Major Requirements
The Communication major is comprised of 42 credit hours, 21 of which are core credits
Communication Major
The Russert Department is dedicated to providing students with the theory and practice that prepares them to flourish in today’s convergent communications environment. The Communication major develops students’ strengths in leadership, advocacy, critical thinking, and communication excellence in writing and speaking. You may study interpersonal relations, organizational communication, journalism, rhetoric, public relations, broadcasting, film, and the web, developing skills in each area.
Why Russert?
Real-World Russerts
Prepare for your future through Real World Russerts, a professional development program offered to all students in the major. You'll have access to our alumni network, drawing on their insights through workshops, site visits, internship opportunities, and more. Engage with professionals in your field while developing the professional and social skills necessary to succeed. Learn More.
Laboratories of Learning
When you study in the Russert Department, you'll have the ability to put your classroom knowledge to use from day one. Our experiential learning opportunities provide you with the experience necessary to gain a competitive advantage over your peers.
- Become comfortable behind the microphones at WJCU 88.7 FM or in one of our podcast studios.
- Develop your on-camera presence or learn the inner workings of production in our television studio.
- Hone your writing, interviewing, and editing skills as a part of The Carroll News.
- Find your voice with our Speech and Debate team.
- Study as a class and work on group projects in our updated Mac lab.
98%
of all Russert Graduates complete at least one internship during their time at John Carroll
Internship Program
For more than 40 years, Russert students have participated in internships for credit as part of their coursework. This long-standing tradition provides you with the opportunity to gain real-world experience before you graduate from JCU, and get a head start on your career. You'll have options to work with our graduates, who number 4,100 strong across the United States. Learn More
Recent alumni have pursued careers in public relations, advertising, sales and promotions, broadcast, marketing, management, and education. Our graduates have gone on to intern or work at companies such as:
- American Greetings
- Cleveland Clinic
- Cleveland Indians
- Destination Cleveland
- Fahlgren Mortine
- NBC News
- Playhouse Square
- PR Newswire
- Quicken Loans
- Sherwin-Williams
- WKYC Ch. 3
- WOIO Ch. 19/43