Major Concentrations

In every workplace, from business to the medical industry, across the globe, communication drives the work accomplished every day. Can you imagine where we’d be without it? In each Kent State University major concentration of communication, you’ll gain skills to apply to your personal and professional interests – no matter what they are.

A recent job outlook statistics from the National Association for Colleges and Employers rank effective communication skills as one of the most important job characteristic employers consider when making hiring decisions, ranking above even technical skills.

Applied Communication

A degree in applied communication allows students to take coursework in all areas of strategic communication – such as global communication, public relations, visual design, advertising, organizational communication, and communication campaigns. It therefore prepares students to students to work more effectively in a wide range of contexts, meeting industry demands with more advanced communication training and integrated communication skills. Applied communication majors learn the hands-on work of a professional communication specialist and understand the theories that explain why certain messages are most effective for different types of domestic and international audiences. Find out more about the required Practicum in Applied Communication.

Download the Applied Communication brochure

Global Communication

Globalization is the result of communication. Strategic, culturally sensitive communicators are responsible for building the global economy we live in today. Now that a majority of industries operate globally, the demand for communication professionals with global perspective who have the theoretical, analytical and practical skills to understand communication across cultures and in diverse environments has increased dramatically. A degree in global communication exposes students to business processes, information management, media systems and telecommunications structure, intercultural, and organizational communication practices. Graduates are prepared to play a powerful role in redefining the way the world communicates. The global communication major concentration includes foreign language and study away experience requirements. Students are required to complete one study away experience which can range from one week to an entire semester. Learn more about study abroad options through the College of Communication and Information and the Office of Global Education.

Download the Global Communication brochure

Health Communication

In the past decade, the U.S. Surgeon General and the Department of Health and Human Services have recognized that communication is vital to achieving the nation’s health promotion and disease prevention agenda. Communication plays critical roles in health and risk behavior, health care, health promotion, and influences both health outcomes and the cost of health care. Health marketing, public health and health promotion, through agencies and non-profit organizations, are among the growing career options in health-related industries. The health communication major promotes skills in health care communication and training, social support, health literacy, media literacy, and the design and development of health messages, programs and campaigns.

Download the Health Communication brochure

Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication is one of the longest standing concentrations in the School of Communication Studies. For more than 20 years, the program has attracted students choosing to study interpersonal dynamics. Regardless of the career, the ability to listen and communicate effectively with others is an integral skill. Interpersonal communication majors will refine their ability to assess verbal and nonverbal messages, evaluate intended and unintended effects of messages, interpret diverse meaning, and produce culturally sensitive messages.

Download the Interpersonal Communication brochure

Organizational Communication

Almost every college graduate will go to work for an organization. Thus, knowledge of and training in effective organizational communication skills and practices are relevant to a variety of careers. Organizational communication students learn both practical skills, such as creating effective newsletters, brochures, and organizational presentations, as well as developing a deeper understanding of organizational theory and research. An organizational communication degree trains students in how to adapt interaction to evolving organizational interests, needs, desires and concerns.

Download the Organizational Communication brochure

Public Communication

Public communication is an essential part of everyday life and business interaction. New forms of media are constantly being created by individuals, groups and organizations to disseminate information to the public and influence judgments, perceptions, values and actions.

An understanding of media use, processes and effects is critical for success in a competitive marketplace. A degree in public communication prepares students to enter a large number of careers, including marketing, advertising and other strategic communication professions, legal and political fields, as well as new and emerging fields in social media management and promotion.

Download the Public Communication brochure

View Concentration Requirements

View Course Descriptions

To view COMM course descriptions, select the button above, then select your term and subject (Communication Studies).

Check out the Planned Course Rotation document for more information on how often courses are offered.