Communication Studies
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The communication studies department at Central College offers a broad-based communication curriculum enabling students to adapt to ever-changing career demands, participate productively as citizens and engage in life-long learning. A focus on critical thinking, clear writing, articulate speaking and proficiency with technology helps prepare students for a range of professions. Graduates have secured jobs in public relations, advertising and marketing, print and broadcast journalism, human resources and other communication-related careers.
Faculty
- Dennis Doyle, Ph.D., professor of communication
Areas of interest include interpersonal communication, communication ethics, performance studies and communication education.
doyled@central.edu
- Linda Laine, Ph.D., associate professor of communication
Areas of interest include communication in organizations and relationships, communication across difference and communication education.
lainel@central.edu
- Richard McGrath, Ph.D., (chair), associate professor of communication
Areas of interest include rhetorical theory and criticism, political communication and environmental communication.
mcgrathr@central.edu
- Yeon Kim, M.A., instructor of communication
Areas of interest include mass communication and journalism.
Successful Careers
- Morning anchor WHO-TV, Des Moines, Iowa
- Production manager, National Public Radio, Boston, Mass.
- Coordinator of recruitment and student services,
Chicago Semester, Chicago, Ill.
- Director of development,
Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha, Neb.
- Director of special events,
Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Media relations manager,
America’s Health Insurance Plans, Washington, D.C.
- Communications specialist, Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Marketing specialist, Marsh Inc., West Des Moines, Iowa
- Executive/marketing assistant,
Peter Lindsay Schaudt Landscape Architecture, Inc., Chicago, Ill.
- Sports information director, William Penn University, Oskaloosa, Iowa
- Conference coordinator/columnist,
Law Bulletin Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill.
- Senior client transition associate, Prudential Retirement, Dubuque, Iowa
- Wholesale support analyst, John Deere Credit, Johnston, Iowa
- Casualty master claims representative, Allied Insurance, Iowa City, Iowa
Internships
Internships are a great way to gain career experience. Central students can do internships in the Pella and Des Moines area, on our Chicago or Washington, DC programs, or at one of Central's eight study abroad sites. Past internship sites have included:
- The San Diego Chargers, San Diego, Calif.
- Harpo Productions, Chicago, Ill.
- CBS Evening News, New York, N.Y.
- Meredith Publishing, Des Moines, Iowa
- Cable News Network, Washington, D.C.
- The White House, Washington, D.C.
- 9-5 Magazine, London, England
- Vitalink Telecommunications Co., Leiden, the Netherlands
Learn more about internships at Central.
Courses
- Photography
- Introduction to communication studies
- Introduction to journalism
- Communication theory and research
- Interpersonal communication
- Oral interpretation
- Readers theatre
- Intercultural communication
- Public speaking
- Media criticism
- Advanced journalism
- Public relations
- Communication in organizations
- Communication ethics
- Environmental communication
- Argumentation
- Persuasion
- Practicum in communication services
- Practicum in broadcasting
- Practicum in journalism
- Practicum in video production
- Internship
Get more details from the course catalog! (Note: this is a PDF file)
Sample Schedule
Freshman year
- Introduction to communication studies
- Communication electives at the 100-200 level
- Core courses and/or electives
Sophomore year
- Communication theory and research
- Public speaking
- Electives at the 100–200 level
- Core courses and/or electives
Junior year
- Practicum
- Communication electives at the 200–300 level
- Core courses and/or electives
- Study abroad
Senior Year
- Communication electives at the 300–400 level
- Internship in communication
- Core courses and/or electives
- Study abroad
Facilities
Central College is one of the most beautiful college campuses you'll find. Currently the communication studies department is located in Jordan Hall. However, in fall 2009 the communication studies department will join the education, psychology and service-learning departments and open the doors to a new 57,748 gross square foot structure, costing more than $17 million. Located on the southwest side of campus, across from the Vermeer Science Center, the three-story building will house the psychology and education departments along with community-based learning departments. Featuring energy conservation and environmental responsibility, Central hopes to receive a platinum LEED rating for the building. Read more at http://www.central.edu/edPsych/ .
Departmental Web site
Central’s communication department maintains its own Web site with even more information about majoring in communication.
Organizations
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group or organization that you’ll want to join! Student organizations include:
- KCUI (radio station)
- The Ray (newspaper)
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Scholarships
Central offers Communication Studies scholarships of up to $2,000 for all students (majors and non-majors) planning to continue involvement at the college level. Click here for more information!
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