Communications
Communications is a branch of language arts which focuses on understanding the ways humans develop, collect, disseminate and transfer information, especially through mass media. Major areas of specialization include journalism, speech communications, political communications, telecommunications, theater, film, TV, radio, advertising, and public relations. Communications majors are typically outgoing and enthusiastic and enjoy creativity and diverse activities. The ability to write and speak well is essential.
Career Opportunities
There are a wide variety of careers available to communications graduates. Some graduates will find careers in politics, government, law or public advocacy. Many political offices employ communications majors to help with public relations and speech writing.
Others prefer mass communications such as journalism, broadcasting or telecommunications. The field of broadcasting is highly competitive, but still a growing industry.
Some communications majors find that they are very successful in business, sales, human resources or public relations. Job prospects for those in sales and marketing are extremely good, and most communications graduates interested in this field do not have difficulty finding employment
Most communications majors do not continue to postgraduate studies. Those who do typically enter MBA programs, education, or law.
Internship and Directed Study Opportunities
As a communications major, your chances to gain real world learning experiences through internships and directed studies are very important.
Students at Cottey College participate in internships throughout the year with a variety of businesses, organizations, and non-profit agencies. A successful internship provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to the workplace.
Employers and graduate schools agree that students who have put classroom concepts and skills to work in a "real world" environment are more realistic and productive than those who have not.
With the assistance of faculty and the transfer and career planning coordinator, communications majors can find a variety of local and national internship experiences.
Opportunities exist locally to intern with various health care facilities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
Directed study opportunities are available in all disciplines.
Under the supervision of faculty, students can pursue academic
credit on a topic or project that is related to, but beyond the
scope of, regular course offerings.
Directed study topics can be tailored to your interests, whether
they are conducting individual scientific research, studying girls'
punk music, or conducting advanced computer programming.
Get Involved
Want to have fun and develop your leadership skills and your resume at the same time? Then get involved at Cottey College and in the Nevada community.
Cottey College has more than 35 student clubs and organizations in which to be involved. Plus, the Nevada and surrounding community offer an abundance of service opportunities.
Here are a few activities on campus you might consider pursuing as a communications major: being a member of Retrospect, the annual Cottey yearbook, The Spectrum, the Cottey student newspaper, or AIDS Activists Coming Together (AACT) to educate themselves and others about AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention.
Activities off campus include: volunteering at the Nevada Chamber of Commerce, Probation & Parole, local radio stations and newspapers.
4-Semester Sample Schedule
Students should consult the catalog of the college to which they plan to transfer for specific requirements in their major. This suggested schedule is designed to provide the Associate in Arts degree candidate with the appropriate Cottey College core curriculum and enough coursework in their field to complete the 62 hours required for an A.A. degree. Schedules may vary based on available classes and interests.
| First Year Fall Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| ENG101 English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT103 College Algebra or higher | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 |
| *JRN115 Intro News Writing & Reporting | 3 |
| Fine arts theory | 3 |
| Physical Activity | 1 |
| First Year Spring Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| ENG102 English Composition II | 3 |
| Lab Science | 4 or 5 |
| Social Science | 3 |
| *JRN116 Literary & Investigative Journalism | 3 |
| *SPE 101 Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| Physical Activity | 1 |
| Second Year Fall Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Foreign Language | 3 or 4 |
| *Art271 Digital Art | 3 |
| *JRN229 Journalism Practicum | 1 |
| *JRN291 Media & Society | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
| Second Year Spring Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Foreign Language | 3 or 4 |
| *BUS 291 Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| *ENG210 Business & Tech Communications | 3 |
| *JRN229 Journalism Practicum | 1 |
| *SPE202 Persuasion | 3 |
| Electives | 3 |
* Courses recommended for major
OTHER RELEVANT COURSES ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS
ELECTIVES:
- ART292Digital Art II
- IDS102 Leadership
- IDS151/152 American/International Film
Faculty Advising
Preparing a class schedule, investigating majors, and researching transfer institutions can be confusing for a firstyear student. At Cottey College, academic advising assists the individual student in clarifying and achieving her educational goals.
Each student is assigned a full-time faculty member as an academic advisor. Together the advisor and student devise a balanced academic program, which encompasses the student's educational and career ambitions. The advisor reviews all registration decisions, the advisee's academic progress, and suggests transfer and career options.
This personalized approach to student advising allows the student to take responsibility for her own academic program, while tapping into faculty expertise.
For more information contact:
Enrollment Management
1000 West Austin
Nevada, MO 64772
1-888-5-COTTEY
enrollmgt@cottey.edu