What is the difference between the new Communication Studies Major and the old Communications Major?
The focus of the new Communication Studies Major is on a more analytical, critical, historical and theoretical study of communications than the old Communications Major. Old Communications Majors worked toward practice-based degrees; new Communication Studies Majors work toward study-based degrees. While still retaining its interdisciplinary focus, the new program aims to better suit students preparing for post-graduate futures in law school or graduate school.
Who is eligible to participate in the new Communication Studies Program?
Starting with the class of 2011, students will only be able to enter the new Communication Studies Program. Students currently enrolled in the old Communications Program will be allowed to finish their course work and graduate in this major, and students in the class of 2010 may chose to graduate with either the old Communications Major or the new Communication Studies Major.
What draws people to the Communications Studies Program?
The biggest draw to the Communication Studies Program is the freedom and flexibility that it grants to its students. The applications of communications are very broad. As such, the various paths that students will undertake in their study of communications are equally broad. Additionally, students appreciate the increased marketability in numerous fields that an interdisciplinary degree in communications affords them.
How many students are Communications and Communication Studies Majors?
Over 500 students primarily located at Temple Main Campus and Temple University Tokyo are either a Communications Major or Communication Studies Major. Several transfer students find these majors to be pragmatic and innovative ways to complete their degree.
What is the role of diversity in the Communication Studies Program?
Diversity is in the very fabric of Temple University. Proudly, the Communication Studies Program carries on in this tradition. The incorporation of diversity in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and a number of other important elements of human identity and expression underscores the efforts of the Program.
What is the difference between a “department” and a “program”?
A program entails students taking classes from a variety of departments. For example, the Communication Studies Program requires students to take classes from many departments throughout the School of Communications and Theater. Therefore, students will be exposed to all of the fields that utilize communications.
How many classes does a Communication Studies major need to graduate?
Communications Studies majors are required to successfully complete 14 courses. These classes are made up of 2 foundation courses, 5 core courses, and 7 courses in a track chosen by the student. Tracks include: Arts in the Public Sphere, Global Civil Society, Contemporary Media Environments, and Policy, Regulation and Advocacy. More information on tracks can be found in the Requirements section of this site.
When does a student need to declare a track in the Communications Studies Program?
Typically Communication Studies majors will not declare a track until the second semester of their sophomore year.
What is the Major of Distinction?
The major of distinction is an academically rigorous program for students who wish to construct an interdisciplinary curriculum that meets their individual interests across the SCT departments as an alternative to the track program. For more information about the Major of Distinction please see the Requirements section of this site.
What can a student do with a Communications degree?
Communications underscore any number of fields including media, law, public service and a host of other possibilities. Graduates of our program pursue positions at many multimedia conglomerates, continue on to do graduate work, and serve important roles in many community organizations throughout the country and world. Communications skills continue to be vital in numerous employment settings, making the communications major an attractive choice for students.
Is an internship required?
No, an internship is not required, but is heavily suggested for successful completion of the degree. For more information see the Internships section of this site.
Where are typical internships available?
The Communication Studies Program has had interns placed within the Philadelphia region, across the country and beyond. Examples have included Philadelphia newspapers and magazines, radio stations and television networks, governmental and arts organizations and international development associations. New internship possibilities are being added to the program on a regular basis. For more information see the testimonial section of the Internshipspage location within this site.
What opportunities exist for student involvement in the internship program?
Students voices are incredibly important in the internship program. Students are involved in program outreach, administration and development. As a program, students bring a variety of experiences that help to guide the direction of the program in diverse and unique ways.
What should I do for more information?
Beyond the information on this page, additional questions may be answered by sending an e-mail to the director of the program, Dr. Scott Gratson at sgratson@temple.edu. Program visits on Temple’s campus can be arranged through Dr. Gratson as well. Information about Temple’s campus and tours of the campus community are handled through the Admissions Office.
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For Current Students
What is the difference between the new Communication Studies Major and the old Communications Major?
The focus of the new Communication Studies Major is on a more analytical, critical, historical and theoretical study of communications than the old Communications Major. Old Communications Majors worked toward practice-based degrees; new Communication Studies Majors work toward study-based degrees. While still retaining its interdisciplinary focus, the new program aims to better suit students preparing for post-graduate futures in law school or graduate school.
Who is eligible to participate in the new Communication Studies Program?
Starting with the class of 2011, students will only be able to enter the new Communication Studies Program. Students currently enrolled in the old Communications Program will be allowed to finish their course work and graduate in this major, and students in the class of 2010 may chose to graduate with either the old Communications Major or the new Communication Studies Major.
What draws people to the Communications Studies Program?
The biggest draw to the Communication Studies Program is the freedom and flexibility that it grants to its students. The applications of communications are very broad. As such, the various paths that students will undertake in their study of communications are equally broad. Additionally, students appreciate the increased marketability in numerous fields that an interdisciplinary degree in communications affords them.
How many students are Communications and Communication Studies Majors?
Over 500 students primarily located at Temple Main Campus and Temple University Tokyo are either a Communications Major or Communication Studies Major. Several transfer students find these majors to be pragmatic and innovative ways to complete their degree.
What is the role of diversity in the Communication Studies Program?
Diversity is in the very fabric of Temple University. Proudly, the Communication Studies Program carries on in this tradition. The incorporation of diversity in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and a number of other important elements of human identity and expression underscores the efforts of the Program.
What is the difference between a “department” and a “program”?
A program entails students taking classes from a variety of departments. For example, the Communication Studies Program requires students to take classes from many departments throughout the School of Communications and Theater. Therefore, students will be exposed to all of the fields that utilize communications.
How many classes does a Communication Studies major need to graduate?
Communications Studies majors are required to successfully complete 14 courses. These classes are made up of 2 foundation courses, 5 core courses, and 7 courses in a track chosen by the student. Tracks include: Arts in the Public Sphere, Global Civil Society, Contemporary Media Environments, and Policy, Regulation and Advocacy. More information on tracks can be found in the Requirements section of this site.
When does a student need to declare a track in the Communications Studies Program?
Typically Communication Studies majors will not declare a track until the second semester of their sophomore year.
What is the Major of Distinction?
The major of distinction is an academically rigorous program for students who wish to construct an interdisciplinary curriculum that meets their individual interests across the SCT departments as an alternative to the track program. For more information about the Major of Distinction please see the Requirements section of this site.
What can a student do with a Communications degree?
Communications underscore any number of fields including media, law, public service and a host of other possibilities. Graduates of our program pursue positions at many multimedia conglomerates, continue on to do graduate work, and serve important roles in many community organizations throughout the country and world. Communications skills continue to be vital in numerous employment settings, making the communications major an attractive choice for students.
Is an internship required?
No, an internship is not required, but is heavily suggested for successful completion of the degree. For more information see the Internships section of this site.
Where are typical internships available?
The Communication Studies Program has had interns placed within the Philadelphia region, across the country and beyond. Examples have included Philadelphia newspapers and magazines, radio stations and television networks, governmental and arts organizations and international development associations. New internship possibilities are being added to the program on a regular basis. For more information see the testimonial section of the Internshipspage location within this site.
What opportunities exist for student involvement in the internship program?
Students voices are incredibly important in the internship program. Students are involved in program outreach, administration and development. As a program, students bring a variety of experiences that help to guide the direction of the program in diverse and unique ways.
What should I do for more information?
Beyond the information on this page, additional questions may be answered by sending an e-mail to the director of the program, Dr. Scott Gratson at sgratson@temple.edu. Program visits on Temple’s campus can be arranged through Dr. Gratson as well. Information about Temple’s campus and tours of the campus community are handled through the Admissions Office.