Hollins communication studies majors benefit from a unique combination of breadth and depth of focus.

You will learn about communication processes in a wide variety of contexts. You will also work with your advisor to tailor your major to prepare for professional or graduate school or for a career in media, communication in organizations, public relations, rhetoric, or another field.

You will get to know your professors in our small, relaxed classes, and your professors will get to know you and your interests. The result is that course projects and activities are designed with those interests in mind.

• Students in Media Law and Policy learn legal research techniques, and debate such current issues as pirating music online and indecent language on television.
• Students in Argumentation and Advocacy learn the basic principles of effective persuasion and apply their skills in classroom debates on campus, local, and national issues.
• In Organizational Communication, students learn firsthand about the world of work from women in a variety of professions, while actively planning and coordinating the annual panel presentation, "Women Talking Work." Speakers have included a neurosurgeon, the CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, artists, and entrepreneurs.
• Students in Global Communication study comparative analysis of broadcast systems, intergovernmental ruling bodies such as the UN, development communication and the NWICO, and corporate (transnational) communication networks.
• Writing for Print Media I and II, hands-on journalism courses, are taught by professional journalists.
• Writing for Electronic Media is taught by a local broadcast professional.
• In other courses, students have worked on projects ranging from the production of their own 'zines (Alternative Media) to presentations on the role of gossip in our culture (Introduction to Communication Studies).

Finally, the benefits of your liberal arts education will be complemented by the career emphasis of your internship experiences. You will take advantage of internship opportunities during the January Short Term and throughout the year to explore career paths in communication.

Test the career waters with hands-on internships

Broadcasting
21C Media Group, NYC • Clear Channel Communications, Austin, Tx. • NBC News, Washington, D.C. • Turner Studios, Atlanta • WWBT, NBC 12, Richmond, Va. • WDBJ 7, Roanoke • WVTF, Blacksburg • WSLS 10, Roanoke • WTBS Superstation, Atlanta • WVTR 6, Richmond

Print Media
Bella Magazine • The Roanoke Times

Public Relations and Advertising
Advance Auto Parts, Roanoke • Davie Brown Entertainment, Product Placement Agency for Pepsi, Frito Lay, Victoria’s Secret, Los Angeles • City of Radford, Va. • St. Alban’s School, Washington, D.C. • VitroRobertson Advertising Agency, San Diego • William Aiken House, Charleston, SC • Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke

Other
Department of Defense, Partners in Flight, Warrenton, Va. • Oakey’s Funeral Service, Roanoke • UBS Financial Services, NYC