The purpose of communication studies is to understand communication processes and problems. The program is thus designed to examine communication behaviors as they occur in social contexts, such as mass media and social systems, public address, large organizations, small groups, and interpersonal and intrapersonal interactions. The conceptual framework of the program is based in the behavioral sciences. The department prepares students to work in the rapidly growing communication sector, which is expected to double within the next decade, encompassing roughly half of the workforce. The department lays a strong conceptual and practical foundation in advertising, public relations, journalism, organizational communication, interpersonal communication, conflict mediation, health communication, and telecommunication.
Students elect a major in communication for a variety of reasons.
Some undertake an undergraduate program as preparation for graduate study, teaching, or consulting. Others choose this major in preparation for a professional career in which communication occupies a central role. The program is designed to provide both theoretical and practical training in communication, especially in the areas of applied research or areas designed to prepare students for communication-related professions. In several courses, for example, students are encouraged to apply in-class training to communication problems found in the urban community. In other courses, students are oriented toward professions in the fields of journalism, promotional communication, and broadcasting.