Bachelor of Arts
Communication Studies

"Students collaborate with me on communication access projects such as Internet captioning. My work with one student led to stronger federal rules, and he went on to be recognized nationally for his advocacy for the rights of deaf and hard of hearing people."
-- Dr. Christian Vogler, research Director of Gallaudet's Technology Access Program

A Broad Foundation for Success

Employers consistently cite communication skills as the major requirement for success in professional careers.

In our communication studies program, you will learn how to think critically, express and advocate ideas effectively, and understand and appreciate the diversity of human communication. You will gain practical experience in interpersonal, public and mass communication.

Collaborate with our talented faculty on real-world projects with national impact. Choose from options such as our Capitol Hill Internship Program to complete your internship requirement. Participate in service projects and network with alumni through the National Communication Association honor society chapter on campus.

Our graduates hold influential positions in consulting, teaching and management. Many pursue careers in law, ministry, politics and community relations.

See list of all Gallaudet majors.

Keep reading to learn more about the communication studies program and career outcomes.

Courses and Degree Requirements

• Course Descriptions
• Program of Study for the Major
• Program of Study for the Minor
• Course Schedules

Internships

All students must complete at least one internship for career exploration and job experience. Faculty help students connect with the many opportunities in the nation's capital as well as with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Career Outcomes

Within one year of graduation, 89 percent of Gallaudet's recent art, communication and theatre majors are employed or in graduate school. Learn more about alumni of the Department of Art, Communication and Theatre.

Training and Job Outlook

Communication careers include fundraising, public relations and management, among others. Most fundraising positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Employment is projected to grow 17 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations.

Public relations specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in communication or a related field, while most management positions require at least a bachelor's degree and some work experience. Employment in these two fields is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. 

Learn more about fundraising, public relations and management career opportunities.

Facilities and Resources

As a student in the communication studies program, you will use the latest interactive technology to improve learning and communication. You can also collaborate on research with faculty in the Technology Access Program.

Learn more about the resources available to students in this program.