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Communication

The skills you’ll learn as a communication major are transferable throughout many fields including media, marketing, public relations, corporate communications, sports, government, and nonprofit organizations. This can give you an advantage in the job market, where adaptability is important.

You can choose to major in Communication and receive an in-depth learning experience from our outstanding faculty or you may decide to take one or more Communication courses to improve your speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills.

classroom

Faculty

Carolyn Guttilla headshot

Carolyn Guttilla

Professor and Chair, Communication Department

Carolyn teaches introduction to communication, oral communication, and media, law, and ethics. She also oversees the communication internship program. Carolyn works with students to communicate clearly and effectively in educational, work, and personal contexts. Using her legal and business background, she works to build students’ confidence while challenging them to think critically.


Carolyn holds a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and a B.A. in Communication from Boston College.

Contact & Resources

Carolyn Crotty Guttilla
Professor and Chair, Communication Department
cguttilla@massbay.edu

Contact the Chair

Requirements

To complete the Communication major, you’ll complete three required communication courses: Introduction to Communication, Oral Communication, and Introduction to Mass Media.

In addition to the three required courses, students will choose additional Communication electives in their area of interest. For a full listing of the current program electives, refer to the communication curriculum sheet:

Communication Curriculum

Course Offerings

  • Introduction to Communication 

  • Oral Communication

  • Introduction to Mass Media

  • Intercultural Communication

  • Journalism

  • Fundamentals of Public Relations

  • Media, Law, and Ethics (spring semester)

  • Communication Internship


In addition to the communication electives, communication majors are encouraged to take courses in other areas including Business (including Marketing), English, psychology, and sociology.


Speak with your advisor about your options. 

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Course Offerings

Career Paths

After receiving an Associate Degree in Communication from MassBay, students can continue their education by transferring to a four year college or university through the MassTransfer program. Or, a student might choose to use their Associate Degree in Communication to obtain an entry-level position in a communication-related field.

Internships

Communication majors have the opportunity to gain professional work experience through internships at companies, non profits, or internally at MassBay. Internships are a great way for students to learn practical skills in the communication field and build their resume. Recently, MassBay Communication students have interned in social media, video production, and podcasting:

Spring 2024 Podcast Episode
Spring 2023 Podcast Episode

“I loved the workplace communication project and being able to connect with someone in your field.”

- CO 100 Student

“It encouraged me to speak out.”

- CO 131 Student

“I loved the group project. It was a great way to develop creativity, organization, and communication as well.”

- CO 100 Student

“I enjoyed presenting, when you get over your nerves or just get up despite of them.”

- CO 131 Student

“I usually don't like group work because it stresses me out, but the group work in this course was designed to minimize that stress.”

- CO 131 Student

“Even though I have a hard time speaking in front of a class, it was fun doing the assignment where we had to talk about some that we had interest in and share with the class. It was fun to know about the other students interest and see if someone shares that same interest.”

- CO 131 Student

“If you are not a native English speaker, this is the perfect place to practice public speaking in English. Professor Guttilla is very supportive and encouraging and lets other students know what non-native speakers go through.”

- CO 131 Student