Communication


The communication major at Hiram College is designed to aid students in developing the skills and theoretical understanding necessary to be a successful communicator. The major assumes the practical application of knowledge about human communication and application of communication skills to every human situation or context. This course of study is helpful to communicators in media oriented professions and to managers who must convey instruction and ideas successfully, as well as to individuals whose work requires skillful public contact.

Skills in communication are widely transferable, and graduates in this area are able to adapt to the rapid changes taking place in the workplace. Career possibilities emerge in advertising agencies, film companies, newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, the theatre, and in the public sector, including positions in public relations and international marketing and sales.

Major Requirements


A core of four courses provides the framework for studying the communication discipline.The core includes public communication as the cornerstone of Western civilization, human communication theory as the understanding of all symbolic interactions, research methodology, and the opportunity to design and carry out an individualized research project. Complementing the core are four tracks that offer students specialization in relational, rhetorical, mediated, or intercultural communication.

Required Courses
  • Foundations of Public Communication
  • Human Communication Theory
  • Communication Research Methodologies
  • Junior/Senior Readings
  • Junior/Senior Seminar

Correlative Course
  • One additional writing course or a foreign language through the 103-level.

Sample Complementing Courses
  • Group-Interaction Processes
  • Gender Communication
  • Writing for Publication
  • Organizational Communication
  • Survey of Journalism
  • The Rhetorical Tradition
  • Communication between Cultures
  • Global Communication and Human Rights

Transfer students will be required to complete at least half of the coursework in their communication major at Hiram College.

Additional Information