Welcome!

Students who become communication majors have the opportunity to build a versatile and adaptable set of communication skills. The Department of Communication offers five majors reflecting different areas of contemporary communication:

The department also offers two asynchronous/online degree programs:

Each major provides students with opportunities to build versatile and adaptable communication skills that enable them to engage and communicate effectively with the evolving world. Small class sizes provide opportunities for students to connect with faculty and classmates. Students are encouraged to develop their voice as they explore different ways to communicate meaningfully through the stories they tell.

Students can broaden their educational experience by participating in award-winning, student-led organizations, such as; AppTV90.5 WASU-FMThe AppalachianSecond Story MediaThe Peel and PRSSA

Alumni of the communication department work in careers across different communication and business sectors including: advertising, media production, journalism (print and broadcast), radio, public relations, nonprofit communications, internal communications within a company, sales, and law.

Quick links to information about the communication department:

 

Learn more about recent accomplishments and accolades.

Students

Max Schwanz accepting Giant Scholarship Check
Up until Saturday night, Appalachian State junior Maxwell Schwanz hadn’t seen his hometown Charlotte Hornets play a game in about three years. There was a pretty good reason why he was on hand...

Alumni

Logan DiFrano
Logan DiFranco (they, them, theirs). Double major in PR and Journalism. Graduated in May of 2020. Logan was accepted to the MPhil in Sociology (The Sociology of Media and Culture) at the University...

Faculty/Staff

Dr. Jiangxue (Ashley) Han
Dr. Jiangxue (Ashley) Han, an assistant professor of public relations in Appalachian State University’s Department of Communication, was recently selected as a Kopenhaver Center...

Latest News

Dr. Lynn Gibbard in front of a Fulbright sign that reads: Full of bright minds

Dr. Lynn Gibbard Returns from Fulbright Appointment in Austria

The Department of Communication welcomes Dr. Lynn Gibbard back to campus! Dr. Gibbard returns to App State after spending the 2025-2026 academic year ...

Kendall Johnson

App State Grad Kendall Johnson Elevates NHL Fan Experience Through Cutting-Edge SportsMEDIA Technology

Kendall Johnson (‘25), a recent graduate of the Electronic Media/Broadcasting program, is already making her mark on some of the biggest stages in p...

Headshots of four new faculty

The Department of Communication Welcomes Four New Faculty Members

The Department of Communication welcomes four new faculty members this fall.Dr. Yoosun HamYoosun Ham is a native of South Korea and a public relations...