Communication
Welcome to the Communication Department at Bryant University! Communication is essential to personal development, interpersonal relationships, and the function of cultural, political, and social institutions. In the Department of Communication students gain an awareness of their active role in the process and interpretation of meanings in various modes of communication, and how to consume and interpret critically mediated information in a complex, global world. Bryant also provides the opportunity to put communication theory into practice, and our graduates go on to have an impact on the world around them.
Our facilities include a state-or-the-art television studio, editing suites, a student-run HD radio station, and The Archway, our student-run newspaper. Please look around our web site and contact us if we can answer any questions or you'd like to learn more about Bryant.
Why study Communication?
According to Marilyn Mackes, Executive Director of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, "While employers rate communication skills as one of their most desired characteristics, they also report that they are the skills that are most lacking in today's job candidates. There is such a heavy emphasis on effective communication in the workplace that college students who master these skills can set themselves apart from the pack when searching for employment.
Communication is one of the most practical majors available and qualifies students for a variety of careers.
Studies show that employers look for three skills from college graduates. First, they want people who can write well. Second, employers want people who can speak effectively. Third, they want people who have strong analytical abilities. In the Department of Communication at Bryant University, all of these areas are emphasized.
The number of people being hired in Communication has increased 32% over the last several years and job forecasts predict that this trend will continue.
For people with BAs, the increase was 56% over the last year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the next six years will see substantial growth in Communication positions in areas related to media design, public relations, information and entertainment, health services (including health communication), and writing/editing. Expected annual increases in the number of new positions is 20% or higher.
Communication education Is vital to the development of the whole person
- Communication enhances relationships to the self, others, and society
- Communication education improves critical thinking.
- Communication education helps you become more critical consumers of modern media.
- Communication education develops leadership skills.
- You must understand communication dynamics to build a successful family.
- To acquire communication knowledge is to gain power.
- Communication education helps develop skills and sensitivities that shape our social and political lives.
- Developing the ability to speak qualifies you to participate in public life.
- Good family communication helps prevent delinquent behavior.
- Nonverbal communication influences decisions in courts of law.
- Communication education can enhance inter-cultural understanding.
Compiled from reports published in the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration (Morreale, Osborn, & Pearson, 2000), the National Communication Association, the Media Careers Guide, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Wendy Samter, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Communication
wsamter@bryant.edu
