The University of New Haven is home to a variety of programs, all of which provide students with professional experience to prepare students for the real world. We always hear about the nationally recognized programs such as forensic science, criminal justice, national security or eSports, all of which are the university’s most marketed degrees.

An open house is the perfect place to see this, as a majority of prospective students are separated into those programs while others are left more barren. The communication department is one of those that go largely unnoticed.

A communication degree in itself is highly valuable, whether it is used as a major or minor. It teaches exactly what it advertises: communication. Regardless of the concentration, students are placed in positions where they need to portray either themselves or a message, just as the entirety of the real world is. It is not just teaching professional experience, it is teaching how to create and market an image of professionalism.

But the program goes beyond just the teaching side. While the core of many programs are its classes and curriculum, the strength of the communication department is its student-led organizations. There is something for every student in these organizations, and they are providing tangible experience that can translate to the real world.

Beyond this, the department is close and tight-knit. Nearly everyone knows everyone else, a notion that highlights one of the program’s biggest strengths. Despite students in the program having differing concentrations between film production, public relations and journalism, there is often some sort of overlap that communication students will find themselves in; this can be in the countless clubs and organizations that the program offers its students. It makes the department focused and student-oriented, offering opportunities that may not exist otherwise.

The department also exists for other majors to benefit from. No matter what major a student is in, there is a high chance that they will encounter some form of media in their professional life. It is nearly inescapable in an entirely digital world; understanding how to write a blog post in today’s world is something that translates to social media and corporate communications, making it something of a necessity, not to mention talking in a radio station or appearing on television as skills that can translate into day-to-day professional communications.

Students can make something out of any major they take, and there really isn’t a bad one on campus. They all offer something interesting and unique, helping situate students to be successful in the real world. Communication does that too, and at such a high level that makes it one of the university’s most hidden gems.