A CMD student working as an intern for the Smithsonian Institution.
In today’s global economy, an organization's ability to communicate effectively with internal and external audiences is critical. As a CMD major, you'll explore interpersonal and media-based communication in areas such as meeting and event planning, workplace collaboration, government relations, fund-raising, training and workforce development, and promotional campaigns.
Our core curriculum will teach you essential print and web design, production, project management, and presentation skills. Beyond that, you may choose one of two concentrations: corporate communication or instructional technology. The broad foundation you receive will prepare you to research and analyze target audiences, design creative messages that persuade, motivate and inform, select the right media to deliver these messages, and manage projects effectively.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to apply what you’re learning to real-world situations. Class projects and internships will put you in the role of consultant to businesses and nonprofit organizations, where you might conduct communication audits, design a website, devise a crisis communication plan, coordinate a special event, or develop a newsletter or workshop. Our programs in London, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles offer not only practical work experience -- and, in the case of the London program, international perspective -- but also valuable contacts that will serve you well after graduation.
Whatever path you follow, our program will prepare you for a communications career in almost any type of organization: Ithaca alumni work in event and fund-raising management, and in museums, customer relations, training, educational institutions, community relations, health and government agencies, and public relations agencies. Organizations that hire our graduates -- such as Major League Baseball, Corning, Opera America, Travelers, Ogilvy & Mather, Sesame Street, and Accenture -- report that they’re well equipped to perform multiple communications functions. That’s because at Ithaca you’ll not only learn to use the technology of the moment; you’ll also acquire essential skills and understanding that will last your whole career.