Communication is one of UCSB’s most popular majors, according to US News. Many people may have the assumption that the study of communication is easy or simple, even common sense. Although so many students decide to pursue the degree, there is still so much stigma around it. It may not compare to the mathematical and scientific rigor behind numerous STEM majors, but that does not mean it is any less valuable for a wide range of potential career options.
The study of communication encompasses a range of things, including studying behaviors, interactions, and different types of relationships. Understanding how to be an effective communicator in a variety of areas will definitely set one up for success when searching for a career after graduation.
Here are five reasons why you should consider being a Communication major:
There are many modes of communication to study and produce.
Of course, the first thing we may imagine when we think of communication is talking. However, there are a multitude of communication modes that are relevant to the way we live our day-to-day lives, and in the professional sphere. Besides verbal communication, there are also written, nonverbal, visual, group, and mass modes of communication. Each of these serves a different purpose depending on the intention and the audience one is speaking to. For instance, verbal and interpersonal communication can be seen in the healthcare field, where doctors, nurses, and staff must communicate appropriately with each other and patients, whereas mass communication can be seen on a broader level when companies need to promote their product or service to a mass audience. All modes of communication are crucial in helping any individual or business grow and succeed.
Communication is a vital skill for many fields in the workplace.
Humans rely on their relationships with others to have successful personal and professional lives. In fact, these relationships are an inherent human need for survival. Our interactions with others will last a lifetime and are crucial in building relationships in the workplace. Collaborating with a team is an extremely important aspect of any career and must be performed intentionally and effectively to communicate appropriately. Self-employed individuals must rely on communication as well, to build relationships with customers and collaborators to promote their brand. It is crucial to build a wide range of communication skills in order to successfully build relationships with colleagues, customers, and consumers alike.
It is a versatile major, especially for those unsure of their future career paths.
Not everyone knows 100% what they want to do for their future careers. Some people may be set on one particular job field, but many are not and use college to explore their various interests. Communication is a perfect introductory major for those unfamiliar with careers that will fit them. It provides people with the crucial skill of communicating appropriately and effectively in different settings. Some potential fields include marketing, PR, branding, advertising, and event planning.
A degree in communication would prepare a student for the teamwork and collaboration involved in a multitude of fields. Like UCSB’s program, many communication programs revolve around research and theory-based information that draws upon decades of research and data. Therefore, students get a wide, science-based perspective of many areas of study that are applicable to a variety of careers. Having such a broad curriculum allows students to find their strong suits and continue choosing courses that fit their interests.
Communication can be flexible and paired with other interests.
Majoring in Communication also allows for great flexibility when it comes to pursuing other interests. If a student wants to double major or minor in another area or participate in more extracurricular activities, the 40 upper division unit requirement at UCSB makes it more available for them to do so. Only having 40 units, after the pre-major requirements, of any choice of upper-division courses easily allows a student to have the time to add other interests to their schedule.
Whereas STEM majors have a series of courses they must take chronologically, Communication majors have the luxury of enrolling in the classes of their choosing, based on their specific interests. Some of UCSB’s upper-division courses include, but are not limited to: marketing, political, health, cultural, persuasion, family, organizational, and forensic communication. Studying multiple interests and passions through a double major or minor can make someone a more well-rounded, experienced person, which is very beneficial in the workplace.
Communication is applicable to your own life.
Perhaps one of the most influential aspects of studying communication is how it can connect back to personal lives and experiences. Understanding various communication styles and theories allows people to identify those concepts in their personal and professional lives, and respond effectively. For instance, by studying interpersonal communication in one’s personal life, one can analyze their close relationships and respond to potential problems. By studying mass communication, one can use data in a professional setting to analyze consumer behavior and alter their product, service, or company message to special audiences. Studying communication prepares us for the types of encounters we are yet to experience in our future lives, and allows us to understand the human experience on a much deeper level.
The Communication major at UCSB might not be as “easy” as some may think. Its pre-major GPA requirement (3.0) is actually on the higher end compared to other areas, and is crucial to be accepted into the full major. These classes require hard work, dedication, and exemplary writing skills to succeed. Interacting with people is a crucial skill, possibly one of the most important skills, in the workplace. Whether it’s dealing with difficult people, collaborating on a project with a team, or communicating ideas to a broad media audience, the diverse range of skills a communication major provides makes students prepared and ready for success in their future careers.