Indiana Wesleyan University
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.
4 Student Reviews
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Communication21 Nov, 2022
StudentUSTheocracy IncarnateI would not recommend IWU to any person wanted to broaden their perspective and enhance their worldview. IWU is not friendly toward anyone who doesn’t fit into the typical mold of “straight white male ministry major”. Not only is it not friendly, it downright isn’t safe. There are several members of staff who are emotionally abusive, and despite several attempts from students to remove these members, they only ever receive a slap on the wrist.
This school is corrupt. Severely overcharging students for tuition AND housing. And they also make it nearly impossible to live off-campus, claiming that “saving money” isn’t an acceptable reason. Meanwhile, they will spend extravagant amounts of money for things that nobody needs, such as an entire football stadium and football team.
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2019Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Marion, Indiana -
Communication20 Nov, 2022 StudentUSPoor Diversity
IWU is a difficult place to be if you are not a straight, white, cis male. There are affirming professors and peers if you know where to look, but it can become lonely very quickly. Professors that do attempt to educate their students outside of the evangelical norm are also punished.
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2020Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Marion, Indiana -
Communication20 Nov, 2022 StudentUSNot for everyone
Don’t recommend if you’re a person of color or queer. Very much designed for white, wealthy, straight, christian people. The education was okay, but not worth the campus culture and religious rules (if you are not religious).
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2017Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Marion, Indiana -
Communication15 Nov, 2022 StudentUSI Stayed for a Good Time, Not a Long Time
My time at uni left me wanting for direction. A beautiful campus with some helpful staff however overall the most I took away from uni were the friends I made. The communications department didn’t support me in my *required* internship endeavors which ultimately left me cutting my time at Uni short. Even though the department didn’t support me, it was easy to at least graduate with my bachelor’s in General Studies since I had the right amount of credits. This school is poorly integrated into its community and truly feels like it exists in a bubble. If you want to study nursing or ministry this is a good university education-wise. Everything else—not worth your money.
View moreProgramme: CommunicationDegree: Bachelor'sGraduation: 2018Delivery Type: On CampusCampus: Marion, Indiana
