Download OAKLAND UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATION MAJOR

COMMUNICATION MAJOR
College of Arts and Sciences
OAKLAND
UNIVERSITY
In today’s competitive, global business culture,
having the ability to make effective communication
choices can mean the difference between closing a
deal or striking out, earning a promotion or feeling
unsatisfied in work and life.
Oakland University’s communication program
combines the best in leading-edge theory with
practical, skill-building exercises that apply in the
real world. Our students learn to be effective
communicators by creating a meaningful personal
“voice” for interacting with others, and by learning
the impact that their unique communication style
has in individual, group and public settings.
“Instead of taking notes all day,
Oakland’s communication program
encourages knock-down, drag-out
participation. Every class I had
there pushed me to learn more
about myself, my communication
style, my boundaries. I apply
these lessons every day.”
— Jill Putnam ’92
Advertising Manager
Buick Division, General Motors
CLASSES: SMALL, INNOVATIVE
Does your adrenaline surge when you have a great idea?
Do you get excited when making new connections?
Welcome to OU’s communication program, where ideas
are encouraged and participation is expected.
In our classes, faculty get to know you by name, and
peers form tight-knit groups, making connections that
last a lifetime. The core program includes courses in:
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Public speaking
Communication theory
Multicultural communication
Interpersonal and public discourse
Two semesters of a language — including an American
Sign Language option
You can tailor your major by selecting from a variety of
electives ranging from broadcasting and persuasion to
communication between genders, families or in organizations.
FACULTY:
ACCOMPLISHED
MENTORS
As veteran communicators themselves, Oakland’s faculty
have real-world experience and a willingness to share it.
They are committed to producing responsible communicators
and effective citizens who understand and appreciate diversity,
and who are actively engaged with their communities. That’s
why communication students take a senior capstone course
that gives them field experience in community service.
ADVISING: INVESTING IN YOU
At OU, you’ll meet with a faculty member to select appropriate
program courses and receive assistance from advisers who help
ensure that all of your other degree requirements are fulfilled.
Being able to express yourself effectively with the written
word is an invaluable and highly marketable skill. At the OU
Writing Center, trained writing consultants help you explore
ways to approach different writing situations.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Explore your interests and hone specific career-related skills
through a variety of hands-on experiences, both on and off campus.
Student organizations
Getting involved in student orgs is highly encouraged and easy
to do. Some groups communication students join include:
• Iota Eta (local chapter of Lamba Pi Eta) – the
communication national honor organization
• Forensics – a competitive academic speech team
• The Oakland Post – student newspaper
• WXOU – student radio station that provides programming
seven days a week on 88.3 FM, on the OU Web site and
on Nibblebox, a webcast provider used by universities
• Student Video Club – engages students in creating video
productions using new TV production studios and editing suites
• Women in Communications
• Communication Students at Macomb
• Bistroontheweb.com – a student run online journal for
creative and scholarly writing
Internships
Oakland is located in the heart of Automation Alley, a hightech collection of businesses and organizations, and in the
midst of one of the most diverse cultural areas of the country.
Through innovative partnerships with businesses, non-profit and
civic organizations, communication students gain practical,
career-related experience while making professional connections
that can lead to future job placements. Academic credit is
available for internships, many of which are paid.
RESEARCH: SPREADING YOUR WINGS
CAREERS: NO LIMITS
Our students work with full-time faculty on independent
research projects supported by state, regional and
national organizations, and many present their findings at
undergraduate research conferences such as Meeting of
the Minds and co-author papers with faculty. Plus, you
can take advantage of a variety of undergraduate
research scholarships and other funding.
Whether you plan to join the corporate world, go to graduate
school, run a political campaign or even work in Hollywood, an
Oakland communication degree gives you the versatility to
unleash your creative potential and achieve your dreams.
Eighty-nine percent of OU graduates find jobs within six
months of graduation and a communication major’s starting
salary averages $33,700.
Interested in graduate education? With exposure to theory
and practical applications, and the opportunity for
research experiences, our program provides an ideal
foundation for further study in communication.
Communication students find positions in areas such as
management, customer service, advertising, sales, marketing,
public relations, radio and TV production, education, publishing,
employment services, information technology, health care and
countless other fields.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
SHOWING YOU THE MONEY
We recognize that today’s college students often balance
school, work and other responsibilities. In addition to
offering need-based financial aid, the university also
rewards academic excellence, student leadership and
achievement. Some OU scholarships include:
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Anibal Excellence Scholarship
Arts and Sciences Alumni Affiliate Scholarship
Commuter Involvement Award
Donald C. Hildum Endowed Scholarship in
Communication
• Oakland University Student Life Scholarship
SATELLITE CAMPUS:
MACOMB UNIVERSITY CENTER
Our unique partnership with Macomb Community College
gives you the opportunity to take communication courses
taught by the same OU professors that teach at the main
campus. Macomb students enjoy on-site advising and full
access to all other OU resources.
Not sure how to best apply your communication degree? Find
career counseling at OU’s Advising Resource Center and the
Career Services office to explore some of the available job
opportunities and get help with your applications.
IN DEMAND SKILLS
The U.S. Department of Labor declared 16
qualities for high job performance. Ten of
those qualities are commonly studied in
the field of communication:
• Listening
• Reasoning
• Speaking
• Self-esteem
• Creative thinking
• Sociability
• Decision making
• Self-management
• Problem solving
• Integrity/honesty
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dave Lau, Ph.D.
Director, Communication Program
[email protected]
(248) 370-4132
www2.oakland.edu/com
Office of Admissions and Orientation
101 North Foundation Hall
Rochester, Michigan 48309-4475
[email protected]
(800) OAK-UNIV
ACM-499/8.06