We offer provide students an analytical and critical perspective on theory and research concerning the way humans communicate in a variety of contexts, including work settings, politics, and community life. In addition, we explore the role of mass communication in shaping our world, our understanding of social, cultural, and political questions, even our own identities. Courses provide students with the critical skills to become sophisticated media consumers and to navigate the evolving media landscape, able to assimilate the new information technologies that are constantly transforming human communication, politics and policy. We operate in close collaboration with the Center on Media and Society, the Department of American Studies, and other academic units to provide a wide range of academic options in support of the study of communications.

We offer internships and other opportunities to learn traditional journalism skills and acquire experience in a number of settings.

Students who pursue the Communication Studies minor in conjunction with a major in one of the other liberal arts find they are better prepared for work or further study in a variety of fields, including but not limited to, journalism and broadcasting, media relations, politics and policy-making, education and business, as well as graduate programs in Communication Studies.