Health Communication Studies is a program that focuses on how people, individually and collectively, understand and accommodate to health and illness and the role of communication and media in shaping professional health care messages and public acceptance of these messages.
Health Communication majors and degree programs will include instruction in the development and use of health-related and care-related messages and media; the goals and strategies of health care promotion; relationships, roles, situations, and social structures in the context of health maintenance and promotion; and applications to disease prevention, health advocacy, and communications concerning treatments.
What can you do with a major/degree in Health Communication Studies?
People with a major/degree in Health Communication can pursue employment with state and federal health agencies, biotechnology firms, social advocacy organizations, non-profits, hospitals and health departments, health foundations, pharmaceutical companies, medical research facilities, community health centers, and health and wellness-related businesses. Examples of job titles are (but not exclusive to) communications specialist, medical communications account manager, health communication representative.
Trade Associations and Professional Organizations in Health Communication
Professional associations are groups of professionals dedicated to topics in specific fields. Professional associations provide a wealth of online resources, some of which are geared specifically towards students. These organizations typically also host conferences and events, providing great opportunities for learning and networking across your field of interest.
- Healthcare Communications Association
- Society for Health Communication
- Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University
Publications/Magazines in Health Communication