The University of Texas at El-Paso - UTEP
speciality: Communication
What is a Communications degree?
Communications is a universal degree, which explores the traditional forms of communication such as verbal, physical, visual and written communication but also extends beyond that to cover mass communication and social media. There are different types of communications degrees depending on the degree level.
Overall, Communications focuses on teaching effective communication through social media, web, print, mass media and verbal communication. However, there are two types of Communications degrees that exist. For instance, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in the US is focused on preparing students for careers that are connected to writing, marketing, promotions, journalism and public relations. In contrast, Bachelor of Science in Communications is dedicated to the technology used in the science behind modern communication and prepares students for careers in production or sound engineering.
A Communications degree teaches students about how media and communication influences cultures, societies and people’s identities. It involves a significant amount of critical writing and research and covers different disciplines such as journalism, public relations, entertainment production, marketing, event planning and so many more disciplines, which are somehow connected to exchanging information and conveying messages. There are also different specialization options associated with this degree, including political communication, mass media, journalism, health communication, etc.
It is worth noting that a Communications degree has many intersection points with psychology, sociology, linguistics and in some cases politics.
Benefits of a Communications degree
The main benefit of a Communications degree is its universal nature. It applies to almost any subject or professional setting. For example, some of the top careers in the field of Communications include announcers, art directors, editors, broadcast and sound engineering technicians, reporters, correspondents, broadcast analysts, technical writers, writers and authors, interpreters, translators, etc. Therefore, it keeps students’ career options open and doesn’t require them to have a predetermined career path that they want to follow.
Communications degrees prepare students to make an impact from the start of their careers unlike other degrees, which require further training. This is possible thanks to the multitude of professionally accredited degrees in Communications, which develop students’ abilities based on the established standards in the field. Moreover, there are many Communications courses, which offer work placement opportunities that enable students to gain the required professional skills before they have even started their career.
Another benefit associated with Communications degrees is the fact that they develop students’ written and verbal communication skills significantly.
A major advantage of Communications over other degrees is that in most cases there are no prerequisites required to study Communications.
Communications degree structure
The duration of a Communications degree varies depending on the country and degree level. For example, Higher Education Institutions in the UK offer 3-year Bachelor’s courses. In some cases, the course may extend to four years if students are given the opportunity to spend a year abroad or in industry between the second and third year through a sandwich course. Bachelor’s degrees in Communications in the US usually take around four years to complete.
Over the duration of a Bachelor’s Communications degree, students are expected to learn and be able to apply the established communications theories by developing the technical skills required to work in a professional setting. In the first year of their studies, students learn predominantly how media and communication influences cultures, societies and people’s identities. Optional modules may introduce them to professional communication, journalism, documentary, film-making, marketing, etc. In addition to the introductory topics, this degree allows students to learn about more complex areas of communications such as interpersonal relations, brand management and linguistics at a later stage. For instance, the second and third years enable students to get a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts related to media and culture and develop practical skills in research and communications. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to take optional modules and pursue their interests in different areas related to Communications such as gender, race, youth, culture, digital media, political communication, public relations, etc.
The most common duration of a Master’s degree in Communications is between 1 and 2 years depending on the mode of study (full-time or part-time) and country.
PhD and MPhil degrees in Communications require students to dedicate anywhere between 3 and 6 years to their studies depending on the mode and country of study.
2 Student Reviews
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Communication20 Nov, 2022
StudentUSAbout my schoolThe University of Texas at El Paso is a research university with high research activity going on in different departments. The school have buildings created with the Dzong architectural style and beautiful mountain sceneries. I like Utep because is a diverse university, with students from Hispanic communities, it has a well-equipped library and a conducive environment for learning. Students, staff, and professors are always ready to help if you have any personal or academic issues. Yes, I can recommend it to family and friend
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Master'sGraduation: 2023Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: El paso Texas -
Communication11 Feb, 2022AdebusolaMy School Review
What I liked about my program communication is that is going to help me build my communication, Advertising, and professional skills as an Entrepreneurs.
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Secondly, the classes and environment are ok and conducive for learning, we have access to computers during lectures, lecturers make use of projectors during lectures for better understanding of the student. In my school most lecturers are nice and approachable, they are always willing to help students when it comes to academic issues and some of them are also willing to help financially. For now, I don’t think I dislike anything about my school, except for the weather is cold. The student life in (Utep) is good because my school is sharing a border with Mexico so we have more Hispanic students who speak the Spanish language, which will also allow me to make friends with the Latino, Latina, and Latinx students. Students are also allowed to work inside the school environment and still attend classes, Teaching/Graduate assistantship, health insurance, and out of state tuition waiver are available for international student who intends to pursue their master’s and Ph.D. programs, and also there are many programs organized by the school which students, can benefit from after their graduation. With all these opportunities have mentioned, above I will recommend my school to others. Yes, my school is very International in my own opinion. I feel great and happy because I believe at the end of my program at Utep, I will be well equipped, informed, and also fully ready to start up my own company fully and achieve my dreams and goals.Programme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2023Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: El paso Texas
