B.S. in Communication Studies

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate programs

1. Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at NAU are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous educational qualifications.

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.
   • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 70 or higher.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.
   • PTE: Overall PTE score required is 56.

Score reporting is required.

To support their academic pursuits, NAU offers various scholarships and financial aid options. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. International students are encouraged to explore the available scholarships to help ease the financial burden of studying in the United States. 

1. Global Achievement Award: This scholarship is available to incoming international undergraduate students and is based on academic merit. The Global Achievement Award provides partial tuition waivers, making quality education more affordable for deserving international students.

2. International Excellence Award: The International Excellence Award is a competitive scholarship available to outstanding international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. Recipients of this scholarship receive a substantial tuition reduction.

3. Into NAU Scholarships: Into NAU is a pathway program for international students, and it offers several merit-based scholarships for students entering NAU through the program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and leadership potential.

4. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: This scholarship is available to transfer students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. It offers financial assistance to eligible international transfer students pursuing their bachelor's degree at NAU.

5. Diversity Scholarships: NAU values diversity and offers several scholarships that promote inclusivity and support underrepresented international students. These scholarships aim to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community.

6. Athletic Scholarships: Talented student-athletes have the opportunity to receive athletic scholarships, which are awarded based on athletic performance, skills, and potential to contribute to NAU's athletic teams.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at NAU offer scholarships to international students based on specific academic achievements and majors. Students are encouraged to inquire with their respective departments for available opportunities.

8. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the chance to secure graduate assistantships, which provide financial support and valuable professional experience through research, teaching, or administrative roles.

9. External Scholarships: NAU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities available through organizations, governments, and foundations that provide financial support for studying in the United States.

Application Process and Deadlines: Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Studies from Northern Arizona University (NAU) opens up a wide array of career opportunities in diverse industries. The program equips students with valuable communication skills that are highly sought after by employers in today's dynamic job market. Graduates of the B.S. in Communication Studies program at Northern Arizona University have diverse career opportunities in fields such as public relations, marketing, corporate communication, media, human resources, event planning, journalism, and social media management. Their strong communication skills, strategic thinking abilities, and adaptability make them valuable assets in today's competitive job market.

1. Public Relations Specialist: Graduates can pursue careers as public relations specialists, working for corporations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or public relations firms. They are responsible for developing and maintaining positive relationships between their clients or organizations and the public, creating press releases, managing social media accounts, and organizing public events.

2. Corporate Communications Manager: Communication studies graduates can work as corporate communications managers, responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies within companies. They oversee internal communications, employee engagement initiatives, crisis communication plans, and external communication efforts to enhance the organization's reputation and brand image.

3. Marketing Coordinator: With their understanding of effective communication strategies, graduates can work as marketing coordinators, assisting in the development and execution of marketing campaigns. They collaborate with marketing teams to create compelling content, manage social media channels, conduct market research, and analyze consumer behavior to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.

4. Media Planner/Buyer: Graduates can pursue careers in advertising agencies or media companies as media planners or buyers. They are responsible for strategizing and purchasing advertising space across various media platforms, such as television, radio, print, and digital. They analyze audience demographics, negotiate advertising rates, and monitor campaign performance to optimize advertising effectiveness.

5. Human Resources Specialist: Communication studies graduates can work in human resources departments as specialists or recruiters. They are responsible for facilitating effective communication between employees and management, managing recruitment processes, conducting employee training programs, and resolving conflicts within the organization. Their strong communication skills are essential for building positive workplace relationships and fostering a supportive work environment.

6. Event Planner: Graduates can pursue careers as event planners, organizing and coordinating various types of events, such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, and fundraising galas. They work closely with clients to understand their objectives, develop event concepts, manage logistics, and coordinate vendors to ensure successful event execution.

7. Journalist/Reporter: Graduates interested in media and journalism can work as journalists or reporters for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcast media outlets. They research and write news stories, conduct interviews, and report on current events and issues. Their strong communication and writing skills enable them to effectively communicate information to the public and contribute to informed decision-making.

8. Social Media Manager: With the growing importance of social media in marketing and communication, graduates can pursue careers as social media managers. They are responsible for managing social media accounts, creating engaging content, monitoring online conversations, and implementing social media strategies to enhance brand visibility and engage with target audiences.