About Communication
In this day and age, humans are interconnected by every conceivable form of media. We are a species that loves to talk, write, and share messages, and we do so through advertisements, TV shows, newspapers, magazines, websites, movies, and social media platforms. Communication is a broad umbrella that encompasses all of this. Whether you eventually specialize in journalism, TV and radio broadcasting, performing arts, public policy, corporate communications, advertising, marketing, public relations, or something else entirely, it all boils down to the same thing: humans sharing messages and influencing each other’s ideas, beliefs, and actions.
Communication is an extremely broad umbrella. In fact, most communication majors enjoy that the program enables them to explore so many wide and varied career paths. A few job titles typically earned by communication majors include:
- Actor/Actress
- Advertising Copywriter
- Audiovisual Specialist
- Brand Manager (Marketing)
- Broadcasting Specialist
- Camera Operator
- Campaign Manager
- Creative Director
- Debate/Public Speaking Coach
- Director (Film or Broadcast)
- Editor
- Event Planner
- Film Producer
- Human Resources Specialist
- Journalist
- Lobbyist
- Media Buyer
- Mediator
- Negotiator
- Photographer
Honor Society: The Communication Honor Society is a student organization open to upper-division majors who meet eligibility requirements.
Stripes Media: Stripes Media is the hub for the Communication Department's student organizations.
Bengal News: This student-run newspaper provides exclusive coverage of the West Side of Buffalo by student journalists at SUNY Buffalo State.
Campus Newspaper: The Record is the student-run newspaper, published by United Students Government.
PRSSA: The campus chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the first student chapter in Western New York. The chapter is affiliated with the Buffalo/Niagara chapter of PRSSA.
PRSSA, Buffalo/Niagara chapter
WBNY 91.3FM: This student-operated radio station is owned by the student government. The station programs alternative music and information 24 hours a day.
BSC-TV: The campus television station provides programming to dorms, classrooms, and offices with a variety of campus news and sporting events, as well as syndicated programs of interest to students.
Public communication students have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty members or to do undergraduate independent study projects. They present their research at Buffalo State’s annual Student Research and Creativity Conference in late April.
Communication studies majors, who also have completed the required professional courses in media production, journalism, public relations or advertising, may apply for internships.
Unique Accreditation
Buffalo State is one of only two SUNY schools accredited for journalism, public relations, production, and related areas. Only five other schools in New York State are accredited.
Stellar Faculty
Our communication faculty averages 13 years of professional experience and 15 years full-time teaching. Most students give their instructors a 4.4 rating out of 5 on evaluations.
Community Connections
Through class projects and internships, the Communication Department partners with local businesses and nonprofit organizations, linking Buffalo State’s educational mission with community needs.
Job Placement
Two years after graduation, more than 80 percent of communication graduates report major-related jobs or enrollment in graduate school.
Inclusive
Our student body is 51 percent female and 44 percent minority.
