Communication studies examine the creation, expression, and analysis of messages in our personal, professional, and public lives. Knowledge of the field aids in students’ development of versatile and relevant social intelligence, critical thinking, and creative problem solving skills to achieve personal, professional and civic goals. Communication studies differ greatly from majors or fields of study that focus upon specific professions or occupations. Whereas those disciplines risk the possibility that student coursework may be either dated or irrelevant as students leave the university, Communication Studies majors possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of resilient learners, collaborators, and problem solvers.
Communication studies students learn to manage message processes within and among individuals, groups, organizations, and societies. They explore verbal and nonverbal communication, organizational and business communication, rhetoric and criticism, argumentation and persuasion, and communication technology.
Areas of Specialization
Some students may wish to concentrate on a particular aspect of communication study. Although there is no required sequence of courses for any single area of interest, the following general guide may be used to assist students in providing a focal point for their communication study.
Interpersonal Communication
Courses that focus on interpersonal communication are designed to provide students with skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of career goals that involve interpersonal interactions with others. This area of interest is appropriate for students seeking careers in business, non-profit organizations, sales, public relations, customer service, counseling, hospitality services (e.g. travel or hotel industry) or other careers or professions which emphasize effective human relationship skills.
Organizational Communication
Courses that focus on organizational communication are designed to enhance student’s capacity for success in careers requiring skills in the management of human relationships and communication flow within contemporary business, public service, non-profit, and professional organizations.
Persuasive Communication
Persuasive communication emphasizes study of messages that are designed to create change. Courses address topics such as rhetoric, public address, and argumentation. This area of interest is appropriate for students planning careers in business and industry, non-profit organizations, sales and marketing, the ministry, law, politics or other careers in which persuasion, rhetorical, and analytical skills are important.