Department of Communication

Jumpstart your
communication career

The award-winning Department of Communication helps students unlock their creative potential in fields such as communication studies, media studies, journalism, film, video, audio and radio production, public relations, and theatre and comedy. Here are some key national statistics for communication careers from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and PayScale.

$40,405-$46,222

Average Starting Salaries in Communication Fields (NACE)

Noteworthy Mid-Career Communication Jobs and Salaries (PayScale)

Communications Director $88,400 Brand Strategist $80,100 Public Relations Manager $77,900 Interactive/Digital Producer $76,200 News Anchor $73,000

82%

Alumni employed or in graduate school 6 months after graduation

See Current Communication Job Listings in the WP Job Portal

Get Prepared to Succeed

Our communication students write news, conduct research, make films, produce and broadcast TV and radio shows, launch PR campaigns, create and manage social media content, and much more. They learn in state-of the-art facilities, including our HD TV broadcast studios, radio station, film production lab, digital audio production lab, several digital video and audio editing rooms, and our new Social Media Applications Research and Teaching SMART lab.

What You'll Learn

In our array of communication programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:

Social, cultural, legal, and ethical issues in the field.
Ability to research and evaluate problems using communication technologies
Technical communication skills
Oral, written or visual expression.

View a full listing of student learning outcomes for communication students

Information on affordability and value from the U.S. Department of Education:

View our College Scorecard

Key Skills for
Careers in
Communication

as indicated by Employers
and Alumni on LinkedIn

Digital Fluency

Collaboration

Creativity

Video Production

Public Speaking

Social Media Marketing

Broadcasting

*LinkedIn Workplace
Learning Report 2021

Testimonials

Beatrice Amune, Master of Arts in Professional Communication

El Barba, Communication Major - Concentration in Media Production

Rochelle Estrada, Communication Major - Concentration in Journalism

Christal Fernando, Master of Arts in Professional Communication

Andrew Herbst, Communication Major - Concentration in Journalism

Vont Leak, Communication Major - Concentration in Media Production

Hunter Long, Communication Major - Concentration in Media Production

Maureen O’Brien, Communication Major - Concentration in Communication Studies & Elementary Education Major

Esma Senman, Communication Major in Public Relations

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate

BA in Communication

The BA in Communication lays the groundwork for crafting messages, understanding audiences, working with modern media technologies, learning key communication theories, honing intercultural skills, and developing critical thinking and creative competencies. Students combine critical thinking and creative skills with writing and audio, visual, and digital communications, enhancing their interpersonal and intercultural competencies and providing a platform for ongoing engagement with today's media-driven world. Students examine the relationship of communication with other humans, with culture, and with society, taking a critical eye to the constant flow of messages that surround us — messages from the news media, other humans (social media and digital communication,) advertising and marketing, governments, and non-profits, and more. To understand contemporary issues in human communication and media, students also develop an understanding of the history of media and the digital landscape and cultural, ethical, and legal considerations for professional practice. The BA in Communication gives students the freedom to explore a variety of communication topics, while teaching the skills necessary to be adept, versatile, and highly employable communicators in an extensive range of careers.

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BA in Communication, Communication Studies

The communication studies concentration provides students with the opportunity to study human interpersonal communication from behavioral, humanistic, and scientific perspectives. This includes instruction in the theory and history of communication, the development and application of intercultural and international communication practices, as well as relational, team, and leadership communication competencies in business, education, and social settings. Enhanced competency in written and oral expression is supported through the examination of oral and nonverbal and current technology-based messaging formats.

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BA in Communication, Journalism

The journalism track prepares students for professional careers in the newspaper and related industries and for advanced study. In a fast-moving digital era, the curriculum enables students to become sophisticated consumers of news media and includes instruction in news writing, reporting, editing, and media law/ethics. Emphasis is placed on integrating new media throughout the concentration's curriculum. Students prepare for internships and entry-level positions at online news organizations as well as at traditional newspapers through writing for the student newspaper, the Pioneer Times. Produced both online and in print form, the Pioneer Times is an excellent training ground for future journalists.

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BA in Communication, Broadcast Journalism

The broadcast journalism track gives students an overview of the theory and history of television news, and focuses on the research, writing, and production skills associated with putting together the various parts of a TV network-style news program. Students learn to: write and produce TV news stories, both in the newsroom and also using cameras, editing and sound equipment; do "live" video reports from remote locations; assemble a news show rundown; supervise preproduction of a TV news program; and supervise the program as it airs. In this way, students are prepared for internships at the major TV news networks and ultimately for TV industry jobs.

