effective communicator, but also a better-informed consumer of media and messaging today.
The curriculum includes courses in topics such as public speaking, journalism, business communication, persuasive writing, and broadcast and electronic media. And because it’s Oglethorpe – where we love to draw innovative connections between disciplines – there is also a rotating selection of possible electives.
Offered as:
B.A.L.S. in Communication Studies
Minor in Communication Studies
View major requirements.
Real World Experience
As a COM student at Oglethorpe, you’re sure to grapple with some heady ideas in the classroom, and delve deep into some fascinating theories. But theory is just the beginning. Our emphasis on ideas + opportunities – and our prime location in Atlanta – guarantee you’ll find plenty of ways to turn theory into practice.
Metro Atlanta consistently ranks among the top ten largest media markets in the US. It’s also home to major media outlets like TBS, the Cartoon Network, CNN, and media empire Cox Enterprises. Household-name print publications include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (with a daily circulation of more than two hundred thousand) and popular indie broadsheets like Creative Loafing. There’s also a thriving ad agency presence. So when it comes to internships, or landing your first gig, you’ll have plenty of options.
Oglethorpe communication students have interned at Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Workshop Players, CBS News, Comcast, Cumulus Radio, Farm Star Living, FOX Sports, Georgia Magazine, IFS Securities, IHG, Latin American Association, MailChimp, NPR, the Home Depot, Cartoon Network/Turner and local radio stations.
Life After Oglethorpe
Oglethorpe’s program in Communication Studies is multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary, preparing talented and curious students like you for a wide range of possible careers.
Pursue a career in corporate or not-for-profit communications, advertising and marketing, journalism, public relations, editing and publishing, or even politics or law (both fields which rely heavily on being a great speaker and talented communicator).
Build on your mind-expanding experiences at Oglethorpe and enroll in a graduate program in communication, journalism, or law. Some of our recent students are now furthering their education at Columbia Journalism School, DePaul University, Georgia State University, Goldsmiths University of London, University of South Carolina, and more.
OU communication alumni are now employed at organizations like ABC News, CNN, Georgia House of Representatives, NBA TV, Superior Court of Fulton County, DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, Fulton County Government, KCD Worldwide (an international marketing and PR agency), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), Cumulus Media, IBM, Scoutmob, Turner Broadcasting and InterContinental Hotels Group.