Top 10 Best Communication Colleges
Marketing and communication is essential to any businesses success, making it a versatile and high demand field. ‘Where to begin to get into this lucrative profession?’You could pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Or you could greatly diversify your experience and expand your job market. If you have a Master’s in Business Intelligence and a minor in marketing the skills you have would be indispensable to a high paying firm. Alternately you could have an MBA and marketing experience or a Masters in Marketing. Schooling is going to be an essential part to making it in this career choice. The following colleges and universities rank among the top marketing and communication schools in the United States. Their rankings come from solid reputations, awards, and proven student success.
The following colleges and universities rank among the top best communication schools in the United States. Their rankings come from solid reputations, awards, and proven student success. Many of the schools were founded years ago and have produced successful and inspiring alumni. All of the named colleges and universities have unique communications departments and programs that offer different visions of success, ethics, and fundamentals in communication fields and services. Several have won awards for their successful contributions to society and research, and these colleges and universities are accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
1. University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication
The University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication is one of the top best communication colleges in the country. Founded by Walter Annenberg in 1958, the school is devoted to the development of the communications field, and they aspire to do this through research and educational practices. The overall mission of the school is to respect and be of service to others while allowing for the right to free communication. The National Communication Association Doctoral Reputation Study ranked Annenberg the best in the country based on its Ph.D. program in Health Communication, Critical-Cultural Communication, Political Communication, and Mass Communication. The University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication Program Description
Requirements for communications majors include 14 courses specific to communication. Communications majors will learn of media institutions, contemporary issues and culture, and will learn the influence and involvement of the numerous disciplines that affect communications, as well as those affected by communications. Additionally, students can benefit from independent study and internships, and many are given the chance to study abroad.
2. Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University was established in 1857. Its Department of Communication studies is a part of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Technology, and offers a valuable liberal arts education that prepares students to become professional communicators in their personal lives, in the community, and in the workplace. Gallaudet University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Gallaudet University Program Description
The program consists of formal and informal communication studies. Students can earn their B.A. in Communication Studies, minor in Journalism, and minor in Communication Studies. The Technology Access Program conducts research associated with communication service and technologies, while the goal is to yield knowledge valuable to government, industry, and deaf and hard of hearing consumers in order to provide impartiality in communications.
3. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1949. Its academic programs, including the communications program, deliver the indispensable skills and information needed to succeed in the contemporary, multifaceted corporate world. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as The Higher Learning Commission.
Program Description
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Arts in Communications program encourages students to cultivate creativity, understanding, and intermodal communication skills essential in planning and distributing persuasive communications. The program base is centered on values-based liberal arts to produce leaders in the media and other communication fields. A total of 120 credits are required to earn the B.A. degree.
4. Alfred University
Alfred University was founded in 1836. The school’s Liberal Arts and Sciences Communication Studies program is a broad program designed to include many specifics such as journalism, advertising, new media, and others, but it is also for those seeking to gain knowledge in general communications. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Description
The Communication Studies program was designed to teach students critical thinking, operative writing, comprehensive teamwork, and vibrant speaking to help them succeed in the moving media world. Additionally, the program offers students hands-on experience by working with the campus radio station, television station, and newspaper while encouraging students to intern with a communications industry organization.
5. George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs
The George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs is a private school and was founded in 1865. According to their website, their “mission is to explore how ideas and information are communicated and how the media influence policy and politics in a democracy.” It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Description
The school’s proximity to the nation’s capital influences the political atmosphere of the communications program. The political communication program includes global media studies, journalism, and documentary filmmaking. Students are taught to understand the media’s complex role in politics and how people connect with one another, and are encouraged to intern within the government and news organizations.
6. Baldwin Wallace College
Baldwin Wallace College is a private, Methodist-related liberal arts college founded in 1845. Its Department of Communication Arts and Sciences offers over 278 majors. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and The Higher Learning Commission.
Program Description
The Department of Communication Arts and Sciences provide diverse academic programs to nurture essential skills for ethical and effective communication. Major areas of study include: Broadcast and Media Communication, Film Studies, Communication Disorders, Communication Studies, and Public Relations.
7. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is made up of 11 colleges, the largest of which is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The university was established in 1847 and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Description
The Communications Studies program integrates the study of human communication and relevant intricacies into its communications program. The program pays attention on how communication affects day-to-day life, and emphasizes critical thinking and evaluation of communication practices. Additionally, it gives students the knowledge to apply real-world applications of communication skill.
8. Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University was founded in 1960 and has “…a tradition of promoting intellectual and personal growth, leadership opportunities and technological proficiency…” according to the university website. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
Program Description
Sonoma State Communication Studies program is an interdisciplinary program that arranges preparation for students in careers concerning the media or for advanced research or graduate study. Practical application, critical analysis, and historical study are the main learning approaches to the media.
9. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota was founded in 1851, and their Department of Communication Studies was founded in 1914. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and The Higher Learning Commission.
Program Description
The University of Minnesota’s Department of Communication Studies program gives students the opportunity to earn a degree that creates Communication Competence & Critical Literacy in the Digital Age, or the ability to formulate ethical and theory-informed messages to inform, persuade, or entertain, the ability to create and perform with appropriate technology, and the critical ability to understand and evaluate messages and performances in a variety of media and multicultural contexts”, according to the department’s web page. Internships are available in nearby organizations.
10. Kent State University
Kent State University was founded in 1910. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching ranked Kent State among the nation’s 77 public research universities for establishing high-research activity. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and The Higher Learning Commission.
Program Description
Kent State University offers a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication for Public Relations and focuses on PR related fields of management-level careers. The Master’s program offers the knowledge essential to transitioning to new communications industries, such as social media, marketing, and advertising.
References:
http://www.natcom.org/uploadedFiles/Content/Education/A%20Study%20of%20the%20Reputations%20of%20Doctoral%20Programs%20in%20Communication%202004.pdf
http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx
