ARCHIVED 2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Communication
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Professors: Mara Berkland, Stephen Macek, Richard Paine
Associate Professor: Amy Buxbaum
Assistant Professors: Emily Cramer, John Stanley
Adjunct Faculty: Supna Jain
Mission Statement
The Department of Communication is dedicated to understanding how people interact with each other in relationships, groups, organizations, via media and technology, among diverse cultures and in the public sphere. In an interconnected world, communication is fundamental to our personal and professional lives, and the mission of the department is to prepare students to communicate effectively and ethically in a global society.
In a challenging yet supportive environment, our students learn to critically analyze, craft and adapt messages for various audiences. The program is grounded in history and theory so students develop a sophisticated understanding of communication that is relevant and transferable across communication technologies and contexts. We also offer a number of applied courses so students can develop proficiency in foundational skills such as public speaking, writing, teamwork, audience analysis and nonverbal communication as well as hone skills relevant to their specific career interests.
Employers consistently rank communication skills among the top skill sets required for job candidates. Our programs prepare graduates to enter a wide range of professions where the ability to create messages for a variety of audiences is essential. Career opportunities include: public relations, employee training and development, human resources, community relations, issue advocacy, political activism and organizing, internal communication, marketing, fund raising, promotions, media relations, journalism, teaching, account management, sales, campaign and legislative staff and many others. Such positions occur throughout the business, nonprofit, higher education and public sectors.
Because the major is adaptable to many careers, we encourage our students to pursue curricular and co-curricular experiences targeted toward their specific goals. The department offers extensive co-curricular opportunities in our award-winning speech and debate team, our new public relations student organization and with several campus media outlets associated with our allied program in Media Studies.
Degree offered: B.A.
Students may choose one of the communication majors (see specific requirements under each program). The two majors are: I) Speech Communication or II) Organizational Communication.
ProgramsMajorMinorCoursesCommunication
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