WelcomeThe Communication Studies program prepares students for employment in a variety of occupations in addition to providing students with the background necessary to pursue professional or graduate study. Communication Studies majors may focus on specific subject areas which best fit their individual needs and goals. Currently four emphasis areas are available:
- Cognitive and Behavioral Studies: interpersonal communication, group processes, communication research
- Rhetorical Studies: public argument, political communication, rhetorical theory and criticism
- Media Studies: mass media, television criticism, film criticism, visual rhetoric
- Organizational Studies: organizational communication, communication and technology, organizational processes
Our recent graduates are applying their training in such fields as human resources, training and development, public relations, sales, news reporting, management, marketing, higher education administration, and teaching. Communication Studies majors will also find their preparation and perspectives useful in such fields as computer systems, real estate, insurance, media, public affairs, information sciences, the ministry, and law. Because conducting and presenting original research requires students think critically, develop strong analytic skills, and refines their ability to communicate effectively, we require our students to prepare research projects in most of their major classes and we strongly encourage our students to present their research at academic conferences. A number of our recent majors have had course and independent study projects accepted for presentation at regional and national conferences, and department alumni are pursing advanced degrees at highly ranked graduate programs.
Our program provides a major and a minor, and we offer relevant coursework for students working in areas outside the department. Students in Communication Studies may choose to complement their coursework with internships with local media, advertising, health care, public relations, and civic organizations.
The department sponsors forensic activities which include a competitive forensic program. Our forensics program participates in the National Debate Tournament (NDT), Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA), National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA), and the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence (NPTE). We also sponsor the Washington Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Delta, a national forensic honorary. Participation in these projects is open to all university students. Activity credit may be granted with prior approval by the department.
Thank you for your interest in our program. Please email me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
James Jasinski, Communication Studies Chair | 
