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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.

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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.

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.

Learning 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.

Co-op Opportunities

  • Zipcar
  • Wayfair
  • TJMaxx and HomeGoods
  • Strong Women Strong Girls
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • John Hancock
  • Institute of Contemporary Art
  • Eaton Vance Management
  • Donna Karan International
  • Dana Farber Cancer Institute
  • Constant Contact
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • Arnold Worldwide
  • Amazon

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

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