Why Choose a Communications Degree at Dominican University?

Our communications degree is a broad-based liberal arts program that balances theory and practice. Whether you pursue a minor or major in communications, you’ll gain the critical skills needed to succeed as an:

  • Effective Communicator
  • Ethical Leader
  • Innovative Media Practitioner

Build In-Demand Skills

Throughout your studies, you’ll develop:

  • Soft Skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, oral performance, relational interaction, and cultural communication.
  • Hard Skills: Media and message design expertise.

These skills will prepare you for rewarding, well-compensated jobs after graduation.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

The Dominican University communication studies program connects directly with several other programs, including:

  • Business
  • English
  • Criminal Justice
  • Political Science

You’ll also have the flexibility to explore other minors or majors that pique your interest, allowing you to develop a unique specialization that can enhance your earning potential.

Hands-On Learning and Faculty Support

At Dominican University, you’ll work closely with our Communication Studies faculty, gaining valuable experience through:

  • Conducting research.
  • Developing independent projects.
  • Building relationships with internal and external constituents.

Honor Society Opportunities

Students who achieve a GPA of 3.25 or higher may be invited to join Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for communications.

A Vibrant University Experience

University life at Dominican isn’t just about academics. You’ll also have opportunities to:

  • Join clubs and societies that align with your interests.
  • Participate in our exceptional athletic programs.

Our campus offers a balanced environment where you can excel academically while enjoying a dynamic college experience.

Prepare for a Successful Career

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in media or developing excellent communication skills that will help you succeed in any field, our communications studies degree will help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job.

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A communication studies degree that will help you become a leader in any industry

The highest levels of personal support

Staff who are committed to your success

The finest small-university athletic program in the region

A spirited campus environment

Close proximity to New York City and three major airports

The Dominican Difference

It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter what sport you play, or what club you’re in, everyone in this school is a family and we all love to live together and be a part of this campus.

Jonathan Brown, ’14

15k+

Alumni

76

Full-time Faculty

17

Miles from NYC

100% of First Time

Full-Time Freshman Receive Financial Aid

Job Opportunities

Students who major in communications often find jobs in diverse fields such as business, sales, marketing, media, public relations, advertising, TV, radio, and organizational leadership. 

Here are just some examples of the kinds of roles you will be qualified for upon completing a minor or major in communications:

  • Marketing Director
  • Video Editor
  • Media Control Operator
  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Communications Strategist
  • Brand Manager
  • Vice President of Marketing

Degree Details


Tuition

The cost of attendance is an estimate of what it will cost to attend Dominican University for an academic year.

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Curriculum

Course structure

All students undertaking our communication studies program may choose to major or minor in communication studies.

If you choose the major, you will complete 36 credits — several required courses plus five courses in one track and at least one course in the other track. The required courses are:

  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Gender Communication
  • Persuasion and Argumentation
  • Communication Theory
  • A three-credit Senior Research Seminar

If you choose the minor, you will complete 18 credits — two required courses plus one course from each track and two electives. 


Concentrations

When you choose our communication studies program, you can choose one of two tracks:

  • Media Communication — This includes Introduction to New Media, Video Production, Digital Media, Visual Communication, Journalism, Critical Analysis of the Media, Mass Communication, and more
  • Organizational Communication and Leadership — This includes Business and Global Communication, Public Relations, Communicating Change, Crisis Communication, Leadership, Social Media Marketing, and more.

We’ll also encourage and support you to apply for an internship, and we’ll suggest you develop a minor in another academic area as that’s a great way to develop a specialization.

Upon graduation you could continue your studies and earn a Master of Science in Organizational Communication and Leadership at Dominican University.


Department Staff

AnnMarie DiSiena, Ed. D.

Director (Associate Professor of Communication, Communication Studies Faculty, Director of Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Communication (MSOLC), Director of Master of Business Administration (MBA – Management & Healthcare)
annmarie.disiena@duny.edu

Office: 845-848-4038

Location: Casey 104

Andrew Burns B.A., M.A.T., Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies
andrew.burns@duny.edu

Office: (845) 848-4026

Location: Casey 204

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