How to Be Professor of Communication Studies - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 16, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The advancement of technology has had a huge impact on communication studies. With the emergence of the internet, the world has become increasingly interconnected, allowing for much faster and more efficient communication across vast distances. This has caused a shift in how people communicate, from face-to-face interaction to digital interaction.

Consequently, communication studies have evolved to take into account the new forms of communication, such as social media, texting, and video conferencing. By studying these new forms of communication, professors of communication studies are able to offer insights into how they shape and influence our lives, as well as teaching students how to effectively communicate in the digital age.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a professor of communication studies is to get a bachelor's degree in communication, speech communication, communication studies, journalism, or any related field.
Earn a Master's Degree. After completing a bachelor's degree, most students will pursue a master's degree in communication studies or a related field. This degree is often completed in two years.
Obtain Professional Experience. It is important to gain professional experience in the field of communication studies. This could include working as a research assistant, teaching assistant, or working in a related area.
Pursue a Doctoral Degree. After completing a master's degree, most students will pursue a doctoral degree in communication studies or a related field. This degree typically takes four to six years to complete.
Publish Academic Work. In order to become a professor of communication studies, it is important to publish academic work in the field. This could include articles, books, or other forms of academic writing.
Apply for Teaching Positions. After obtaining a doctoral degree and publishing academic work, individuals can apply for teaching positions at universities and colleges. Many universities prefer applicants with teaching experience.
Obtain Tenure. Once an individual has obtained a teaching position, they will need to work for several years and obtain tenure before becoming a professor of communication studies. Tenure typically requires demonstrating an ability to teach successfully and producing high-quality research.

Reliability and efficiency are essential components of any successful endeavor. When these two concepts are applied to communication, they can lead to better understanding, more productive conversations, and improved relationships. To ensure reliability and efficiency in communication, there should be clear expectations regarding the purpose of the communication, accurate information should be conveyed, and all parties should actively listen and respond effectively. When these components are combined, effective communication can be achieved, leading to positive outcomes for all involved.

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Job Description

Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in communication studies
Develop and maintain curriculum
Conduct research in the field of communication studies
Supervise graduate student research projects
Publish scholarly research in the field of communication studies
Participate in departmental and university committees
Represent the institution at professional conferences
Maintain relationships with outside organizations
Participate in recruitment, admissions, and other student services activities
Serve as a mentor to students in the department

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in communication theory and research methodology
Ability to teach courses in communication studies
Knowledge of professional and ethical standards in communication
Experience with instructional technology and online learning platforms
Ability to collaborate with faculty and staff in developing innovative curricula
Commitment to student learning and success
Demonstrated success in developing, assessing, and revising courses
Excellent writing and public speaking skills
Ability to work effectively with diverse students and colleagues
Familiarity with current trends in communication studies

Effective communication is an essential skill for success in virtually any field. Developing the ability to communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings clearly and effectively is an invaluable tool that can lead to improved relationships, better job performance, and greater overall success. The cause and effect of effective communication are undeniable.

When effective communication is used, it can lead to improved understanding between two or more parties, smoother decision-making processes, and higher productivity. On the other hand, ineffective communication can cause confusion, misunderstandings, and even conflict. It is important to be aware of the power of communication and to practice speaking and listening with intention.

By understanding how communication works, we can create more productive and meaningful conversations that lead to positive outcomes.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in the field of Communication Studies?
How do you ensure that your students stay engaged in the material?
What do you consider to be the most important skills for effective communication?
How do you plan to stay current in your field as a professor?
What strategies do you use to get students to think critically about communication?
What methods do you use to ensure that your curriculum is up-to-date and relevant?
How do you incorporate practical experience into your teaching?
What challenges have you faced when teaching communication studies?
What techniques do you use to help students develop their writing and speaking abilities?
How have you incorporated technology into your teaching methods?

Common Tools in Industry

Google Classroom. A web-based classroom management platform that allows professors to create and manage virtual classrooms, assign tasks, hold discussions and track student progress. (eg: Professors can use Google Classroom to assign course readings and post discussion questions. )
Zoom. A cloud-based videoconferencing platform that allows professors to hold virtual class meetings, office hours and one-on-one meetings with students. (eg: Professors can use Zoom to host virtual office hours or review sessions for their classes. )
Pear Deck. An interactive presentation and assessment platform for teachers to engage students in the classroom through interactive slides. (eg: Professors can use Pear Deck to create interactive presentations that help students better understand course material. )
Kahoot!. An online game-based learning platform used to engage students in the classroom by posing quiz questions and encouraging healthy competition between classmates. (eg: Professors can use Kahoot! to quiz students on course material and encourage student participation. )
VoiceThread. A web-based platform that enables professors to create and manage multimedia conversations with students and colleagues in real-time. (eg: Professors can use VoiceThread to hold digital discussions in the classroom or assign students to create multimedia projects. )

Professional Organizations to Know

International Communication Association (ICA)
National Communication Association (NCA)
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
Broadcast Education Association (BEA)
Speech Communication Association (SCA)
Society for Cinema and Media Studies (SCMS)
International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR)
International Association for Intercultural Communication Studies (IAICS)
International Visual Sociology Association (IVSA)
International Society for the Study of Argumentation (ISSA)

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Common Important Terms

Media Studies. The academic study of the production, consumption, and effects of various forms of media, such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, films, and digital media.
Communication Theory. The study of the communication process and its effects on individuals, organizations, and societies. Includes the development of models to explain how communication works and how it can be improved upon.
Discourse Analysis. The study of language use in particular contexts, with a focus on understanding how language is used to create meaning and influence social interactions.
Intercultural Communication. The study of communication between people from different cultural backgrounds, including the examination of language, nonverbal behavior, and cultural norms.
Public Relations. The practice of managing the flow of information between organizations and their publics in order to create and maintain favorable relationships.
Rhetoric. The study of how persuasive messages are constructed and how they can be used to influence audiences.
Visual Rhetoric. The study of communication through visual images, such as photographs and videos, with a focus on understanding how they affect viewers beliefs and attitudes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is required to become a Professor of Communication Studies?

A doctoral degree in communication studies is typically required to become a Professor of Communication Studies.

What topics are addressed in a typical Communication Studies course?

Typical topics addressed in a Communication Studies course can include public speaking, media studies, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and communication theory.

What kind of research do Professors of Communication Studies typically conduct?

Professors of Communication Studies typically conduct research related to communication topics, such as media influence, discourse analysis, and communication in virtual contexts.

How many years of teaching experience is usually required to become a Professor of Communication Studies?

Most universities require a minimum of three years of teaching experience to become a Professor of Communication Studies.

What kind of teaching is typically expected from a Professor of Communication Studies?

A Professor of Communication Studies is typically expected to teach courses in communication studies, advise students, and engage in research activities.