Corporate Communication

As an undergraduate in the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies’ corporate communication program, you will develop competencies in public relations, marketing communication, event planning, employee and community relations, communication management and conflict negotiation. On Duquesne’s liberal arts foundation, you’ll build skills in management communication to go on one day to support effective, responsible and sustainable organizations and institutions.

You’ll focus on developing skills in communication strategies, interpersonal communication and public relations within the context of the corporate world, covering topics such as organizational communication, crisis communication, stakeholder management, branding and identity, media relations and reputation management. Also included will be courses on business ethics, corporate social responsibility and leadership communication, all essential in building and maintaining a positive corporate image.

Corporate communication majors pursue careers in not-for-profit and for-profit organizations that require strategic communication leadership to connect these organizations to their internal and external publics.

 

Program Information

The B.A. in Corporate Communication cultivates skills in management communication to support effective, responsible, and sustainable organizations and institutions. Build a foundation for success.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Academic Department

Communication and Rhetorical Studies

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

30

Non-Traditional Student Makes College a Family Tradition

Candis Dorsey is a force to be reckoned with, seamlessly weaving her administrative prowess with a passion for communication development and philanthropy. With a background in coordinating scholarship events through a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black communities nationwide, she has always felt like an asset to her peers.

Candis saw an opportunity to expand her horizons and build on her extensive administrative experience, a journey which led her to earn her B.A. in corporate communications in 2024.

"I had a lot of business experience where I'm multi-tasking, coordinating events and helping solve problems. I felt like it was time to sharpen my skills," she said.

Balancing a full-time job, Candis was amazed by how the faculty at Duquesne embraced and encouraged her, helping her feel supported and confident in her skills.

Candis is poised to make an even greater impact as she prepares to pursue her MBA at Duquesne's Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, demonstrating the value of a foundational liberal arts education.
Candis Dorsey posing at commencement

Bigger Goals

Candis's road to higher education has truly been a family affair.

Read Her Story

Program Requirements

View Catalog
  • COMM 301W History of Communication
  • COMM 494W Communication Ethics
  • COMM 204 Professional Communication in IMC

Select two:

  • COMM 206 Communication in the Marketplace
  • COMM 201 Human Communication in a Technological Age
  • COMM 407 Intercultural Communication

You will select five electives in consultation with your success coach, from classes such as the following:

  • COMM 207 Exploring Leadership Communication
  • COMM 330 Integrated Marketing Communication Functions I: Public Relations
  • COMM 456W Organizational Communication
  • COMM 427 Communication Management
  • COMM 350 Communication & Community Relations
  • COMM 463 Strategic Corporate Communication
  • COMM 430 IMC Strategies I: PR
  • COMM 387 Event Planning: Comm. Architecture
  • COMM 445 Nonprofit Development & Philanthropy Communication
  • COMM 342 Environmental Communication
  • COMM 432 IMC: Brand, Identity, Reputation

Enhanced Major

You may take up to 15 additional credits for an enhanced major. An enhanced major allows you to supplement the 30-credit major with additional coursework and internships. This option requires consultation with the undergraduate directors.

 

Corporate Communication Fast Facts

Double Major Opportunity

Corporate Communication students create unique combinations within their curriculum, choosing to double major in areas such as business, multiplatform journalism, psychology, sociology, theater arts and more!

Job & Education Placement

72% of Corporate Communication students land full-time jobs within 6-months of graduation; another 12% of students go on to pursue continuing education opportunities.

Industry Breakdown

Corporate Communication students land jobs in industries such as banking, government, healthcare, higher education, law, media, tech, and so many more!