Thinking of switching majors? Try Communications. A communications degree from Sonoma State will teach you the significance of media and entertainment and its role in our society. Since communications have an important place in our daily lives it gives us unique opportunities and opens up a wider market of jobs after graduation. With this degree, you will learn the critical skills you need to enter this field and work beside ambitious people who share your goals.
With combined interests in media, entertainment, and society you can learn valuable information and jump into an industry that’s relevant and high in demand. SSU’s communications department offers four primary outlets that consist of a student newspaper, a TV station, a radio station, and a PR firm. Within each department, you will have the opportunity to take on various roles and apply your knowledge hands-on.
Talena Sanders, our Cinematic Arts and Technology Degree Coordinator as well as our Film Studies Minor Coordinator said “I think it’s hard to convey all of the opportunities within the COMS major… The skills and critical thinking you learn in COMS and Cinematic Arts courses prepare you for a wide array of career possibilities that shape the public’s views of the world.”
Sanders then explains one of the best parts of her job is witnessing students and their personal growth. By taking these courses you will not only be moving out of your comfort zone, but you will enter into a degree that encourages students to examine and understand the meanings and societal impact of the media we consume on a daily basis.
Current communications bachelor Brady Eck said, “With this major, I’ve been more confident and it’s taught me how to connect with people and learn about media and networking too.”
“Our classes are discussion-based and hands-on. There is so much opportunity for project-based learning and a chance to really get to know your fellow students,” said Internship Coordinator and Advisor, Hillary Homzie.
Hillary goes on to mention the work that the communications department does to properly display the wide variety of courses offered in this major. Communications bachelors are set up to enter a broad array of career fields from broadcast journalism, to public relations, from cinematic arts to education and law. Individuals have landed positions producing content for the Golden State Warriors, Public Relations Specialist with Disney television, as an editor at Marvel, and as a talent manager for a major Hollywood Agency. Plus, students are getting into some wonderful graduate programs in journalism and law.
Department Chair of Communications Marco Calavita said “SSU is doing the best that it can at a challenging time to promote what COMS does… and we’re confident that we’re going to continue to grow because our program is the strongest that it’s been in all the years that I’ve been a professor here.”
Calavita then praises how our communications department carefully balances the critical study of media with skill development and professional training for students. Calavita emphasizes the importance of media and methods of communication, and that students can expect to learn about the role media plays in society and our world, about the meanings and messages that media communicate to us, about media work, the media industries, and what kinds of skill sets and potential career paths are right for them.
