Communication Studies is a diverse field of study that prepares students for careers that require human interaction. By learning relevant theories of how people communicate combined with intensive training in public speaking, group collaboration, and appreciation for diversity, Communication Studies students are equipped to be leaders in a changing workforce and for graduate education. All Communication Studies students complete an internship in their chosen fields. The Communication Studies department prides itself on a close working relationship between students and faculty. All students attend advising sessions every semester to make sure they graduate on time. Each student is also assigned a personal faculty mentor to help develop job skills and build well rounded resumes. Faculty strive to connect their classes to the community by having students work with real-world clients and through service leaning. Many students choose to be members of our successful competitive debate program. The General Program in Communication offers three emphasis areas: Media Studies focuses on helping students be sophisticated consumers of mass media and to pursue work in the media industry, Professional Communication trains students to facilitate communication in corporate and professional contexts, including Public Relations, Advertising and Organizational Communication, Speech Communication takes a scholarly approach to understanding human relationships, intercultural communication, and persuasion. The Communication Studies department also houses a graduate program in Applied Communication (MA). This fully online, part time program is designed for working professionals seeking leadership positions in any number of fields. More information can be found in the Graduate Studies section of this catalog, and at the Applied Communication link below.