It includes courses in such areas as rhetoric, argumentation and debate, communication theory, and the history and criticism of public address. The Vanderbilt University Varsity Debate Team competes at national and regional levels. A full program of intercollegiate debate is available for students who wish to participate in forensics. Vanderbilt University Theatre presents four major productions and several one-act plays each year. All Vanderbilt students have the opportunity to audition for major roles and technical assignments.
Minor programs are also available in both communication studies and theatre.