5 answers
Brittain
Student
Scranton, Pennsylvania
6
Questions
Asked
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What are the best colleges for a major in Communications ?
I have an interest in becoming a Public Information Officer after college, and to do so, I am exploring obtaining a Communications major.
I have looked at both Penn State University and Towson University so far.
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5 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Choosing the right college for a major in Communications, especially when you have a specific career goal like becoming a Public Information Officer, requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to help you find the best fit:
1. **Accreditation**: Ensure that the college or university you choose is accredited, as this ensures that the program meets certain educational standards.
2. **Reputation and Rankings**: Look at the reputation of the college and the rankings of its Communication program. This can give you an idea of the program's quality.
3. **Internship Opportunities**: Public Information Officers often benefit from practical experience. Consider colleges located in areas with ample internship opportunities, such as those near government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or corporations.
4. **Faculty Expertise**: Research the faculty members in the Communication department. Professors with relevant experience and connections in the field can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
5. **Course Offerings**: Examine the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career goals. Look for programs that offer courses in public relations, crisis communication, media relations, and strategic communication.
6. **Extracurricular Activities**: Consider colleges with active student organizations related to Communications. These clubs can provide opportunities for networking and hands-on experience.
7. **Alumni Network**: A strong alumni network can be beneficial for career placement and mentorship. Research colleges with active Communication alumni networks.
8. **Resources and Facilities**: Look into the resources available to Communication students, such as modern media labs, equipment, and communication centers.
9. **Financial Aid and Scholarships**: Consider the cost of attendance and explore financial aid options, scholarships, and grants to make education more affordable.
10. **Location**: The location of the college can influence your access to internship opportunities, networking events, and potential employers. Think about where you'd like to work after graduation.
11. **Class Size**: Smaller class sizes often allow for more personalized attention and interaction with professors.
12. **Career Services**: Investigate the career services offered by the college. They can help with job placement, resume building, and interview preparation.
Since you've mentioned Penn State University and Towson University, I recommend reaching out to their Communication departments, talking to current students or alumni, and visiting the campuses if possible. This will give you a firsthand sense of what each program has to offer.
Keep in mind that the best college for you depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and what you value most in a college experience. Take your time to research and visit campuses to find the one that aligns with your aspirations to become a Public Information Officer in the field of Communications.
1. **Accreditation**: Ensure that the college or university you choose is accredited, as this ensures that the program meets certain educational standards.
2. **Reputation and Rankings**: Look at the reputation of the college and the rankings of its Communication program. This can give you an idea of the program's quality.
3. **Internship Opportunities**: Public Information Officers often benefit from practical experience. Consider colleges located in areas with ample internship opportunities, such as those near government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or corporations.
4. **Faculty Expertise**: Research the faculty members in the Communication department. Professors with relevant experience and connections in the field can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
5. **Course Offerings**: Examine the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career goals. Look for programs that offer courses in public relations, crisis communication, media relations, and strategic communication.
6. **Extracurricular Activities**: Consider colleges with active student organizations related to Communications. These clubs can provide opportunities for networking and hands-on experience.
7. **Alumni Network**: A strong alumni network can be beneficial for career placement and mentorship. Research colleges with active Communication alumni networks.
8. **Resources and Facilities**: Look into the resources available to Communication students, such as modern media labs, equipment, and communication centers.
9. **Financial Aid and Scholarships**: Consider the cost of attendance and explore financial aid options, scholarships, and grants to make education more affordable.
10. **Location**: The location of the college can influence your access to internship opportunities, networking events, and potential employers. Think about where you'd like to work after graduation.
11. **Class Size**: Smaller class sizes often allow for more personalized attention and interaction with professors.
12. **Career Services**: Investigate the career services offered by the college. They can help with job placement, resume building, and interview preparation.
Since you've mentioned Penn State University and Towson University, I recommend reaching out to their Communication departments, talking to current students or alumni, and visiting the campuses if possible. This will give you a firsthand sense of what each program has to offer.
Keep in mind that the best college for you depends on your personal preferences, career goals, and what you value most in a college experience. Take your time to research and visit campuses to find the one that aligns with your aspirations to become a Public Information Officer in the field of Communications.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Communications is a popular career choice. It will also open new horizons to be involved in different fields, such as linguistics, journalism, and so on.
To find some of the best colleges in Communications, you can check this link: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-communications/
All the best.
To find some of the best colleges in Communications, you can check this link: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-communications/
All the best.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
362
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Brittain,
According to U.S. News and World Report, here are the top colleges and universities for Communication Majors:
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/communications-major-0901
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Northwestern University
- Brown University
- Vanderbilt University
- Cornell University
- University of California (Berkley)
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Communications!
According to U.S. News and World Report, here are the top colleges and universities for Communication Majors:
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/communications-major-0901
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Northwestern University
- Brown University
- Vanderbilt University
- Cornell University
- University of California (Berkley)
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Communications!
Karen Vanegas
Social Media
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hi Brittain,
I went to the University of Maryland (Philip Merrill College of Journalism), however, I have friends who pursued Communication/PR degrees. I also recommend the University of Florida (I obtained my Master's Degree from UF)!
https://arhu.umd.edu/
https://www.jou.ufl.edu/
Good luck!
I went to the University of Maryland (Philip Merrill College of Journalism), however, I have friends who pursued Communication/PR degrees. I also recommend the University of Florida (I obtained my Master's Degree from UF)!
https://arhu.umd.edu/
https://www.jou.ufl.edu/
Good luck!
Thaynan Siqueira
Project Manager
3
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Thaynan’s Answer
Hi, Brittain.
As some peers have mentioned, you'll definitely be able to find the best ranking colleges in that degree fairly easily. Along those lines, I'd only add some pointers:
- The best college for one person may not be same for another. There are multiple factors that are important for that decision, including financials, location, time availability, scholarships, and others. Look for what is the best college for you.
- Be picky within your possibilities: dedicate some time to research the school profile, values, affiliations, and where some of their graduate alumni are currently in the market . Don't hesitate to question the school about it - after all, you are the school's customer and it's a pricey product/service.
- See it as a stepping stone and consider where you plan to be next. Some choose to invest heavily in the undergrad and that's it, while others invest less in their undergrad to invest more in their grad degree.
Hope it helps! :)
As some peers have mentioned, you'll definitely be able to find the best ranking colleges in that degree fairly easily. Along those lines, I'd only add some pointers:
- The best college for one person may not be same for another. There are multiple factors that are important for that decision, including financials, location, time availability, scholarships, and others. Look for what is the best college for you.
- Be picky within your possibilities: dedicate some time to research the school profile, values, affiliations, and where some of their graduate alumni are currently in the market . Don't hesitate to question the school about it - after all, you are the school's customer and it's a pricey product/service.
- See it as a stepping stone and consider where you plan to be next. Some choose to invest heavily in the undergrad and that's it, while others invest less in their undergrad to invest more in their grad degree.
Hope it helps! :)