Suffolk’s global & cultural communication program provides students with an understanding of cultural differences and their influence on intercultural and intergroup relations. In this major, you’ll learn how the symbolic production of meaning shapes our world—and that what we view as a shared reality can often be perceived very differently depending on cultural identity and context.
With a focus on equity and social justice, our program helps students develop practical skills for communicating effectively across difference and creating positive social change. Our graduates are committed to diversity, inclusion, and justice and often pursue careers in government, non-profits, public administration, law, media, activism, and advocacy.
As a global & cultural communication major, you will:
You won’t just study your major—you’ll experience it through hands-on learning opportunities.
In this major, students can choose to earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Global & Cultural Communication. Our core curriculum focuses on building skills in public speaking, writing, and critical thinking before introducing students to the foundational theories and practices of communication. Through hands-on assignments, you’ll learn how to analyze cultural values, norms, and behaviors; critique global media and media messages; study rhetoric and its influence on personal and cultural identities worldwide; and engage with emerging trends in global, ethical, legal, and political communication.
View the Global & Cultural Communication Major Curriculum
Enhance your communication skills across cultures by minoring in global & cultural communication. To complete this minor, you'll take required courses in the areas of intercultural communication, cultural theory, and social justice, as well as two electives of your choice.
View the Global & Cultural Communication Minor Curriculum
Global & cultural communication students complement their skills with courses, minors, and double majors in areas such as:
“I initially came into Suffolk as a biology major and quickly realized that wasn’t for me. When I found our global & cultural communication major, I was really intrigued because it seemed super broad and like it could be molded to so many future career paths. I also really loved that the program was so intentional about incorporating diverse perspectives and emphasizing how intersectionality affects human interactions. I felt like I was able to see and understand the world from a new lens.”
You’ll find a welcoming creative community in our modern department space on the fourth floor of the Samia Academic Center, featuring classrooms, a media lab, production facilities, faculty offices, and a study/gathering space where students are encouraged to connect and collaborate. You’ll also have easy access to on-campus locations that will help you broaden your communication skills and cultural awareness, such as:
Within walking distance (or a short T ride) from our campus, you’ll explore world-class museums such as the Museum of African American History, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, as well as cultural institutions like the Boston Athenaeum and Boston Public Library.
Participating in student groups and a vibrant slate of campus events will help you level up your work while you refine your interests and build your network.
Become a more effective global communicator and build strong connections by participating in:
Boston is one of the largest communication markets in the United States, as well as a hub of innovation across many industries. During your time at Suffolk you’ll explore different paths, building experience and refining your interests through your coursework, creative projects, and internships with local and national nonprofits, advocacy groups, healthcare and academic institutions, and arts and cultural organizations. Financial support from the Phillips Family Internship Fund can help provide access to and engagement with meaningful internship experiences.
Examples of recent internship sites:
The Career Center will help you explore career options, plan your path, and land your dream internship or job. You’ll find practical help, like how to write an effective résumé or LinkedIn profile, along with valuable connections to leading employers and successful alumni, including networking events like our Women in the Media panel. Our industry-specific Career Communities also provide events and information tailored just for our students.
Here's a sampling of recent graduates’ current job titles and employers.
Associate Professor & Department Chair of Communication, Journalism & Media
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In our program, you’ll have opportunities to expand your worldview and cultural competencies by participating in projects with a direct social justice impact. Students meet with community activists to learn about their challenges and achievements, create photo essays about cultural spaces and the groups that construct them, and investigate critical topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, migration, and reproductive justice. In addition, students work with nonprofit organizations to address challenges through research, interviews, and volunteer work.
Learning Beyond Borders
Immerse yourself in other cultures and broaden your understanding of global social justice challenges by: