How's the Communications Major at Northeastern?

Hi all, been deeply considering the Communications major at Northeastern. Would love to hear any personal experiences, strengths, or weaknesses of the program, thanks!

Absolutely, communications is a popular field of study at Northeastern University, particularly due to their strong emphasis on experiential learning. The Department of Communication Studies at Northeastern encourages students to integrate academic theory with hands-on experience. Not only do they offer diverse coursework, but they also provide opportunities for independent study, capstone projects, and of course, co-op experiences.

The co-operative education program (co-op), an integral part of the Northeastern experience, is one of the major strengths of their Communication Studies department. With this model, students get the opportunity to work full-time for six months in fields related to their major, anywhere around the world. This puts Northeastern's communication students at an advantage compared to other colleges as they graduate with not just a degree, but up to two years of career experience on their resume.

Some areas where communication students have done co-op include media organizations, public relations agencies, nonprofits, tech companies, and more. This broad exposure helps students identify what part of the communications field they are most interested in, and they graduate with connections and experiences that can help launch their careers.

One criticism that some students express is that, because many students are off-campus for co-op at any one time, the student community can feel a bit disconnected at times. However, the university does offer plenty of clubs, activities, and a host of resources to mitigate this and foster a sense of community on campus.

In terms of coursework, you can expect a well-rounded curriculum with an emphasis on digital media, public speaking, intercultural communication, and public relations. The department also offers a variety of concentrations like Organizational Communication, Media Production, and Political Communication.

In conclusion, while every program has its hurdles, the Communications major at Northeastern is a comprehensive and robust program that skillfully intertwines theory and practice and gives a head start to its students in their professional journeys.