We offer two pathways to a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, two minors, and a graduate certificate. As a major in Communication Studies you can decide between a concentration in Communication Studies or a concentration in Storytelling. If you are interested in a minor, we offer a minor in Commmunication Studies and a minor in Storytelling. In addition to our traditional educational pathways, we also offer a Graduate Certificate in Storytelling. Each of these offers a different knowledge base and training, but combined, they look broadly at narrative, human interaction, story, messages, and the performing arts, with a focus on positioning graduates for professional success.
Communication Studies Major - Communication Studies Concentration
The Communication Studies concentration in the major focuses on building the essential career competencies that employers want. Study after study finds that across industries employers want to hire college graduates who can listen to clients and customers, lead and manage teams, and connect with both expert and non-expert audiences.
Communication Studies Major - Storytelling Concentration
The Storytelling concentration in the major focuses on developing the narrative skills that make communication memorable and impactful. Study after study shows that employers across industries value professionals who can craft compelling stories, engage diverse audiences, and inspire action. These are skills that storytelling uniquely cultivates for careers in education, media, marketing, leadership, and beyond.
Communication Studies Minor
The Communication Studies minor focuses on strengthening the core skills that make graduates stand out in any field. Research consistently shows that employers seek college graduates who can communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and adapt their message to different audiences. These are abilities that the minor develops through practical and theoretical study of human communication.
Storytelling Minor
The Storytelling minor focuses on developing the narrative skills that employers increasingly value across industries. Research shows that organizations seek graduates who can craft engaging stories, communicate ideas clearly, and connect with diverse audiences. These are abilities that storytelling uniquely cultivates for careers in education, marketing, media, leadership, and beyond.
Graduate Degree in Storytelling
The graduate certificate consists of 21 credits and is a post baccalaureate sequence containing core master’s level coursework in storytelling performance skills and practice.
Honors Program
Through advanced work that includes an original research project, Communication Studies Honors students get the analytical and critical skills employers find essential in today’s workplace. Moreover, Communication Studies Honors students are well positioned to apply for MA degrees.
Careers
Here is just a small sample of careers using a degree in Communication or Storytelling
Studies:
Job Titles of Alumni
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Undergraduate Alumni Job Titles
Senior Sales Specialist in Opthalmics, Senior Government Loan Specialist, Marriage and Family Therapist, Director of First Impressions, IT Project Manager, Pharmaceutical Sales Rep, AppleCare Support, Cake Decorator, Worship Pastor, Project Management Analyst, Customer Care Representative, Communications Coordinator, Farmers Market Co-Manager, Front End Clerk, Graduate Assistant for Student Leadership, Enrollment Counselor, Enrollment Counselor for Adult and Graduate School, Voluntary Benefits Specialist, Sales Representative, Executive Senior Manager, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Business Development Team, Information Technology Project Manager, Program Instructor, Infantry, Assistant Director, Counselor, Manager, Salon Director, Coordinator of Alumni Outreach, Occupancy Specialist, Associate Manager -
Undergraduate Alumni Employers
Shire Pharmaceuticals, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Richmond Graduate University, Keller Williams Realty, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Allergen Pharmaceuticals, Apple, Walmart, Tri Cities Baptist Church, Mosaic Life Care, Elavon Inc., International Storytelling Center, ETSU, Gray Pharmacy, Clemson University, King University School of Nursing, Colorado Christian University, Unum Insurance, Red Ventures, Allied Dispatch Solutions, South Bay Community Services, Cook Medical Endoscopy Division, Legal Department of TRI Net HR Corporation, DIT Engineering, Brother’s Keeper, Army National Guard, Drexel University, Covenant Counseling Center, The STURM Center, Sun Tan City, National Alumni Association at ETSU, Johnson City Housing Authority, American Institutes of Public Certified Accountants -
Graduate Alumni Job Titles
VP of Client Services, Coordinator of Public Relations, Marketing and Alumni Research, Health Services Programs Administrator, Strategy and Operations Manager, Health Communications Specialist, Assistant Director of Admissions, Department of Communication and Performance Lecturer, Digital Marketing Representative, Marketing Specialist, Custom Project Manager, Production Intern, Banking Professional, Business Account Representative, Library Information Specialist, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Assistant Director for Academic and Professional Affairs, eLearning Student Support, Business Owner and Operator, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Engineer Marketing, Director of Community Relations, Digital Marketing Strategist, Marketing Research and Communications, Independent Mandarin/Chinese Language Specialist, Director of Contracting, Bank Teller, Public Relations Manager, Scheduling Assistant, Assistant Professor and Director of Communication Arts, Director of Prevention and Advocacy, Executive Director, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, Executive Director of Academic Partnerships, Assistant Professor of Communication, Director of Integrated Marketing and Insights, Affiliate Professor -
Graduate Alumni Employers
Likeable Media, Virginia Highlands Community College, Town of Black Mountain, Modion Communications, CDC Division of Reproductive Health, The University of Texas (Tyler), ETSU, Eastman, FedEx Services, Cumberland Marketing, WJHL, Charter, University of Tennessee Knoxville, University of Denver, National Communication Association, Stanly Community College, Comfort Keepers Healthcare Management, City of Kingsport, TGS Engineers, Northeast State Community College, McClain Concepts, Duke University, Eastman Chemical Company, Unified Physician Management, Eastman Credit Union, The Dollywood Company, Carter Center at ETSU, St John’s University, Drexel University, Rose Glen Manor Assisted Living, Arkansas State University, Lamar University, Oklahoma Christian University, Ntara, Grand Valley State University