Major in Communication Studies - Admission/Application Essay Example

 Major in Communication Studies Letter of Intent I hereby express my desire to pursue a major in communication studies. As a second year journalism student, I have come to develop the desire to study communication studies major in one of the leading institutions of higher learning. I possess the academic qualifications required to study a major in communication studies. I believe that my past experience and knowledge will provide me with a good platform to pursue this major. I plan to continue with my communication and media studies once I join the institution. I am interested in studying a major in communication since the course will give me an opportunity to learn about theory, as well as techniques that are essential in the improvement of communication. Moreover, I am talented in diverse disciplines and areas of study, and this gives me an opportunity to study the major without any difficulties. Over the years, I have gained interest in a course that will challenge me to think and broaden my worldview. Communication studies is one such course that will enable me develop skills and awareness that are necessary in improving the practice of communication. As a student, I have always aspired to become a good leader and a responsible citizen who will take part in improving the lives of other people. I am convinced that this course will improve my problem-solving capacity since there are practical and innovative aspects that the course teaches. When undertaking this course, theory is blended with practice and this ensures that the graduates become productive upon the completion of their studies. With time, I have come to learn some aspects of media that are relevant to the major I am going to study. My experience of these issues will enable me blend well and gain significant improvement as I undertake the course (Fiske, 2010). Over time, I have come to gain a lot of interest in understanding the nature of communication between humans. With a major in communication studies, I will gain a comprehensive understanding of what human communication entails, as well as the context within which it occurs. Moreover, the various subjects offered by this course provides the student with diverse knowledge about communication. The courses offered range from fine arts, humanities, and social sciences. From the wide range of career choices offered by this major, I will have the opportunity to choose my preferred area of study and specialize in it. While studying a major in communication studies, I will have the opportunity to choose from mass media careers, graduate stud careers, as well as government and social service careers. In the future, I wish to work as a public relations officer and studying communication studies will give me an advantage in the job market. I am convinced that I will easily land a job as a PR officer once I graduate with a degree in communication studies. With diverse writing, speaking, technology, as well as interpersonal skills that students studying this course gain, I will become an ideal candidate for jobs in many organizations. Essay Topical issues relate to events such as current events. Topical issues require a student to possess knowledge of writing magazines and newspapers, sports, political topics, as well as weather news. With such topical issues about the popular media, journalism students become successful in any course they undertake. I have keen interest in documenting war events (Swartz, 2008). Producing war documentaries and writing of newspaper articles about war require one to have experience in some aspects of communication studies. It is important for students to learn about the role of alternative media in the field of communication. From the knowledge I possess, alternative media is very instrumental in the society. This is because they provide varying perspectives to consumers. Journalism students should learn to incorporate the alternative media in the mainstream media. For example, it should be possible to use the internet in reporting by relying on platforms such as blogs. Moreover, there is a need to report breaking news through getting information from the internet. With the use of alternative media, journalists can manage to report news that cannot be reported in the mainstream media (Steinberg, 2007). Through my studies, I have learnt the role that political debates play, especially during presidential elections. Political debates should be held during presidential elections so that the candidates have an opportunity to address the public. The debates help the public to make informed decisions when electing their leaders. This is because it enables them to assess the ability of citizens to run the affairs of the nation (Chandler & Munday, 2011). Moreover, citizens becomes aware of the capabilities of candidates, especially in handling some issues that are rather sensitive. Media plays a vital role in identity formation. The formation of identity, especially among the youth, is largely influenced by the media. Programs aired in television networks influence the behavior of youths to a large extent. In most instances, youths borrow a lot from media personalities and celebrities who are their role models (Steinberg, 2007). The representation of gender, sexuality, as well as race is a major issue of concern in the media industry. Through media, children are able to learn gender roles and the appropriate behavior that relates to their sexuality. In addition, the media is pivotal in portraying the behavior of all racial groups. The media should not be biased when representing the behavior of people from various racial affiliations. Rather, there should be equal treatment of all people despite their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Journalists should not be partisan or inclined when reporting; biases have a negative bearing on the information being communicated. In journalism, it is advisable to be knowledgeable about the popular media and the content it offers. Students should have expertise and knowledge about the popular media such as radio, television, film, music, as well as performance (Koivisto et al, 2010). Thus, it is necessary for journalism students to be proficient in this areas as this is a prerequisite to becoming successful journalists. References Top of Form Chandler, D., & Munday, R. (2011). A dictionary of media and communication. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Fiske, J. (2010). Introduction to Communication Studies. London: Routledge. Koivisto, J., Thomas, P. D., & Aslama, M. (2010). Mapping communication and media research: Conjunctures, institutions, challenges. Tampere, Finland: Tampere University Press. Steinberg, S. (2007). An introduction to communication studies. Cape Town, South Africa: Juta. Swartz, O. (2008). Transformative communication studies: Culture, hierarchy and the human condition. Leicester, UK: Troubador Pub. Ltd. Bottom of Form Read More