A communication arts and sciences degree prepares students for a wide range of careers for a wide range of employers. This includes multinational corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, federal, state, and local government agencies, law offices, and medical centers. Department alumni can be found working in almost any type of organization.
Through hard work, networking, and student group involvement, our students have been able to pursue careers and secure internships with the employers of their choice.
Career Planning Resources
The Career Enrichment Network: This college resource is for students who are seeking opportunities to engage in career-related, international, and professional development activities.
Nittany Lion Careers: This university resource connects students to thousands of internship, research, and job opportunities. The advisers can also help you plan for your internship or career.
Mentor Program: This program is meant to connect current undergraduate students with a College of the Liberal Arts alumni mentor. Mentors help students navigate the academic, professional, and extracurricular challenges they face at Penn State.
CliftonStrengths: The CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder®) assessment can assist you with discovering and understanding your strengths and talents.
LA 103 – Professional Development for Liberal Arts Students: This one-credit course provides liberal arts students with the techniques and information necessary to specify and implement post-graduation educational and career plans.
CAS for Pre-Law: The department offers a number of courses that are useful to future law students. These include:
- CAS 215: Argumentation
- CAS 302: Social Influence
- CAS 321: Rhetoric and Law
- CAS 375: Rhetoric and Public Controversy
- CAS 404: Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
- CAS 426W: Communication Ethics
- CAS 497A: Interpersonal Influence
Alumni Spotlight:
Rob Smith
Biography:
Smith graduated from Penn State in 1986 with a degree in Speech Communication. Smith has worked in the solid waste/recycling industry for 32 years. Since graduating from Penn State, Smith created his own company, Capitol Waste and Recycling Services, where he serves as the President/Founder. The company has operations ranging from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati with 160 employees and 90+ trucks operating each day.If you are a CAS alum, we’d love to add your name to this list! Submit an alumni update below to be featured here!