Many communications students take a journalistic path inside the major. Those who enjoy expressing themselves through written word generally lean toward communications classes with a journalism influence. Courses will cover a multitude of topics, such as basic journalism, environmental journalism, photo journalism, and news writing and reporting.
Some students may be looking for a career in the media when they major in communications. This area of the degree focuses on broadcasting and other forms of television production, including audio and scriptwriting. Communications courses pertaining to media may include Evolution of Media, Constructing Media Narratives, Media Law, Writing for Visual Media and Audio Production.
Communications courses also cover the art of public relations. Public relations is a field dedicated to improving the image of a company in the eye of the general population. As such, those specializing in the field must be able to effectively communicate even during tense and difficult times. Public relations communication courses may include Introduction to Public Relations, Case Studies for Public Relations, Writing for Public Relations and Crisis Communication.
The field of communications also covers studying of the film industry. Film has been an effective and entertaining means of communicating for decades. Communications courses in the field will often focus on trends being developed through film. Courses may include Film History, Topics in Film and Introduction to the Art of Film.
Of course, there are a number of other communications courses that cannot be classified by just one category. These classes include studying the theory, history and philosophy of various aspects of the communications industry. Certain courses will be beneficial for all communications majors. Courses such as Communication and Gender, Art of Criticism, Communication and Social Change, and Interpersonal Communication apply concepts that can be used no matter what field the student enters following graduation.