Speech Communication and Journalism comprise the major's two main courses of study. They help prepare students for public relations, advertising, reporting for print or broadcast media, human resources, sales, publishing, law and teaching. Faculty-student research is often presented at professional conferences.
Internships are available in many fields, both in Lynchburg and other locations.
Founded through a partnership of the disciplines of speech communication, media studies, and journalism, the Department of Communication Studies provides students with both theoretical and practical knowledge of the communication field. Students acquire proficiency in analytical and critical thinking as well as the ability to interpret and transmit ideas and information effectively in written, oral, and electronic form. The department also engages students in leadership opportunities and experiential learning through community service and internship projects. The communication studies major has been designed for students who wish to pursue careers in any business or profession requiring proficiency and understanding of communication such as public relations, advertising, reporting for print or broadcast media, human resources, sales, publishing, law, and teaching. All students take a common core curriculum and then select one of two emphases, journalism or speech communication, for a total of 43 hours in the major.