Hi guys, so I was recently looking through the list of majors case offers, and I noticed they do not have a communications major. I saw they have a “communication sciences” major, but it seems different from the traditional communications major. I plan on majoring in bio, but I thought it would be nice to possibly double major or minor in communications, which they sadly don’t have. I was wondering if I am missing something, or if case has a similar major or minor under a different name that teaches public speaking, sharing, and “communicating” of ideas? Bio has always interested me, but recently the idea of communications has really caught my attention, and it would be a shame to neglect that interest :(.
Case’s bio department has a huge communication component built into it. Firstly, every case student must take three writing courses in a variety of subject areas. Additionally, every case student must take a departmental seminar. For you, this means taking a course that focuses on biological writing, writing grant proposals ,and doing effective presentations. All case students must also do a capstone which you will have to write a research paper as well as give a large presentation. In the bio department, lab courses put half their focus on technical communication. The first two lab courses focus on how to write a lab report (aka research journal article), how to give a powerpoint presentation and how to give a poster presentation. In the third bio lab, every other week you will write a lab report, give a powerpoint presentation, or give a poster presentation. Most other upper level bio classes require similar work. By the time you complete your bio degree, you will be well versed in communication.
In addition to your major requirement, I know there is also a club on campus called toastmasters. This club requires students to give presentations (don’t remember how often) and other students give them feedback. Also, if you work in a lab, communication skills are a large focus. For example, I’m required to give an hour long presentation once a semester for my work.
Basically, my point is that Case has built in communications training and other opportunities to improve your communication skills
Alright, thanks for the replies guys. From what I’m getting, case has diverse requirements for its majors, and it requires students to learn communications and presenting skills as part of a major. I’m completely fine with this; as long as I get to take such courses and get the experience, I’m happy. However the thing I’m worried about is whether this hold ant weight in a future job application. Say I want to go into pharmaceutical sales; will a single bio degree be compareable to another person from a different university with a dual degree in bio and communications? I’m just a bit worried that people outside of case won’t know about this “embedded” curriculum.