Communication Department

The field of communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels and media.

Contemporary students of communication draw on theories and practices common in the fields of anthropology, psychology, sociology, linguistics, and semiotics. The study of communication includes interpersonal, small group, organizational, intercultural, public and mass communication.  The field promotes the effective and ethical practice of human communication.

Communication is a learned skill. Most people are born with the physical ability to talk, but we learn to speak well and communicate effectively. Speaking, listening, and our ability to understand verbal and nonverbal meanings are skills we develop in various ways. We learn basic communication skills by observing other people and modeling our behaviors based on what we see. We also are taught some communication skills by learning about them, practicing them and having them evaluated.

Most communication courses are designed for university transfer. Communication majors can find career opportunities in a variety of fields, including public relations, teaching, law, consulting, human resources and business.