Communication Arts

Communication is critical to a thriving society. As you develop this vital skill, you’ll explore how communication shapes our world—and our future. The communication arts major at Gordon stands at the intersection of creativity, strategy and vision, offering a robust platform for diverse careers. You’ll develop savvy in public speaking, writing and critical thinking, and will graduate confident in your ability to generate new ideas, offer creative solutions and convey compelling stories. 

Why study communication arts at Gordon?

At many schools, you’ll find communications tucked into the business department. Not Gordon. Here, communication arts is housed in our Fine Arts Division—and that’s important. We value the art of visual storytelling—the act of living a story, not just telling one. This means you’ll gain experience working with a range of mediums, including print, digital and film. You’ll complete at least one internship and have the option to follow one of four pathways (or create your own) to meet your goals:

• Journalism and writing for the media
• Film, video and sound
• Interpersonal/intercultural communication theory
• Public relations, advertising and business communications

What careers can I pursue with a communication arts major?

Every employer values an excellent communicator. A major in communication arts opens the doors to a wide variety of careers. Our students are prepared for graduate and professional programs, for the workplace, and for intentional, effective communication in all areas of life, including:

• Film production
• Advertising
• Public relations
• Journalism
• New media and technology
• Television and radio
• Publishing
• Teaching
• Missions
• Social media
• Event planning and hospitality

Learn more about jobs and internships →

Career Statistics from Communication Arts, Art, and Theatre Arts graduates:

All communication arts majors complete at least one internship. You may land one at places like Walden Media, In the Car, Peabody Essex Museum or Trevi Communications, to name a few. As a senior, you’ll be part of the Communication Arts Senior Exhibition (CASE)—an opportunity to showcase your skills in front of a public audience.

Outside of the communication arts requirements, students often get involved in a number of on-campus opportunities to expand their experience, including:

• The Tartan: Gordon’s own student newspaper (in print and online)
• Princemere: a collection of exceptional student work, selected through faculty nominations
• The Idiom: a creative bi-annual student publication
• Vox Populi: a literary journal featuring photography and creative nonfiction
• Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership: equips students to initiate new and noble ventures
• Office of College Communications and Marketing: home of the College blog, The Bell, and official social media channels
• Campus Events Council: brings students together with creative events

Global Opportunities

Broaden your communications perspectives and experience through short-term and semester-long programs.

• American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.)
• Gordon IN Orvieto (Italy)
• Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, TN)
• Balkans Semester for Study of War and Peace (Zagreb, Croatia)
• Los Angeles Film Studies Center (CA)