Department of Communication

What is Communication?

Communication is the cornerstone of leadership, influence and meaningful connection in every industry and community. Our department empowers you to master the strategic communication skills that employers consistently rank among their most sought-after qualities — from compelling written content creation to confident professional speaking and innovative social media strategy.

Through hands-on experiences like The Bird's Nest student-led marketing agency, you'll build your portfolio while serving real clients including Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby and major regional brands. Whether you're passionate about journalism, corporate communications, nonprofit advocacy or digital media innovation, our distinguished faculty guide you through transformative learning experiences that combine academic excellence with practical application.

Here, your natural curiosity and communication talents evolve into the professional expertise that opens doors, drives change and creates lasting impact in an increasingly connected world.

Career Prospects

Career Prospects Where Your Voice Becomes Your Professional Power

Transform your passion for connection into a career that shapes the world. Communication graduates don't just find jobs — they become the strategic voices driving organizational success, cultural change and global understanding. With communication ranking as the number one most in-demand skill globally and 98.8% of employers seeking these abilities, your education becomes the foundation for unlimited professional possibilities.

Corporate Communications and Strategic Leadership 

Salary Range: $58,000-$200,000+ 
Lead organizational transformation and drive business success through powerful storytelling and strategic messaging. Your communication expertise positions you at the heart of executive decision-making, where clear vision meets compelling action.

Career Opportunities:

• Corporate Communications Director shaping company culture
• Internal Communications Manager building engaged teams
• Executive Communications Specialist crafting leadership messages
• Change Management Consultant guiding organizational transitions
• Brand Communications Manager defining market presence
• Crisis Communications Specialist protecting organizational reputation
• Strategic Communications Leader driving business objectives

Digital Media and Content Innovation 

Salary Range: $45,000-$140,000 
Pioneer the future of digital engagement in the fastest-growing communication sector. With the digital media market expanding to $2.7 trillion by 2033, your skills become essential for organizations navigating an increasingly connected world.

Career Opportunities:

• Social Media Strategist building online communities
• Content Marketing Manager creating compelling narratives
• Digital Communications Specialist engaging global audiences
• User Experience Writer crafting intuitive digital experiences
• Community Manager fostering brand loyalty
• Digital Campaign Manager driving engagement metrics
• Content Creator developing multimedia storytelling

Public Service and Government Relations 

Salary Range: $74,000-$232,000 
Shape public policy and serve your community through impactful government communication roles. Federal positions offer exceptional job security, comprehensive benefits and the opportunity to influence positive change at local, state and national levels.

Career Opportunities:

• Public Affairs Specialist advancing government initiatives
• Legislative Communications Director influencing policy development
• Public Information Officer connecting communities with services
• Government Relations Manager building stakeholder partnerships
• Press Secretary managing media relationships
• Communications Policy Analyst shaping regulatory frameworks
• Diplomatic Communications Specialist representing national interests

Media and Journalism Excellence 

Salary Range: $48,000-$120,000 
Tell the stories that matter and hold power accountable through dynamic journalism and media careers. Your training in critical thinking and clear communication becomes the foundation for informing and engaging audiences.

Career Opportunities:

• Multimedia Journalist covering breaking news and features
• Broadcast Communications Specialist delivering compelling content
• Documentary Producer exploring complex social issues
• Digital News Editor shaping online information flow
• Investigative Reporter uncovering important truths
• Media Relations Specialist building press relationships
• Communications Researcher analyzing public opinion trends

Emerging Communication Frontiers 

Salary Range: $65,000-$180,000 
Lead innovation at the intersection of communication, technology and human connection. These rapidly expanding fields reward your strategic thinking and cultural fluency with exceptional growth potential and the chance to define entirely new professional landscapes.

Career Opportunities:

• AI Communication Specialist training technology to understand human nuance
• Virtual Reality Experience Designer creating immersive storytelling
• Global Communications Consultant navigating cross-cultural partnerships
• Sustainability Communications Manager advancing environmental goals
• Health Communications Specialist promoting community wellness
• Data Storytelling Analyst transforming complex information into compelling narratives
• Corporate Social Responsibility Director building purpose-driven initiatives

Your Voice, Your Impact, Your Future 

Every path in Communication connects your natural ability to connect with others to the power to create meaningful change. Whether you're drawn to corporate leadership, public service or innovative technology, your communication education provides the foundation for a career that amplifies your voice while transforming communities. With 109,500 annual job openings and salaries reaching $200,000+, your investment in communication skills becomes your gateway to professional fulfillment and societal impact.