Communications 360 (Undeclared) | Quinnipiac University

Undeclared

Communications 360

Explore the many exciting facets of the communications field — from public relations to film and journalism— and discover the area that sparks your passion along the way.

Students walking through the newly renovated School of Communications.

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Your Experience

Rewarding careers await you in the ever-evolving world of communications. Employers say the ability to communicate effectively is one of the most crucial “soft skills” they seek.

Do you see yourself reporting on the major issues of the day, designing the next big video game or helping companies find their unique voice? Entering the school as an undeclared student opens the doors to a variety of disciplines as you explore our undergraduate programs in advertising and integrated communications; film, television and media arts; graphic and interactive design; journalism; media studies; and public relations.

The Ed McMahon Communications Center is a first-rate production facility for hands-on training in all aspects of television, film, journalism and multimedia production. You’ll have access to these facilities, even in your first year.

Employment in communications occupations is projected to grow 14 percent from 2020–2030, resulting in about 151,500 new jobs. Between your internships and your experiential learning, we’ll give you the tools and skills to succeed in your chosen career.

By the Numbers

+46,200 Job growth

The number of new communications jobs expected to be added through 2029. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

82% Success rate

Percentage of 2020 graduating seniors who have jobs, are continuing their education or are starting their own companies within 6 months of graduation.

180 Experiences

The number of places Communications students did internships across the country during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Putting you on a path to success

Academic and career advisers for students within the Communications 360 program will carefully guide you toward the courses and career development resources you need to land a job in your field of interest. Our COM 101 course gives you a good feel for each of our communications majors as you meet faculty members from those departments, while COM 140 takes a deeper dive into journalism, strategic writing and screenwriting. Both are part of the School of Communications’ core requirements. You also will choose a minor from the many offerings at Quinnipiac, enabling you to pursue a particular area of interest, such as criminal justice, political science, biology or marketing.

Students also have access to numerous career-focused opportunities within the School of Communications and across the university — starting in their first year. These resources and services will help you learn how to network, hunt for the right jobs and internships, and stand out from the competition as you begin your career.

The Ed McMahon Communications Center

The Ed McMahon Communications Center is a first-rate production facility equipped with industry standard technology for hands-on training in all aspects of television, film, journalism and multimedia production. Highlights of the center include a three-camera HDTV studio, a professional-quality audio production studio and several 4K (ultra-high-definition) editing suites.

The Media Innovation Classroom and Lab not only supports courses in broadcast, print and interactive journalism, but also simulates a live newsroom setting. In this lab, students are able to work collaboratively to produce their own professional newscasts. They have access to both the Associated Press news wire service and the CNN Newsource service, as well as the same newsroom automation software currently used by both CBS and ESPN.

An extensive equipment loan room makes high-end video and audio recording equipment available for use in the field. All of our students have access to the caliber of equipment that matches or even surpasses what they’ll later work with as industry professionals. Even in your first year, you'll have immediate access to equipment and facilities, unlike at many other universities where you might be required to wait until your second or third year. This enables you to jump-start your learning and makes you more attractive for competitive internship opportunities.

Students collaborate in the McMahon Center control room. — Our communications center houses a fully functional studio where you can write, produce and direct your own productions.

Hand turning up audio in the McMahon Center control room. — We have a full complement of audio equipment and lighting gear to create your individual or group projects.

Students collaborating on a project in the McMahon Center lab. — Our fully-functional television studio includes a 4K editing suite with more than 90 media workstations.

Student controls a camera in the McMahon Center production room. — You’ll work on the latest industry standard software and equipment for design, film, sound and more.

Two cameras in the McMahon Center production room. — Tell your story with cinematic detail using our professional-grade 4K video cameras.

4K Hitachi camera in the McMahon Center production room. — Our technology is up to date with the latest industry standards to help you jump-start your learning and gain experience with professional equipment.

In Their Own Words

Photo of journalism student Isabelle Agricola at Fox Sports Radio

Isabelle Agricola '21

Journalism major, QU in LA participant

"I think the most important skill I learned while interning at Fox Sports Radio was how to work in a fast-paced environment. I woke up every day excited to go into work. I got to talk about sports all day and create content centered around them, which was my dream. I met so many great people, learned so much, and feel incredibly prepared to go into sports media."

David Rabinowitz '09

Co-writer of the Oscar-winning screenplay "BlacKkKlansman"

"When you are writing a screenplay, it's always going to be interpreted by others, and my time at Quinnipiac with the film society showed me what happens after that critical step. Instead of the words staying on the page, they were spoken by actors, shot by cameras operated by crew, lit by lights set up by gaffers, and edited into a finished film."

Career Paths

The world of communications is complex and ever changing — and always growing. There are more opportunities than ever for today’s communications graduates, and a degree from the School of Communications sets you on the path to a range of rewarding careers.

Avg. Salary $125,510 / Advertising & Integrated Communications

Advertising managers create interest among potential buyers of a product or service. They work in advertising agencies that put together advertising campaigns for clients, in media firms that sell advertising space or time, and in organizations that advertise heavily. Promotions managers direct programs that combine advertising with purchasing incentives to increase sales.

Avg. Salary: $94,220 / Graphic & Interactive Design

Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging and movie and television productions. They create the overall design and direct others who develop artwork or layouts.

Avg. Salary: $66,880 / Journalism

Broadcast news analysts — also called anchors — lead news shows on television or radio, or work as commentators analyzing and interpreting news stories and offering opinions.

Avg. Salary $75,270 / Interactive Media & Communications

Multimedia artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, images that appear to move, and visual effects for television, movies, video games and other forms of media.

Avg. Salary: $74,420 / Accelerated Dual-Degree BA or BFA/MS (3+1)

Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials and other performing arts productions. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain or inform an audience.

Avg. Salary $116,180 / Public Relations

Public relations managers help clarify their organization’s point of view to its main audience through media releases and interviews. They monitor social, economic and political trends that might affect their organization, and they recommend ways to enhance the firm’s image on the basis of those trends.

Career-Building Resources

Students speaking to recruiters at the University-Wide Career Fair held in the Athletic and Recreation Center.

Design your career path

With an abundance of career-focused information and resources, the career advisers within the School of Communications support students as they expand their professional networks and attract the attention of prestigious employers.

Learn more about career development

Open-Air Studio

Bring your vision to life with cutting-edge technology

Our Open Air Studio features advanced, state-of-the-art technology, including remote cameras, touchscreen switching controls and automated audio that is more advanced than many professional media operations.

With Sleeping Giant State Park serving as the backdrop, you'll be able to work on a variety of projects and gain invaluable experience and knowledge with access to the 16-by-16-foot studio.