Clark, WSU Create Pathways in Communications

Communications Studies hosts transfer pathway panel with Murrow College of Communications

By Malena Goerl
Classroom of students engaging with each other in tablegroups
Pictured: Clark students engage during this year's panel with the Murrow College of Communications
 

Professor Molly Lampros from Clark’s Communications Studies partnered with Washington State University Vancouver on April 22 to host a panel for students exploring transfer pathways in communications. The event connected Clark students with faculty, current students, and alumni from WSU’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communications, allowing students a closer look at the Integrated Strategic Communication program and the various pathways it can lead to. 

Guests included program director Nanu Iyer and director of online programs Imran Haider, alongside Murrow students, several of whom began their journeys at Clark. Together, they walked students through the transfer process and shared how their academic paths evolved. 

Imran encouraged students to choose pathways that built skills that overlapped across multiple industries. “Choose a major that can create opportunities and open doors,” he said. 

Murrow students highlighted that courses in the program build real-world skills. From client-based projects to internships, they spoke about gaining experience, building professional networks, and developing confidence in the workforce. 

To bring the field to life, the visiting students led an interactive presentation on key communications concepts, including the difference between misinformation and disinformation, the role social media plays in communications, and media framing.  

Four students read from notecards at the front of a classroom
Pictured: Students participate in an activity that highlights the difference between misinformation and disinformation
 

During the panel discussion, WSU students shared the varied paths that led them to communications. Many started in other fields, like business, healthcare, and music, or returned to school after time in the workforce — an experience many Clark students in the audience related to. The panelists described how communications complements a wide range of careers. One student studying game design spoke to how his communications minor has strengthened his storytelling skills. 

One Murrow student encouraged the audience not to hold themselves back. “Try everything,” she said. “Make connections and take advantage of every opportunity.”

Professor Molly Lampos stands between Imran Haider and Nanu Iyer from WSU's College of Communications
Pictured: Imran Haider, WSU director of online programs; Professor Molly Lampros, Clark communication studies; Nanu Iyer, WSU program director
WSU communications students
Pictured: WSU Murrow College of Communications students and program director Nanu Iyer

About Communication Studies at Clark

Communication studies focus on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, including personal and professional settings. 

Clark offers courses that build students' interpersonal and public speaking skills. Students also learn about intercultural, organizational, and mass communication. 

Learn more about Communication Studies here. 

 

Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl and Molly Lampros

Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing