Communication Studies

In the Communication Studies program at Gettysburg College, you’ll learn the power of storytelling while sharpening your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and make a real impact on the world. Our Communication Studies major explores how messages influence individuals, institutions, and society. Through a blend of theory and practice, students develop essential skills in media analysis, digital content creation, public speaking, and more.

Why choose Communication Studies at Gettysburg

Gettysburg College offers a top-tier liberal arts education with a strong focus on communication, media, and cultural studies. As a Communication Studies major, you will learn in the intersections of creativity and critical thinking, of persuasion and problem-solving:

• Engage with interdisciplinary coursework grounded in media, rhetoric, and cultural theory
• Learn from dedicated faculty who are scholars and practitioners in the field
• Gain real-world experience through a full-credit internship and hands-on projects
• Prepare for diverse careers in media, public relations, marketing, law, education, and more

Whether you’re interested in a career in public relations, digital content creation, organizational leadership, or audience research and strategy — or you just want to supercharge your persuasion and storytelling abilities — the communication studies program at Gettysburg will equip you with the tools you need to make a real impact on the world.

Curriculum

The Communication Studies major is structured to help students build a strong foundation in communication theory while gaining practical, real-world experience.

The program requires ten courses, divided into the following components. You can explore the courses in each of these categories by visiting the Curriculum page.

• Core courses
• Analysis courses
• Praxis courses
• Practicum

What You’ll Learn: Communication Studies Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Communication Studies program at Gettysburg College will be able to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of key theories in media, communication, and rhetorical studies
• Analyze how communication both reflects and shapes culture, identity, and social structures
• Create effective, audience-centered messages across written, oral, visual, and digital platforms
• Apply communication principles in real-world contexts, including professional and civic life

These outcomes prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and media-driven world.

Why study Communication Studies?

Communication is essential—in business, in media, in relationships, and in society. Studying communication helps you:

• Understand how messages influence behavior, culture, and policy
• Gain transferable skills in writing, speaking, digital media, and critical thinking
• Prepare for a wide range of careers where effective communication is key
• Become a thoughtful, informed, and persuasive communicator in any setting

Whether you're interested in media production, corporate communications, advocacy, or education, a communication degree gives you the tools to lead and innovate.

Start Your Journey at Gettysburg College

Make your voice matter. Join a community of thinkers, creators, and changemakers in the Communication Studies program at Gettysburg College and explore how communication shapes—and is shaped by—the world around us.