Program in Communication Studies
Find your voice, express your vision
You are a contributor, influencer, and digital native. And a communication studies degree paired with your natural talents and interests will empower you to change the world. The communication studies program at Saint Mary’s College not only prepares students for a career, but prepares women to be responsible leaders, engaged citizens, advocates, and pioneering problem-solvers. Here, you’ll find your voice, and there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.
- 100% of students complete a unique research project
- 10:1 student to faculty ratio
- 96% said Saint Mary’s prepared them well or very well for graduate school
Take unique courses
From Argumentation (aka The Yoga Mat Class), Adulting 101, Masculinities in the US Media, Social Media, and Female Beauty: Discourse, Rhetoric, and Theory, communications coursework will make you think both critically and creatively, not only about the process of communication, but its impact on every aspect of life.
Through lectures, discussions, and creative problem-solving projects, all of our students investigate how the media shapes and influences politics, law, ethics, gender, and culture and learn to evaluate, adapt, and respond to evolving situations, audiences, and media.
Explore an area of interest
Communication studies students have the opportunity to choose a topic for their senior research project that interests them. Working closely with faculty, you will receive mentorship to utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods and dig into the impact of media on daily life. Recent student projects include analysis of masculinities in Modern Family, how live music builds communities and social connections, and how social media affects self-esteem and perception.
“My friends and professors here are a great support system. They are helping me find the path I want to take.”
— Caroline Blue '19
Carry your knowledge into the workforce
Internships allow you to explore different career paths and specializations that suit individual interests. Whether you’re looking for experience abroad, need something on campus, or are interested in virtual internships, your opportunities are endless. Our students have interned with major corporations including ESPN and Disney, worked for local non-profits including the Center for the Homeless and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and even interned in the South Bend Mayor’s Office with Mayor Pete.
Endless career opportunities
The communication studies program at Saint Mary’s will prepare you to excel in jobs that exist today and those of the future. Our engaging approach to communication prepares students for future work in any number of careers, such as public affairs, marketing, advertising, human resources, event planning, or campaigning and speechwriting.
Enhance your career opportunities with a double major or concentrated minor. Whether you choose to pair a communication studies major with a public relations and advertising minor from our department or a justice studies major, your experience will satisfy your curiosity and desire to make a difference in the world.