Health Communication
Health Communication
What You’ll Study
In a world of ever-evolving diseases and research, high-quality health care is reinforced by clear, effective communication. The health communication major is built for you if you are interested in the medical world but are drawn to how communities talk and share information about health rather than serving in a clinical setting. As one of our majors, you will learn to design health communication campaigns and develop skills in strategic communication, media production, and research. You will also know how to address important social and community issues that impact health inequities everywhere – while taking full advantage of the incredible career opportunities in the Charlotte healthcare market.
How Can You Use This Degree?
Medical experts depend on specialists in health care communication to clearly and effectively educate the public on health issues while they keep caring for patients. Because there is such a great need in this area, the health communication field is growing much faster than other industries. The state of North Carolina especially needs strong communicators in the areas of health equity and health education. With a degree in Health Communication, you can find employment in:
- Public relations
- Patient Education
- Health Administration
- Digital and social communications
- Healthcare policy and advocacy
- Community health and advocacy
- Non-profit organizations
- Health and pharmaceutical marketing
- Patient navigation
- Graduate school
Highlighted Courses
- Communication Theory (COM 250)
- Health Communication Campaigns (COM 307)
- Global Communication and Culture (COM 327)
- Social Media and Audience (MMS 359)
Student Highlights
“I got my job at Orlando Health because of my courses in health communication. My boss told me that without this coursework experience, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I help with physician onboarding and prepare all the marketing materials. I also work in the service line marketing for the cancer institute, heart institute, and help market to the Orlando community, including helping with events and symposiums.” – Lauren Quinn ’19, Marketing Specialist at Orlando Health
“Health communication (COM 326) was one of the classes I found most impactful in my college career. It teaches you the communication skills that are essential in the healthcare field. Courses in the health communication major are relevant for anyone interested in healthcare.” – Rohit Mantha ’20, Bachelor of Science, majoring in biochemistry
Program Contacts
Roseann Pluretti English, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Programs, Knight School of Communication
Assistant Professor of Communication
plurettir@queens.edu
704-688-2733
Nicole Hoerschelmann, Ph.D.
Dean, James L. Knight School of Communication
hoerschelmannn@queens.edu
704-337-2384