Students who major in communications learn to speak articulately and persuasively in a variety of situations, understand the history and traditions of the field of communication, and comprehend the business and technology of the communications industry. The program also helps students appreciate the aesthetics of human communication, communicate effectively in complex organizations such as businesses and government agencies, understand theories of human communication and research methods used to develop and support those theories, and effectively criticize and consume messages produced in public argument and mass communication media. The department offers coursework in speech skill development, radio and television production and broadcasting, communication theories, and criticism. In addition, space in this program is limited, so students may be admitted on a space-available basis. See course descriptions for more information.
Concentrations require five courses.
In addition, three adviser-approved communication studies courses are required to complete the major and, in some cases, CMN 1650, Senior Seminar in Communications. Concentration in speech and rhetoric. Concentration in organizational communication. Concentration in radio and television. CMN 1895, CMN 1896, Internship in Communication Studies, and CMN 1890, CMN 1891, CMN 1892, Directed Study, may be taken for credit in any of the three concentration areas.