Communication Schools in Georgia with Degree Program Descriptions

Many schools in the state of Georgia offer undergraduate and graduate communication programs, though the curricula differ from school to school, each offering its own specialized degree program. Communication programs are offered in the areas of journalism, international communications, health communication, communication technology, public relations and digital media, among others. This article discusses ten of the largest communications programs in Georgia.

Armstrong State University

Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah serves around 7,000 undergrad students every year. The College of Liberal Arts offers a professional communication and leadership post-baccalaureate certificate program. Courses cover writing techniques and communication strategies in diverse settings, like in publishing, public health and digital media. The school also has a master's degree program in liberal and professional studies that builds on the certificate program to develop professional-level thinking and communication abilities. It has a communication track that includes courses like interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, non-verbal communication and communication between genders.

Clayton State University

Clayton State University, which is located is Morrow, offers a bachelor's degree program in communication and media studies through its Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Courses include communication theory, public speaking, global communication and digital media writing. Students develop media research and critical analysis skills as well as professionalism. Concentrations are available in media and culture, communication and human relations and in media production. A minor is also available.

Augusta University

This Augusta-based school, formerly known as Georgia Regents University, is a new school that was created by combining the programs and resources of Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University. The school's Department of Communications offers a bachelor's degree program in communication. Concentration options include communication studies, journalism, social media, professional writing and public relations. Students can network with their peers and communications professionals by joining the public relations club, writing for the newspaper and/or attending a writing conference.

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University in Statesboro serves more than 20,000 students. The Department of Communication Arts offers multiple bachelor's degree programs. The communication studies program focuses on the fundamental skills of interpersonal discussion and written communication. The multimedia communication program helps students prepare for careers in television and radio. Journalism majors can learn about opinion, investigative and online journalism, and they have opportunities for practical newspaper work and internships. The public relations major also allows for hands-on work experience. The communication arts degree program allows for interdisciplinary study that combines multiple areas of communication, like journalism and public relations.

Georgia State University

Georgia State University in Atlanta offers more than 250 programs at a variety of degree levels, and the Department of Communication also boasts an array of offerings. Students at Georgia State may land internships at the numerous communication centers, radio stations and public relations firms based in the downtown. At the undergraduate level, students can major in journalism or speech. The journalism degree program has 12-credit concentrations in communication and society, public relations and in journalism, while the speech degree program has 9-credit tracks in lifespan communication and in public and political communication.

Georgia State University also has master's degree programs in mass communication and in human communication and social influence. Lastly, a doctoral program is available. The media and society emphasis focuses on topics like stereotypes and international relations, and the rhetoric and politics emphasis explores public dialogue and community building.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is a 4-year school with more than 24,000 students enrolled. The School of Communication and Media offers bachelor and master's degree programs, along with various minor and certificate programs. The undergraduate communications major offers a variety of concentrations, including journalism and citizen media, public relations, media studies, and organizational communication. The media studies emphasis concentrates on written, technological and media literacy. The public relations route provides opportunities to work with industry groups, such as the Public Relations Society of America.

Kennesaw also offers a master's degree in integrated global communication that teaches students about economics, politics, and culture as they relate to international businesses and organizations. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree in communication, among other requirements. Classes for this 30-credit-hour program meet in the evening. Additionally, Kennesaw has a certificate program in digital news reporting and a graduate certificate in social media. Students can also opt for a minor program in public relations at the school.

Mercer University

Mercer University in Macon was ranked #7 on the 'Best Regional Universities - South' list and #1 on the 'Best Regional Value Schools - South' list by U.S. News and World Report in 2013. The College of Liberal Arts offers a communication studies bachelor's degree major centered around building interpersonal relationships at a variety of organizational levels. A minor is also offered. Students of the program have the opportunity to attend regional and national tournaments as part of the Mercer Debate Society. University of Mercer also offers bachelor's programs in journalism and in media studies, as well as minors in all three areas.

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia in Athens has almost 35,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The Department of Communication Studies offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. The bachelor's major in communication studies teaches students about persuasion, health communication, and communication among women.

The interpersonal and health communication graduate degree program deals with verbal and nonverbal communication in healthcare environments and includes patient-caregiver interaction and multicultural health communication. The graduate program in rhetorical studies covers areas such as science rhetoric, feminist theory, and public discourse.

Furthermore, University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication offers a bachelor's degree program in journalism with major options in digital and broadcast journalism, advertising, public relations, and mass media arts.

University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia in Carrollton has a mass communication bachelor's degree program that incorporates studies of public relations, journalism, and broadcasting. A variety of resources, including state-of-the-art radio and television stations, are available to students. Connections with local media industries provide opportunities for job shadowing, practical work experience and internships. Students can network with their peers by joining the mass communication society.

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University serves more than 13,000 students annually. A bachelor's degree in mass communication is offered at the Department of Communication Arts. Class sizes are small, and students have access to state-of-the-art equipment, like two television and radio studios each. Students produce live news segments five times a week. The master's degree in communication arts prepares graduates students to assume leadership roles or pursue a doctoral degree.