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

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate

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.

View requirements and course descriptions:

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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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BA in Communication, Media Studies

The media studies track takes a generalist approach to understanding the social, economic, political, cultural, aesthetic, legal and ethical dimensions of communication media. Courses are designed to introduce students to an international and multicultural appreciation of the role of media technologies in a global society. Students have the opportunity to blend their critical studies in media with hands-on creative studies through elective media production courses. Students considering careers in the various media industries would benefit from this broad understanding and the program's emphasis on the critical analysis of the role of media in a society characterized by rapid media change.

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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, Theatre and Comedy

Theatre and comedy students focus on the arts of theatre and comedy, both academically and experientially. In theatre classes, such as Acting, Directing, and Playwriting, students learn historical and contemporary theories of theatre as they act in improvisations and scenes, direct fellow students, and write staged plays. In comedy classes, such as the Fundamentals of Comedy Writing and Performing: Stand-up I, they learn theories of comedy as they write and perform their final stand-up exam at Gotham Comedy Club in New York City; in Sketch Comedy Writing and Performing, they replicate the process by which Saturday Night Live skits are developed and enacted. Live performance, writing, research, and collaborative learning are the hallmarks of this program as students develop skills in presentation and creativity, and learn how to utilize them in all media. Requirements include performing in and working on University theatre productions.

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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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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.

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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

Jumpstart your
communication career

$40,405-$46,222

82%

See Current Communication Job Listings in the WP Job Portal

Get Prepared to Succeed

What You'll Learn

Key Skills for
Careers in
Communication

as indicated by Employers
and Alumni on LinkedIn

*LinkedIn Workplace
Learning Report 2021

Degrees Offered

Where Our Alumni Work

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."

Take the Next Step

Communication News

Communication

Department of Communication

Jumpstart yourcommunication career

$40,405-$46,222

82%

See Current Communication Job Listings in the WP Job Portal

Get Prepared to Succeed

What You'll Learn

Key Skills forCareers inCommunication

as indicated by Employersand Alumni on LinkedIn

*LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2021

Degrees Offered

Where Our Alumni Work

InternshipsWP 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."

Take the Next Step

Communication News

Jumpstart your
communication career

Key Skills for
Careers in
Communication

as indicated by Employers
and Alumni on LinkedIn

*LinkedIn Workplace
Learning Report 2021

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