Communication is much more than just the written word. Communication is also verbal or non-verbal, and it takes place at both an interpersonal and mass scale. With the University of Utah’s Communication program, students learn how to be effective communicators for all different types of audiences. Communication is a diverse discipline and offers a variety of skills to prepare students for their careers.
The program has focus areas in four sub-fields of communication, allowing students to tailor their degree to best fit their strengths and interests: these focus areas include Strategic Communication (public relations, advertising, integrated marketing), Journalism (digital, broadcast, print), Communication Studies, or Science, Health, Environmental, and Risk Communication. Through a combination of theoretical and technical training, the Communication program allows students to develop a comprehensive portfolio to market themselves to the industry.
The Student Experience
The Department of Communication offers students many enrichment opportunities, such as internships and part-time work in professional settings. If you want to network and spend time with fellow communication students, be sure to join one of the department’s many clubs and organizations: the John R. Park Debate Society in Salt Lake City allows members to practice debate skills in a friendly, competitive environment, while the Absolute Communication agency both at UAC and Salt Lake City is a student-run advertising and PR company affiliated with the U that allows students to gain experience in the communications industry.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Communication program have found work as editors, communication directors, PR specialists, marketing experts and managers, and radio and video producers. Careers in publishing (as a writer or editor), advertising, and the media (as a broadcaster, journalist, or reporter) as well as work for the government as a campaign manager, lobbyist or town manager, or in the nonprofit sector as a grant writer or program coordinator are also possible. With additional education, students can also become lawyers, advisors, and professors. Some of our graduates received admissions from prestigious graduate programs around the world (e.g., University of Utah, Michigan State University, Seoul National University, London School of Economics, and University of Cambridge).
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