1. What CMAT Can Do ForWhat CMAT Can Do For
YouYou
The Benefits to Majoring in Communications in College
By: Sam Hecker, Hayley Bonnington, Jenny Shaughney, and Michelle Malone
2. What is a Communications Major?
The study of language and how individuals communicate
(WorldWideLearn, 2010)
Diverse major
Communication is a valuable skill in any occupation
Learn different types of communication
3. A Good Communications Student is:
Not afraid of public speaking
Eager to interact with others
Curious
Imaginative/Creative
Good team player
4. Skills Learned/Benefits
Present convincing arguments
Strong verbal and written skills
Improve critical thinking and communication skills
Form persuasive messages
Solve problems
5. Different Tracks of the CMAT Major
Narrows the major down into specific categories depending
on aspirations
Possible tracks (Salisbury University, 2009):
Human Communication Studies
Journalism/Public Relations
Media Production
Media Studies
6. Sample Classes
Rhetoric and Public Presentation
Conference and Meeting Management
Small Group Discussion
Mass Media Law
Writing for the Professions
8. Typical Careers of a CMAT Major
Advertising
"An essential feature of the American economy" (DeFleur,
p.407)
Businesses have to make goods and services known to
customers
Without advertising, products would never be sold
Agencies need persuasive, creative minds who have good
communication skills
9. Typical Careers of a CMAT Major
(cont.)
(cont.)
Journalism
Investigating and reporting on issues and events
Accurately communicate events to the public (Career
Overview, 2010)
Deals with current issues as well as entertainment
Requires knowledge of different cultures
10. Typical Careers of a CMAT Major
(cont.)
(cont.)
Business Manager
Resolving internal conflicts in a company
Employee engagement (Career Overview, 2010)
Relaying information within the business
Promoting products, services, and organizations
11. Typical Careers of a CMAT Major
Government official
Public relations
TV, radio, or sports announcer
Television director
Communications director
12. Works Cited
(2009). Communication arts. In Salisbury University. Retrieved November 4,
2010, from http://www.salisbury.edu/commarts/programs.html.
DeFleur, M. H., Kearney, P., Plax, T. G., & DeFleur, M. L. (2005).DeFleur, M. H., Kearney, P., Plax, T. G., & DeFleur, M. L. (2005).
Fundamentals of human communication. New York: McGraw-HillFundamentals of human communication. New York: McGraw-Hill
(2010). Media communication careers, jobs and training information. In(2010). Media communication careers, jobs and training information. In
Career Overview. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2010, fromCareer Overview. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2010, from
www.careeroverview.com/media-communications-careers.htmlwww.careeroverview.com/media-communications-careers.html
Peter Drucker. (2010). What can you do with a college degree inPeter Drucker. (2010). What can you do with a college degree in
communications?. In WorldWideLearn. Retrieved November 4, 2010, fromcommunications?. In WorldWideLearn. Retrieved November 4, 2010, from
http://www.worldwidelearn.comhttp://www.worldwidelearn.com