Communication Studies
Communication Studies and Human Services, BA
The human services and communication studies combined major is designed to prepare students for careers in social change by providing them with the theoretical and skill-based background necessary for practice and research.
The intersection of communications studies and human services practices spans several domains. Nonprofit organizations depend on communications professionals to effectively represent their work to the community, partner organizations, and funders. Knowledge and skills developed in communications studies also service human services professionals working in the political realm as they seek to promote impactful social policies.
The human services major is designed to prepare students for careers in social change by providing them with the theoretical and skill-based background necessary for practice and research. Students will develop a holistic understanding of preventative and reactive responses to social inequality and an understanding of how to impact change at the individual and structural levels. Students engage in an integrated educational program that emphasizes experiential approaches to learning through service-learning, co-op, and internship opportunities.
Co-op Opportunities
Zipcar
Boston, MA
Wayfair
Boston, MA
TJMaxx and HomeGoods
Framingham, MA
Strong Women Strong Girls
Boston, MA
Southwest Airlines
Dallas, TX
Liberty Mutual
Boston, MA
Johnson & Johnson
Boston, MA
John Hancock
Massachusetts, US
Institute of Contemporary Art
Boston, MA
Eaton Vance Management
Boston, MA
Donna Karan International
Boston, MA
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA
Constant Contact
Waltham, MA
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, MA
Arnold Worldwide
Boston, MA
Amazon
Seattle, WA
Career Opportunities
Account Executive
Brand Manager
Child and Family Services
Creative Director
Development Officer
Gerontolog
Health Educator
Human Resources Professional
Lawyer
Media Planner
Meeting/Event Planner
Personnel Recruiter
Public Information Officer
Public Relations Specialist
Sales Representative
Social Media Manager
Speech Writer
Writer
Multidisciplinary Skills
ability to work under pressure
creative problem-solving skills
critical thinking
leadership skills
listening
performance and presentation skills
project management skills
verbal and written communication skills
Learning Outcomes
COMMUNICATION STUDIES
COURSE OUTCOMES
Communication is a diverse discipline and every department is unique. At Northeastern, the Communication Studies curriculum was designed to achieve three distinct learning objectives:
1. Basic communication skills, including the ability to research a question, prepare and deliver a compelling speech, and think critically and write effectively.
2. An understanding of the communication discipline including an appreciation of the history of communication studies, familiarity with important theoretical principles, and the ability to apply this knowledge to contemporary problems.
3. A distinct area of emphasis that distinguishes their major. Some of the more popular areas include argumentation and advocacy, organizational or health communication, digital communication, and media production.