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BA in Communication, Public Relations

The public relations track prepares students for careers in a variety of increasingly integrated marketing communications industries. Public relations knowledge and skills apply to virtually all industries and interest areas. Careers in public relations-related fields continue to grow faster than the national average and are listed as a top-8 growth industry by Fortune magazine. Public relations programs help support an organization's business objectives and increase corporate reputation, drive sales and even build a brand. We offer a rigorous public relations curriculum which includes integrated communication planning, digital and social media marketing, strategic multiplatform writing, event promotion, and program development. Our courses and extracurricular opportunities enhance a student's knowledge and skills in effective communication messaging, critical problem-solving, creative idea development, and reputation management. Students intern and secure careers working across a variety of industry sectors including fashion, sports, consumer, healthcare, food, travel, finance, entertainment, corporate, and many more. Our graduates enjoy careers in public relations agencies, corporations, government, nonprofits, hospitals, sports teams, entertainment venues, advertising agencies, record labels, investment firms, media companies, and professional associations.

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View Curriculum

BA in Communication, Media Production

The media production track introduces students to the methods and techniques used to create aural/visual messages in a variety of mass media. Sequences of introductory and advanced courses in theory and practice of film, television, and radio provide students a comprehensive understanding of the aesthetics and techniques of media production and prepare them to function as professionals in different media fields. The production facilities in the concentration allow students hands-on practice in two television studios, a radio station, a film production lab, a digital audio production lab, and several digital video and audio editing rooms.

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BA in Communication 100% Online

BA in Public Relations 100% Online

Minor in Communication

Communication minors are available in communication studies, film studies, international cinema, journalism, media studies, public relations, theatre and comedy, and visual communication.

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Film Studies Minor

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Minor in Public Relations

The public relations minor provides marketable skills and knowledge to benefit any major or discipline area. The PR minor courses focus on integrated marketing communication planning, digital and social media management, strategic multiplatform writing, event promotion, and PR campaign development. Public relations activities support reputation and brand building, advocacy, corporate social responsibility and play a key role in setting and supporting an organization's business objectives.

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Minor in Visual Communication

The minor in visual communication enhances visual perception, cultivates independent thinking, and introduces students to the visual arts, specifically in the areas of graphic and interactive design.

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Certificate in Podcasting

The certificate in Podcasting prepares students to produce, edit, and share engaging podcasts using a range of audio digital content. Students will develop narratives, learn best practices for conducting interviews and storytelling, learn how to write effectively for the podcast medium, and acquire skills for how to engage audiences and distribute their finished content to a mass audience. Working with state-of-the art equipment, students will acquire the technical skills needed to produce substantive audio content. The certificate is designed to serve students in any major looking to deepen their knowledge and practice of the podcasting medium as well as adult learners and professionals who wish to explore podcasting and create their own.

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» Current students sign-up here: Declare Certificate
» If you are not currently enrolled as a student, please apply here.

Certificate in Sport Journalism

The Sport Journalism certificate is designed to prepare students from a range of majors to be competitive in the expanding sports media job market. Most of the courses taken in the certificate can also be applied to the Journalism BA degree. But this certificate can add value to a number of other majors such as Sport Management, Exercise Science, English and others. Professionals already working in the sport media industry can use this certificate to develop broadcast news skills to support a career change or advancement.

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» Current students sign-up here: Declare Certificate
» If you are not currently enrolled as a student, please apply here.

Graduate

MA in Professional Communication

The master of arts in professional communication program at William Paterson University provides graduates with an edge in the ever-evolving job market. Expand your marketability and communication skills with our comprehensive curriculum that was designed to help master's degree graduates:

○ Advance professionally

○ Build integrated marketing and communication knowledge

○ Develop social media expertise

○ Sharpen strategic writing skills

○ Strengthen management and leadership abilities

○ Pursue new and emerging career paths

Our goal is to help you establish or further your career with a curriculum that exposes you to academic study, technology, and up-to-date communications platforms leveraged by companies today. While you will be able to study a broad array of communication topics, including programs around social media, writing, and video, our intent is for you to experience a master's degree curriculum that can help you achieve your objectives. More info »

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Internships

WP communication internships in NJ or nearby New York City include:

What Our Graduates Say

"I gained all the building blocks I needed: experience, an internship, and interview skills."

Heather Cook ’16
Media production and public relations major, landed a full-time job at NBC Universal right out of college. Prior to graduation, she completed a production internship at Discovery Communications.

Undergraduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions

International Students

Administration

Communication

Department of Communication