The Brian Lamb School of Communication curriculum begins with a thorough introduction to the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of all communication activities. Students start 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:
- Media and Mass Communication - students create content, write, and produce for various media, from traditional media to various online media.
- Public Relations and Strategic Communication - students work in teams with nonprofit clients on PR projects. They can also be part of the award-winning student PR agency, Boiler Communication.
- 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.
- Communication of Science and Technology - students learn to translate technical information for broader audiences.
- Interpersonal Communication - students focus on managing conflict, supporting, and influencing others.
- Political and Civic Communication - students apply theories to the practice of public decision-making.
Both inside and outside 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 the 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 internship 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.