Why Study Communication and Emerging Media?

Through our Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, you’ll examine communication processes in interpersonal, small group, and public settings, as well as within organizations, cultures, and mass media.

We’ll also help you figure out how to apply the knowledge and skills you gain as a communication major so you may become a strategic communicator, leader, and engaged citizen as you:

• Learn from communication experts. When you major in communication at USC Aiken, you’ll learn from award-winning professors and scholars who hold terminal communication degrees and others from highly ranked graduate degree programs.
• Enjoy a more personalized experience inside and outside the classroom. At USC Aiken, you’ll take communication major courses with about 15 other students, which will facilitate more meaningful group discussions and allow you to form better connections with your instructors and peers. You’ll also benefit from one-on-one time with your instructors for guidance as you pursue your bachelor’s in communication, which will help you better select courses to take, land internships, and gain employment after graduation.
• Join hands-on learning and research experiences. As a communication major at USC Aiken, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn while doing. You may conduct research in our state-of-the-art Media Learning and Research Lab opening Fall 2023, find internships to experience a variety of roles, complete a capstone project, join the Lambda Pi Eta national communication honor society or the Media Club, and more.

Majoring in emerging media equips you with high-demand skills in media creation and media analysis. You’ll graduate prepared to apply your skills in a variety of professions thanks to opportunities for:

• E-portfolio creation. Our media studies major includes at least three courses where you can contribute to an e-portfolio. This portfolio will demonstrate your understanding of media in professional contexts through projects that involve creative outputs like graphic design, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, social media analytics, and more.
• Undergraduate research. USC Aiken is home to a state-of-the-art Media Learning and Research Lab (MLRL). This lab provides an environment for you to both gain greater insight into and push the boundaries of current media trends. Students pursuing this media studies major can investigate topics such as big data, UX/UI, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).
• Work with distinguished faculty. Our media degree faculty are all award-winning teachers and scholars who have studied at highly ranked PhD programs. Within a small, intimate department, our faculty bring well-rounded expertise and extensive experience to students. Notably, our faculty includes those who have held the role of president in both the Southern States Communication Association and the Carolinas Communication Association.
• A final capstone project. Every emerging media major completes a final senior project, but the exact form of this project can be tailored to your career aspirations. Many students complete an internship. Others complete a professional project in their current line of work, a research project that can be submitted to academic journals, or a large-scale creative project that can become part of their professional portfolio.