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Communication Studies and Theatre, BA

The combined major integrates the study of communication skills and processes with the study of theater history, playwriting, acting, and directing, as well as costume design, lighting, and scenery.

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The Department of Communication Studies and the Department of Theatre offer an interdisciplinary combined major in communication studies and theatre. The combined major integrates the study of communication skills and processes with the study of theater history, playwriting, acting, and directing, as well as costume design, lighting, and scenery.

Theatre Learning Outcomes 

Students who graduate from Northeastern University with a degree in theatre will be able to:

  1. Apply a broad and deep knowledge of theatre as an art form to their work, including:
    • Foundational skills in performance, design, and production
    • Comprehensive understanding of theatre history, theory, and literature
    • Oral, visual, written expression of ideas with clarity and originality
  2. Make theatre with integrity
    • Create or interpret a play
    • Collaborate generously
    • Apply a personalized technique to the process of making imaginative, innovative theatre
  3. Make informed choices as theatrical entrepreneurs through professional readiness
  4. Reflect on the cultural, social, and ethical impact and contributions that theatre has made to societies and communities

Communication Studies 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

  • Disney ABC Television Group
  • Actor’s Shakespeare Project
  • American Repertory Theatre
  • Boston Children’s Theatre
  • Boston Ballet
  • Boston Lyric Opera
  • CBS Television
  • Central Square Theatre
  • Citi Center for the Performing Arts
  • Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
  • Huntington Theatre Company
  • Lincoln Center
  • Manhattan Theatre Club
  • Miami Theater Center
  • New Repertory Theatre
  • Paramount Theatre
  • Second Stage Theatre
  • Stoneham Theatre
  • Vineyard Theatre

Career Opportunities

  • Account Executive
  • Brand Manager
  • Creative Director
  • Development Officer
  • 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

  • collaboration
  • empathy
  • writing
  • script analysis
  • voice and speech
  • movement
  • acting
  • research
  • critical thinking
  • communication skills
  • storytelling
  • digital storytelling
  • production
  • public advocacy
  • strategic communication

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