It is designed to provide students with a theoretical understanding of the process of human communication. The department embraces a social science orientation to the field of communication. Faculty members use empirical methods to study important societal issues concerning human communication. The graduate curriculum provides students with essential preparation in theory construction, analysis, and research methodologies for conducting original scholarship in communication. Mass communication examines issues of creating, distributing, and receiving mass media messages.
Organizational communication focuses on communication in the workplace.
Faculty explore topics such as how innovations are implemented and modified in organizations, the nature of embedded organizational groups, influence processes and organizational decision making, leadership, social networks, socialization processes for organizational newcomers, and communication technologies in the workplace. Funded by the National Cable Television Association, researchers are assessing the nature of violence in entertainment programming, such as comedy series, movies, children's shows, and music videos. The K-12 Program Awards Committee is seeking nominations to be presented at the next Western State Communication As on in Denver in 1998. Reflects the breadth and depth of the speech communication discipline 2. Integrates curricular and co-curricular activities.