Communication (Pre)

The Brian Lamb School of Communication curriculum begins with a thorough introduction to the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations upon which all communication activity is based. Students begin in Pre-Communication, and after successfully completing three required Pre-Communication courses with a 2.67 GPA or higher, may proceed to the upper-level Communication major and choose from one of the following eight concentrations:

• General Communication - students assemble their own selection of courses. 
• Business Communication - highlights team processes, decision-making, and social network analysis.
• Health Communication - students work with healthcare providers and health campaigns.
• Media and Mass Communication - students write, and produce for different kinds of media - from online to traditional. 
• Public Relations and Strategic Communication - students work in teams with non-profit clients on PR projects, and they can also choose to be a part of the award-winning student PR agency, Boiler Communication.
• Communication of Science and Technology - students learn to translate technical information for broader audiences.
• Interpersonal Communication - students focus on managing conflict, providing support, and influencing others. 
• Political and Civic Communication - students apply theories to the practice of public decision-making.

Both inside and outside of classrooms, Lamb School students have opportunities to apply career-oriented skills. Our students write, produce, edit, and host content for The Purdue Channel. In our award-winning student-run agency, Boiler Communication, students work with clients on meaningful communication campaigns with real-world impact and earn credit toward their degrees. In other classes, students work in teams with local nonprofits to get real-world experience in public relations and other communication fields. And Lamb School Co-curricular Engagement prepares students for their careers by extending classroom curriculum by adding engaging experiences through different opportunities like student organizations, internships, and mentorships with Lamb School alums.

One of the greatest strengths of the communication program is its international opportunities.  Students take advantage of over 100 different tailored study abroad and internships programs in diverse locations such as northern Italy, Copenhagen, Denmark, London, England, Barcelona, Spain, and Beijing, China.  Many study abroad programs are led by Lamb School faculty. 

A communication major with any of the eight concentrations can be completed in just three years.  

All liberal arts majors prepare students with the skills identified as contributing to managerial success:  communicating and listening well, possessing insights into others, creative/critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to make connections across complex ideas.

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