Welcome to Northwestern State University's Communication Home Page

♦ Bachelor's Degree in Communication
♦ Communication Minor
♦  Speech and Debate Team
♦  Student Media
♦ Curriculum Checklist

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.

Rhetoric
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.

Organizational Communication
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.

Mass Communication
The Mass Communication concentration prepares students for roles in the mass communication and journalism industry. This concentration will help students develop the skills needed to enter the mass media market. Classes give hands on experience . Students learn to write for mass media, understand communication law, develop techniques for video editing, and learn public relations and the writing style that goes along with it. The Mass Communication concentration works to develop students who are knowledgeable in mulitple areas including social media and web sites.

An important aspect of the mass communication concentration is the hands-on experience students gain through work on student media. A link to student media is included at the top of this page.

Jobs
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?

Mass Communication is appropriate for students who desire a career in public relations, radio, television, newspapers, reporting through social media, and related fields.

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]
Stephanie Masson [Bio]
Dr. Paula Furr
Arthur Dew
Dr. Oli Mohammadi [Bio]