Communication Studies Major
The Communication Studies major prepares students to understand how people create meaning, build relationships, and influence change across interpersonal, organizational, and public settings. This 44–48 credit program blends theory, research, and applied practice to help students become effective, ethical, and adaptable communicators. Students gain a strong foundation in public speaking, small-group communication, interpersonal processes, argumentation, and research methods, learning how to analyze and respond to complex communication challenges in everyday life and professional environments.
After completing the core, students choose one of four specialized tracks to tailor their degree to personal and professional goals:
Health and Environmental Communication, examining how messages shape wellness, crisis response, and sustainability.
Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication, focusing on relationships, identity, and global connection.
Organizational Communication, exploring leadership, collaboration, and communication within workplace and group contexts.
Public Communication and Social Influence, emphasizing persuasion, advocacy, and civic engagement.
Whether students plan to pursue graduate study or careers in management, law, health, public service, or advocacy, the Communication Studies major provides the versatile skills and analytical insight needed to lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence.
Communication Studies Minor
The Communication Studies minor offers students from any discipline the opportunity to strengthen their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Through courses in public speaking, interpersonal communication, argumentation, and group communication, students learn how to express ideas effectively, navigate conflict, and build professional and personal relationships.
This flexible 20-credit program complements majors in business, education, health, media, and the sciences, equipping students to succeed in any field where clear communication and leadership matter. By pairing theory with real-world application, the minor helps students develop the confidence and competence to connect, inspire, and make an impact in any professional environment.
Our Alumni
Graduates of NMU’s Communication Studies program can be found in nearly every profession imaginable, proof that strong communication skills open doors in any field. Our alumni serve as directors of housing, admissions, and orientation; consultants and hiring managers; real estate agents; lawyers; doctors; professors; nonprofit and food pantry directors; campaign strategists; and 911 dispatchers. Others lead teams in corporate, healthcare, and community organizations, or run their own businesses and advocacy groups. Whether they’re managing people, solving problems, or shaping policy, Communication Studies alumni apply their ability to listen, lead, and connect, making an impact wherever their careers take them.
Beyond the Classroom
Communication Studies students put their skills into practice far beyond the classroom. They take on leadership roles in student organizations, collaborate with faculty on original research, and present their work at regional and national communication conferences. Many complete internships in business, education, nonprofit, and media settings applying theory to practice in real-world environments. Our students have served as information and communication officers for NMU’s Communications and Marketing Office, the Athletics Department, and even managed social media and outreach for AAUP. Others have traveled nationally and internationally to study healthcare models, crisis response, and nonprofit mobilization, gaining firsthand experience in how communication fosters resilience, advocacy, and social change. Through these opportunities, students develop confidence, professionalism, and purpose graduating ready to lead and connect across industries and communities.
Increasing Awareness Around Hep C
Students Complete Regional and National Research
Dr. Potter with some Comm alumni at graduation.
Student presenting in class
Ellie Moberg presents her research at MASAL Regional Conference
An activity in Dr. Potter's class
Communities in action class on a hike in El Yunque rainforest
Dr. Ewalt teaching
Dr. Potter with her award for online teacher of the year.
Students learning about attachment styles in Interpersonal Comm.
McKenna Sandford's paper was accepted to MASAL Regional Conference
Dr. Potter with Dr. Beatie (Comm alumni) catching up at the National Communication Conference
Megumi Yamamoto and Emily Shank meet up in Japan. Still friends after being in Comm classes 13 years later.
Jeremy Johnson (Comm grad) and Phil Britton (Media grad) meet up at the Michigan Outdoor Summit.
Our small group course runs an all-campus mental well-being panel.
Prof. Ewalt talking with a small group of students in her group process class.
Amer Mansoor wins graduation award, also recognized as the May graduation speaker.
Small Group course raised funds to donate books to all the local elementary schools.
Senior Capstone has a final meal together to celebrate each others success.
Dr. Potter, Prof. Ewalt, and Dr. Ewalt with top Comm Studies grads Will and Kate.
Learning from DNR about different medicinal plants and the history of flora and fauna in El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico.
Prof. Ewalt teaches about conflict in her interpersonal course.