Communication Studies, B.A.
The Communication Studies major equips you with the creative, flexible and practical skills you need to thrive in today’s fast-changing media and communication landscape. Whether you’re interested in digital storytelling, social media strategy, broadcasting, journalism or public relations, you’ll build a strong foundation that prepares you for careers across industries.
You’ll develop timeless skills in writing, speaking, editing and media production while also gaining expertise in digital platforms, social media and entrepreneurial approaches to communication—including the growing fields of content creation and social influence.
Through a core set of courses, you’ll explore the history of communication, the ethical responsibilities of communicators in the age of AI and the cultural impact of media. From there, you can shape your path with specialized courses in sports communication, design and branding, multimedia storytelling, website and social media management and more.
The result is a degree that prepares you for careers in broadcasting, journalism, advertising and public relations, while also giving you the creative versatility to pursue emerging opportunities in digital communication, advocacy and leadership for the public good. Many graduates also build on this foundation to pursue advanced study in fields such as law, business, and public policy.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. in Communication Studies degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Future employers and post-graduate schools will look at your entire undergraduate work both inside and outside the classroom. Take full advantage of all opportunities that are available to you at LR, including research, study abroad, internships, student activities and organizations.
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Internships & Practicums
You’ll gain practical, professional experience through both on-campus practicums and off-campus internships. Students in the program have interned with Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics, Hickory FC and other local sports teams producing social media content and video broadcasts. Others have reported for television stations in Charlotte, written for the “Hickory Daily Record,” worked on radio shows in Alaska and contributed to communication departments across the United States.
Courses in the communication studies major are combined with on-campus practicums and off-campus internships to provide practical, professional experience invaluable to you as you transition into the workforce.
Communication Internship
The communication internship gives you the chance to apply your skills in a professional environment. Supervised by both an organizational mentor and a faculty advisor, you’ll complete a minimum of 150 hours throughout the semester. Internship sites include digital and social media departments with sports teams, broadcasting networks, production firms, public relations agencies, corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations. You’ll work closely with the internship coordinator to plan and secure a placement that fits your interests and goals.
Communication Practicum
The communication practicum is an on-campus field experience that directly relates to your career interest. Site locations are designed to offer hands-on practice using a variety of skill sets in writing, videography, editing, social media and public relations, among others. You are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours within your chosen area.
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Student Opportunities
From your first year, you’ll have opportunities to gain hands-on experience and strengthen your education.
Lenoir-Rhyne Media Lab
Through the student-led media lab, you can publish original work such as news stories, photo essays, podcasts and other creative projects. You’ll contribute through reporting, writing, editing, photography and social media content creation.
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Student Activities & Organizations
Debate Team
Through LR’s award-winning Debate Team, you can develop strong skills in communications, public speaking and research while participating in competitive debate competitions throughout the region.
Communications Club
Students are encouraged to participate in the Communications Club, which offers workshops to enhance skills as well as field trips to explore career opportunities in the field.
Communication Honor Society
As students advance further into the major, academically qualified students are eligible for senior honor courses and membership in the Lambda Pi Eta (Upsilon Chi Chapter) National Communication Honor Society.
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The professors were amazing in supporting me while I worked to achieve my goals and earn my degree. They truly cared about me, and I wasn’t just a number or a seat in the classroom.
Career Opportunities
The communication studies program is designed to prepare you for a wide array of professional opportunities across contemporary media and corporate landscapes.
With a curriculum designed to furnish students with a “convergence’ of professional content and skills development, graduates will have opportunities in a wide range of careers where writing, communications, research, and creativity are valued. These options span across many mediums: print, radio, television and film—in any place where the skill of “telling the story” is needed or the production of the “story” is required.
Career opportunities span across the spectrum of news, sports, entertainment and culture. They include print, voice, photojournalism, social media, broadcasting technology and production; writing, editing and publishing; public relations and marketing; and research and consulting.
Major Requirements
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
First-year student Ethan Craig ’30 turned a summer internship at the Mitford Museum into hands-on experience in museum curation — and caught a glimpse of the places his passion for art might someday lead.
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Lenoir-Rhyne University will mark a milestone throughout the 2026-27 academic year, celebrating 135 years of educating leaders, serving communities and transforming lives.
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