What is Speech Communications?
This major focuses upon oral communication as a tool for doing the work of social life. It considers the reasons why people communicate, the methods they use to communicate and the consequences of their interaction. It also covers the modes and technologies of communication (mass-mediated, computer-mediated, spoken, written, nonverbal), the contexts and settings of communication (cultures, organizations, institutions, groups, families, interpersonal relationships); how communication skills are acquired; how communication shapes societies and cultures; and related topics. Speech communication establishes means with which to understand, evaluate, and improve the process of human communication and to balance practical application, criticism, and theory. This enables students to analyze and evaluate their own as well as others' communicative behavior. It allows them to become more effective communicators in their personal and professional lives.
What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of the specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:
Business Communications
Mass Communications
Television and Radio Communications
Speech and Rhetorical Studies
What Kinds of Students Major in Speech Communications?
For the individual who is curious about the different ways to communicate and to communicate effectively in all sorts of environments to all sorts of people, this is an excellent field to major in. Based in elements of the study of rhetoric and branching out into all fields of human communication, this area of study is inclusive of most types of human communication. This is a major for people who enjoy working with other people, who enjoy speaking in public and who wish to pursue a major with wide ranging access to the liberal arts. Speech communication majors should be excellent in English, capable of doing research and organizing materials in written and oral presentations.
What Courses Do Speech Communications Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you would take for majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.
Speech, the Individual, and Society
Interpersonal Communication
Oral Interpretation of Literature
Introduction to Public Speaking
Speech Communication in a Free Society
Communication in the Classroom
Parliamentary Procedure
Interviewing
What Types of Positions do Speech Communications Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.
Law
Executive Administration
Media
Director of Corporate Media Relations
Program Producer
Media Agency Manager
Broadcast Operations Manager
Program Director
Advertising Account Executive
Radio Broadcaster
Television Commentator/Reporter
Press Secretary
Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.
