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At Chatham University, we approach Communication in both practical and theoretical terms, identifying efficient modes of interaction while seeking better ways to live together. Communication is a degree targeted to new opportunities in a media-dense world. Students in the major take a set of core courses that prepare them for careers in an industry where media forms converge.
Students choose one of four concentrations: Communication Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, and Visual Communication Design. Alongside the required coursework, students complete an internship and a research seminar presenting the results of an extensive journalism, public relations, media/popular culture, or academic project.
Study in the city of Pittsburgh, a location with a rich media history and an emerging network of news outlets and communication agencies.
Communication is a flexible major that can be combined with other programs to support career goals or to prepare for graduate study.
Communication majors enroll in comprehensive practical courses in journalism, public relations, and research.
Communication skills remain in demand through ever-changing technologies and media landscapes.
The best part about Chatham's Communication major is that it didn't just prepare me to write; it taught me how to do video, photography, social media, graphic design, and even coding.
—ABIGAIL HAKAS '24, Communication: Journalism major and African American Studies minor
The Communication program helps students build bridges between the classroom and the professional world of media by working with small business and nonprofit clients and by contributing to the Communiqué, Chatham’s student-run newspaper and website.
Chatham's communication major allows you to explore related disciplines within the same degree program. As you learn applied skills combined with history, theory, and context, you will gain a strong and creative foundation for life beyond college. Click the button below to explore sample courses and curriculum.
Explore Communication Curriculum : Checkerboard 1 - Courses & Curriculum
Communication Studies is a research program that complements the Journalism and Public Relations concentrations as well as other majors and minors across campus. We pursue art-based research involving interviewing and storytelling, alongside media arts (graphic design, photography, video production) and studio arts (drawing, painting). Students learn about cultural relativism, media theories, public speaking, and research methods.
Students in journalism learn the practice of investigating, reporting, and writing for newspapers, magazines, and online platforms, including websites, social media, and blogs. This concentration combines traditional journalism fundamentals with courses in film and video, photography, and Web design to equip students with a versatile toolkit of multimedia storytelling skills. A foundation in communications theory, history, and media ethics provides students with a deeper understanding of journalistic practice in an ever-changing global media industry.
Students in public relations learn promotion, advertising, and branding strategies through research and hands-on projects. This concentration combines writing with multimedia skills, including photography, film and video production, social media strategy, and design. These technical skills are grounded in communications theory and media ethics to prepare students to represent brands and businesses in the global marketplace.
Students develop design foundations, a knowledge of communication methodologies, design practices, and problem-solving techniques. These communication systems are adapted to varying forms of media—from print and video to the web—so that students become flexible and responsible designers working within a rapidly shifting global culture.
Recent Communication graduates have secured jobs (in no particular order): Butler Eagle, Latrobe Bulletin, Trib Total Media, The Education Partnership, All American Baseball Center, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Women & Girls Foundation, City Charter High School, Gloria Gates CARE, CC Mellor Memorial Library, SALT Marketing, Bruckman Media, Federated Hermes, J Cubed Financial Advisory Group, and American Eagle Outfitters Corporate Headquarters.
Communication faculty are strategic consultants, journalists, and practitioners. Click the button below to meet our faculty members.
Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 7 - Communication Faculty
