Communication (BA)

Education in communication focuses on the relationships among the communicator (speaker, writer), the message (oral, written, electronic), the receiver (individual, group), the media, and the social and cultural environment in which communications take place. By studying these elements across various contexts, students develop an understanding of principles of communication, the strategies for analysis of communication problems and solutions, and tactics to communicate effectively. The program aims to produce graduates who have a broad knowledge of contemporary communication challenges and who are equipped to apply their knowledge and understanding to a variety of practical situations. 

The Ohio State University School of Communication has achieved national and international distinction in research, teaching, and service by designing innovative programs in specific areas of expertise. Strong research and teaching programs focus on present and future directions in the field geared to address the sweeping changes occurring in communication.

Request more information about this major

Academic Advisors

Anne DeGirolamo

degirolamo.10@osu.edu
(614) 292-8444
3033 Derby Hall
154 N. Oval Mall

Lisa Jerele

jerele.2@osu.edu
(614) 292-8444
3033 Derby Hall
154 N. Oval Mall

Jen Scott

scott.1512@osu.edu
(614) 292-8444
3033 Derby Hall
154 N. Oval Mall

Matthew Ralph

ralph.34@osu.edu
(614) 292-8444
3033 Derby Hall
154 N. Oval Mall

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Associated Facilities

Areas of Study

NEW MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

NEW MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Students in this track explore the way technology is transforming the field of communication. Students in this program will learn to assess the needs of the end user by employing quantitative and qualitative research techniques, and communication and design principles that will allow students to design multimedia and online content systems.

Learn More
COMMUNICATION ANALYSIS AND PRACTICE

COMMUNICATION ANALYSIS AND PRACTICE

This track offers a broad-based education in communication combined with the flexibility to pursue specific areas of interest, including mass media effects; interpersonal communication processes; communication for advocacy and politics; and health, science, and risk communication. Courses emphasize the analysis of different types of data, messages and communication practices.

Learn More
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION

In this track, students learn ways in which organizations communicate in order to accomplish a goal and includes courses that examine communication through public relations, marketing communication, advertising, persuasion and public theory and communication campaigns.

Learn More

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ZURI HALL

In 2015, Zuri Hall (BA, communication, 2010) became the newest correspondent for E! News, where she interviews musicians, actors and entertainers. Here, she talks about her job and offers some advice.

Tell us about your college experience. 

I was a four-year Morrill Scholar and graduated from Ohio State with a BA in strategic communication and a minor in theatre. I was an active member of the Black Student Theatre Network and of Ohio Union Television. 

What do you do for E! Entertainment Television?

I’m an on-air correspondent for E! News, and every day is different. Some days I do stand-ups and traditional host-reads in the newsroom or in-studio, on the E! News set. Other evenings I’m covering film premiere red carpets. I do one-on-one sit-down interviews with musicians, actors and entertainers. During awards season, I’m a special correspondent/co-host for E!’s popular Live From the Red Carpet shows. I also produce, so I write and oversee the editing of those stories, from start to finish.

Any advice for students?

You have to create to keep your skills sharp, and you must develop a fresh perspective. Everyone has something to say, and in this digital age it’s easy to be drowned out in all the noise. So sharpen your craft, your delivery, the lens through which you view and communicate to the world. That’s what will make viewers want to hear “the same old information” from you, instead of the next person.

“My tenacity has kept me afloat in difficult times. Success is not a straight and simple path, so be open to the winding road of life.” -Zuri Hall

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Ranked in the top five among high impact communication programs, Ohio State's School of Communication provides undergraduates with rigorous and innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art multimedia classrooms, multiplatform labs and podcasting studio, hands-on training through internships, alumni networking and mentoring opportunities, and access to internationally renowned faculty.

School of Communication Website More Communication Courses

Graduates with a focus on new media and communication technology are prepared for careers as managers of technology based communication campaigns, usability analysts, online content developers, and web and multimedia designers. Within the strategic communication track, students train for careers as communication specialists, marketing and public relations professionals, communication campaign managers, sales, and communication consultants.

courses you might take:

COMM 3444: Advertising and Society

Examination of positive and negative contributions of advertising in the American mass media system to society from political, sociological, and economic perspectives.

COMM 3513: Video Games and the Individual

A broad overview of the effects of video game play on the individual. Students critique the literature on this topic and design their own study to test video game effects.

COMM 4814: Political Communication

Analysis of the roles played by the mass media, public leaders, and accidental circumstances in the development of issues and images in contemporary American political communication.

COMM 3331: Communication and Decision Making

Decision-making as a process; comparisons between interpersonal, bargaining-negotiation contexts, and group organizations; descriptive and prescriptive models of decision-making in small groups and organizations.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) meets biweekly to hold educational programs, visit local and regional public relations firms and media outlets and provide opportunities for social interaction with students of like interests and career goals. It is an organization for students interested in careers in public relations, event planning, media relations, communications, public affairs, advertising, marketing, or online communications after graduation. 

PRSSA

The PRactice

The PRactice is a PRSSA-accredited, student-run public relations firm that provides a professional environment for students to excel and learn skills pertaining to the public relations industry. The firm utilizes students of all majors and expertise levels to provide solutions for local and national clients involving social media, event planning, design, marketing and traditional public relations. Being run by students, the firm creates an innovative and fresh look to any client's campaign and an invaluable learning experience in the public relations creative process.

The PRactice

Internships

This is such an exciting time for those considering the field of communication. The School of Communication at Ohio State University actively encourages students to test what they learn in the classroom in real-world settings. Students are encouraged to explore internship experiences that will help augment their studies and provide valuable experience. Because communication is vital for all types of organizations, students are encouraged and coached through the process of developing internship opportunities that are best suited to their own interests.

Opportunities

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

Future Students: Learn More

Schedule A Campus Visit

Take a Virtual Campus Tour

Continue Exploring

Top