Communication Studies

Communicate With Confidence, Unlock Career Success

From TikToks to TED Talks, communication shapes our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The Eastern Washington University Communication Studies program is built to help you harness the power of communication. You’ll gain the skills, tools, and real-world experience to become a confident, creative, and effective communicator who makes an impact. 

You’ll blend communication theory and research with applied learning by working on hands-on projects that mirror the work professionals do every day. Whether you’re interested in creating digital content like videos and blogs, developing social media strategies for brands, writing speeches that move audiences, working in sports communication, or advocating for causes you care about, this program enables you to design a path that aligns with your passions. 

Choose the general Communication Studies track for a broad, versatile foundation that prepares you for a wide range of careers, or specialize in Public Relations to focus on strategic messaging and brand communication. If flexibility and convenience are crucial, our online degree option lets you learn anytime, anywhere. 

Regardless of your choice, your education goes beyond the classroom. You’ll get valuable opportunities to connect with industry leaders, intern with top companies like Disney, and attend career-focused workshops that help you create an impressive resume and LinkedIn profile. 

Whether you’re pursuing a career in media, business, healthcare, or nonprofit work, you’ll graduate prepared to influence, lead, and inspire.

Why Study Communication at EWU?

Affordable Education

You don't have to sacrifice quality to get an education you can afford.

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Small Class Sizes

Most classes are limited to 30 students so you can get personalized guidance.

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Expert Faculty

Learn from leading researchers and seasoned industry pros who provide valuable insights.

Hands-On Experience

Put theory into action through real-world case studies, projects, and internships.

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Career-Preparedness

Master in-demand skills and participate in workshops and networking events.


Where Our Graduates Work

  • Starbucks Corporate
  • Disney
  • Amazon
  • Washington State Legislature
  • Leading PR and marketing agencies
"My favorite course that I took was Research Methods. As somebody who’s in consumer products, I found this class invaluable because I was able to conduct surveys on topics that I was very passionate about." — Devon Harp '20

EWU Communication Studies Courses

Our classes are led by passionate, highly experienced faculty who bring valuable perspectives and real-world industry experience. You’ll learn from renowned researchers in communication theory, intercultural communication, and linguistics—alongside professors who’ve worked in the fields you’re preparing to enter.

Topics you may learn about include:

  • Entertainment Public Relations
  • Sports and Leadership
  • Health Communication
  • Social Media Platforms and Planning
  • Conflict Management Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Interviewing
  • Leadership and Strategic Communication

Careers in Communication

A Communication Studies degree opens the door to a wide array of exciting career paths.


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Consumer Research

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Public Relations

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Marketing

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Social Media Strategy

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Health Communication

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Event Planning

Student Engagement

PRSSA

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) gives students the opportunity to hold leadership positions within the organization, job shadow local industry professionals, apply for exclusive scholarships, and access field-specific internships.

Members meet weekly to discuss professionally relevant topics, collaborate on upcoming events, and organize activities like fundraisers, guest speaker sessions, and networking opportunities. Contact us at EWUPRSSA1@gmail.com to get involved.

Practice Lab

Located in the Communications Building, the Barbara Shields Communication Student Practice Lab is a modern, tech-equipped space designed to help students sharpen their presentation and communication skills.

This lab is ideal for those needing to create engaging presentations, rehearse speeches, or prepare for thesis defenses. Faculty members also use it to offer additional support and guidance outside of class and to collaborate on various departmental projects.