Why major in Communication?

Since communication is among the skills most sought-after by employers, majoring in communication will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. UPIKE’s communication program will provide you with a strong balance between practical and theoretical knowledge. Courses are designed to develop your competence in spoken and nonverbal interaction practices, professional and publication writing skills, and public performance abilities. Graduates generally find they’re prepared for professional careers and have a solid foundation to pursue graduate programs in business, communication, law, religion, theatre and other fields.

Communication professor helping a student in the communication lab.

Program Distinctives

UPIKE’s communication program offers hands-on opportunities for learning and growth. Communication students participate in internships and experiential learning to gain valuable real-world experience. Opportunities exist to take part in Chi Omicron Mu, UPIKE’s communication honor society, as well as an award-winning speech team, research and community service activities. Students also have the ability to interact with UPIKE communication alumni to build professional networks.

Students editing in the communication computer lab.

Interesting Courses

COM 310 Principles of Editing and Design
This hands-on course emphasizes both creative and managerial skills in layout, typography, photo selection and use, editing, headline writing and developing publication objectives. Students will also share responsibility in creating a college publication.

COM 323 Intercultural Communication
This course focuses on the importance of culture in our everyday lives and the ways in which culture affects communication processes. Goals of the course are to increase sensitivity to other cultures and provide an introduction to and exploration of the core concepts within intercultural communication. Students will increase awareness of their own cultural backgrounds, and the contexts (social, cultural and historical) in which they live and communicate.

COM 425 Advanced Public Speaking
The course builds upon basic speaking skills acquired in Fundamentals of Public Speaking. A variety of speaking techniques and situations will be practiced practiced. Students will develop essential presentation skills necessary for success in a competitive job market.

Students giving a presentation during a communication class.

Student Learning Outcomes

After graduating with a UPIKE communication degree, you’ll understand various contexts of communication, exhibit media literacy skills, demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibilities as a communicator in a globalized society, write proficiently and possess effective oral communication skills. Whether you’re seeking a career in communication, business, politics, education, entertainment, religion or medical services, as a graduate of UPIKE’s communication program you’ll gain communication skills that top the list of qualifications desired by employers.

Earn your bachelor or associate degree in a variety of learning options. 3-year degree track   |   Fully-online   |   Face-to-face   |   Hybrid * * includes both online and face-to-face courses

Career paths in Communication

Advertising Representative
Corporate or Non-Profit Administrator
Customer Relations/ Sales Representative
Event Coordinator
Journalist
Marketing Specialist
Minister
Public Relations Specialist
Relationship Mediator
Sales Representative
Sports Publicist
Stage Performer

Where Recent Graduates have gone to work or study

Appalachian News-Express
Community Trust Bank
East Kentucky Broadcasting
Jenny Wiley Theatre
Judi’s Place for Kids, Inc.
Pike County Tourism Commission
Pike-TV
Pikeville Medical Center
Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)
Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
WYMT-TV
YMCA

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

“Obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication has opened many doors for me since graduating from the University of Pikeville in 2015. The skills I obtained in both written and oral communication helped me land jobs in both journalism and the communication field. As director of operations of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, I use those communication skills daily to market the Chamber, interact with our members and design materials for publication. The real-world experience and dedication of the communication and English staff were crucial to my professional success after leaving UPIKE.”

JOSH LITTLE /CLASS OF 2015 /SOUTHEAST KENTUCKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE /PIKEVILLE, KY

Contact

Chandra Massner

Associate Professor of Communication
(606) 218-5004
ChandraMassner@upike.edu