Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Speech Communication?
Speech communication is the study of how and why people communicate interpersonally, in a group, within various organizations, and in public contexts. Miami's major in speech communication has three areas of focus. Each focus begins with the building of a strong base in communication theory. This includes courses in persuasion, interpersonal and small group communication, advocacy, and rhetoric. The organizational communication focus emphasizes the effect of organizations on communication and the use of communication to increase the effectiveness of an organization. The interpersonal/relational focus creates a detailed understanding of how people use verbal and nonverbal communication to define, negotiate and change their relationships. The rhetorical influence focus involves exploration of the relationships among sources, messages, and audiences in a variety of social influence/persuasion contexts.
Interests
A general interest in communication processes and their effects, with an emphasis on analysis, diagnosis, and intervention regarding communication issues/concerns in interpersonal, group/organizational, and public contexts
Competencies
- Communication
- Verbally/nonverbally
Writing
Speaking
Observing people/data/things
Influencing/persuading
Informing/explaining
Applying persuasive skills
Mediating/negotiating - Detailing/Organizing
- Planning
Self-expression
Working as part of a team
Working independently
Working against deadlines
Attending to accuracy and
accountability
Making decisions - Researching/Analyzing
- Synthesizing in communication events
Organizing
Problem solving
Gathering information and data
Planning
Defining - Creativity
- Designing projects
Adapting ideas
Developing programs/articles
Generating ideas
Sizing up situations
Opportunities - Careers
- Business/Industry
- Research analyst
Assistant buyer
Consultant
Sales representative
Business manager
Information specialist
Account coordinator
Customer service representative
Claims investigator
Advertising assistant
Management trainee
Marketing associate
Reservation agent
Employee relations staff
Personnel - Education
- Educational writer
Teacher - Human Relations
- Community affairs administrator
Program coordinator
Public relations representative - Government
- Lobbyist
Mediator
Administrative assistant
Press secretary
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students with a degree in speech communication may continue on to graduate study in communication, business administration, teacher education or other related fields. A speech communication major also prepares students for law and other professional schools.
Opportunities - Experiential
Summer or volunteer work and internships at public relations agencies, governmental agencies, and businesses, as well as involvement in student organizations such as the American Advertising Federation, the American Marketing Association, the Public Relations Student Society, American Women in Communication, Inc., and the Forensics Team.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Communication (162 Bachelor Hall, 529-7472)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Building, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.