OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Are you a good communicator? Do you like to write and speak your mind effectively and with a creative flare? Would you enjoy working with a variety of communications media to inform people about events, products, and ideas? Would you like to be prepared for a variety of jobs in mass media, business, and government? If your answers are “yes”, then a major in Speech Communication may be the one for you.
Majors in Speech Communication are prepared for a wide array of careers that involve communication. The major encompasses many facets of oral and electronic communication and is a valuable second major for students in other disciplines. Recently, the Department started a virtual communication class, and now offers learning in computer-mediated communication.
Speech Communication majors receive a broad-based liberal arts education, designed to equip them in the 21st Century, including the likelihood of more than one career and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing workplace. Along with courses in speech communication, the major requires courses in history, English, literature and philosophy. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor, a second major, or fluency in a second language.
The Department’s goals for undergraduate majors also include development of outstanding oral and written communications skills; knowledge of the history, theory, and criticism of all forms of pragmatic human communication; and commitment to the values and ethical obligations of free speech in a diverse, democratic society. Four concentrations are offered: Communication Studies, Media Studies, Rhetorical Studies, and a Teacher Licensure concentration.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Outstanding oral and written communication skills
* Presenting viewpoints clearly and forcefully in a variety of media
* Expressing complex subject matter in easily understood language
* Writing copy that triggers a response
* Writing effective promotional materials
* Speaking clearly and persuasively
* Operating cameras, recorder, and other audiovisual equipment
* Using communication techniques, including listening, to deal with different kinds of people, both in groups and individually.
* Effectively using design elements, such as such as paper, color, computer graphics, and photos to arrange layouts that capture attention and convey a lasting impression.
* Using sight, sound, motion, and words to create powerful and exciting images.
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Speech Communication, like many liberal arts majors, provides students with a broad academic background suitable for a variety of jobs in the public and private sectors. Speech Communication majors are trained to think independently and critically, communicate effectively, and function in a multicultural world. Many majors find employment in public relations, politics, sales, advertising, video production, radio, television, cable, government, sports information, business management, promotions, and education. Recently, some majors have entered and even created careers in computer-mediated communication. Some students move on to graduate work in speech communication and broadcasting; for teaching at various levels; and for post-graduate study in law and theology.
Many employers appreciate liberal arts majors for their multiple skills and their ability to adapt to a variety of tasks and work environments. Careers for graduates are available in education, business and government. Internships are available to speech communication majors and highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Graduates who seek advanced studies can attain more responsible positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Career occupations include but are not limited to:
* Program assistant, production assistant
* Associate director, television schedule coordinator
* Photographer, camera operator
* Sound controller
* Sound effects technician
* Audio operator
* Audiovisual production specialist
* Contact representative
* Employee relations specialist
* Employment or guidance counselor
* Human resource advisor
* Industrial relations representative
* Public relations specialist
* Labor relations consultant
* Training representative
* Vocational rehabilitation counselor
* Newscaster, sportscaster, weathercaster, editor, or commentator
* Program director
* Medical and scientific illustrator
* Advance agent
* Business communicator
* Equal opportunity representative
* Foreign service officer
* Cooperative extension service worker
* Politician, lobbyist, speechwriter
* Press agent
* Educator
* Literary agent
* Interviewer
* Advertising sales representative
* Communications equipment sales representative
* Radio and television time sales representative
* Lyricist, playwright, screenwriter, scriptwriter
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Lambda Pi Eta
* Liberal Arts College Council
* Student Media
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MORE INFORMATION
Communication Studies
202 Willard O. Eddy Building
1783 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1783
970-491-6140
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Speech/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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