[For the art of persuasion] ought not be neglected Being indeed specially necessary for the [educator] Whom it behooves to excel in eloquence and power of speech.

 - Augustine

The top two skills necessary for success in business are verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

- American Express, Voices from Main Street, 2002

Welcome to Northwestern State University's Communication Home Page

♦  Bachelor's Degree in Communication
♦  Speech Communication Minor
♦  Speech and Debate Team

The study of communication, with roots going back to ancient Greece, prepares students for success in all academic disciplines. NSU now offers a BA in Communication Studies with specializations in Rhetoric, Mass Communication and Organizational Communication. In addition, NSU offers a Communication Minor and a Speech Education track through the College of Education.

At Northwestern State University, we offer a selection of courses which can be taken for credit as part of the Communication major, Communication minor, or as part of a larger area of study in Liberal Arts. The Communication Major is designed to develop skills in Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Small Group Communication, Argumentation, Communication Theory and, Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Inter and Cross-Cultural Communication. The Major in Communication Studies equips students with the requisite communication skills necessary in a wide variety of occupational environments.

Interest in the study of rhetoric--including public address, argumentation, and persuasion was renewed early in the 20th century and has continued to this day. Aristotle, in On Rhetoric, defines rhetoric as "finding in each situation, all means of persuasion". From Aristotle's definition, future leaders must study the importance of persuasion of individuals and groups with whom they work and associate. In the study of rhetoric and public address students will learn the history and theory upon which persuasive skills are based. These skills are certainly appropriate in any discipline, but essential in pre-law, political science, journalism, public administration and an array of areas within business.

The organizational communication concentration examines the effects that organizational structure and membership have on human communication. This concentration will help students develop verbal and written communication skills vital to understanding organizational communication including critical thinking, problem solving, and understanding human behavior in an organizational culture. Organizational Communication emphasizes communication theories, strategies and tactics essential to corporate success.

The Mass Communication concentration prepares students for various roles in the mass communications and journalism industry. This concentration will help students develop the skills needed to enter the mass media market. Classes that are offered give hands on, first hand experience in the different fields that students may one day work in. Classes will help students learn to write for mass media, give an understanding of communication law, help teach techniques for video editing and there is even a class for students learn public relations and the writing style that goes along with that. The Mass Communication concentration works to develop students who are knowledgeable in mulitple areas as well as the area he or she may one day enter.

Northwestern State University offers a degree in Communication to prepare students for a wide range of jobs needed in both the private and public sectors.  The opportunity for many of these jobs exists within the State of Louisiana and the surrounding area,  so we invite students who are searching for a major course of study to consider working on a degree in Communication. Our undergraduate degree program offers students three areas of emphasis:  Mass Communication, Organizational Communication, and Rhetoric.

The field of Communication includes preparing students for more than the traditional public speaking roles.Mass Media is a multi-billion dollar industry and it is growing everyday. Corporation such as Warner Brothers and Time Warner rely heavily on mass communication.  Organizational Communication examines organizations at all levels in both private business and public sector jobs.   Each innovation in technology can impact Communication.  Those in the field of Communication seek to understand the implications of those changes and guide the public in how to maximize the benefits for use in their organization.  Companies like United Parcel Service, Amazon.com, and others rely on ever more sophisticated communication networks to identify, track and distribute products and services each of us may want in the most timely manner.  Studies in Rhetoric prepare students for the public speaking skill still considered valuable for those entering into the fields of law, religion, and politics.  No matter what area in the field of Communication students will prepare for future jobs or further graduate studies through course work, network building internships and civic engagement. .

What kind of jobs can you seek upon graduation?

As a Health Communication generalist you can look to nonprofit organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the March of Dimes to shape and promote awareness of the benefits and services provided by these and similar organizations.  You can work for a local hospital in new employee training or continuing education of medical professionals in the how to improve client/patient conversations.  You can get involved pharmaceutical or health products firms (examples: hip joints, hospital or home health products) from sales to public messages involving civic engagement designed to support better health initiatives.  Perhaps you could work for a major news network to design and promote health initiatives to the general public.

http://www.job‑search‑engine.com/keyword/health‑communication/

Organizational Communication generalists can be involved in a wide range of job opportunities that include supporting the organizational assessment strategies and development of communication plans, coordination of organizational communication networks from local to global networks.  The standard job description requires excellent interpersonal, organizational, presentation & communication skills.  Jobs include private consulting, teaching at the college level, and working in the management of organizations private, public, government, or nonprofit organizations.

http://www.job‑search‑engine.com/keyword/organizational‑communication/

Rhetoric provides a range of opportunities that require the skills of a public speaker..   Individuals who aspire to be a religious minister, politician, lawyer, college professor or motivational speaker to name a few can benefit from a concentration in Rhetoric..   Studies in rhetorical theory and history provide a basis for becoming a speech writer as well. 

http://www.job‑search‑engine.com/keyword/speech‑communication/?page=2

Faculty

Jon Crogan [Bio]
Tammy Croghan [Bio]
John Foster [Bio]
Afton Haynes [Bio]