Why Study Communication and Culture?

Why Study Communication?

Are you interested in public advocacy and how individuals and groups craft and respond to messages? Do you want to better understand how organizations and groups manage communication? If so, a major in communication studies may be a great fit for you.

The department seeks to contribute to a broad, liberal education for majors and non-majors by raising students’ oral, visual and written communication literacy, as well as their critical thinking abilities. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of human message exchanges and recognize how communication influences social, political, artistic and cultural existence. 

Undergraduate Programs

A major in communication studies gives students the opportunity to develop speaking, writing and analytical thinking skills that will allow them to become better participants in the process of disseminating meaning.

• Communications Studies Major
• Communications Studies Minor

Careers in Communication Studies

Alumni work in areas including public affairs, corporate relations, law, religion, sales, lobbying, entertainment, human resources, conference and meeting management, training, health communication, teaching and consulting. The major also prepares students well for graduate or law school.

Communication Studies Faculty

The faculty members of the department are committed to scholarly research and creative production in the department’s areas of expertise:

• identity and culture
• public discourse and advocacy
• leadership and organizational communication

The department provides service to the university and the larger community in a variety of ways, including through service-learning courses, community engagement initiatives and through an affiliation with Pi Kappa Delta, the communication studies honorary society.

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Why Study Culture?

How does culture impact our lives? Where does culture come from? How can we shift culture in the interest of social change? What, exactly, is culture? 

The cultural studies program invites students to investigate how culture is produced, the impact of consuming, performing and experiencing culture and how culture shapes communities. With a specific focus on critical thought/theory and social justice, culture studies examines culture through the study of power. How does racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, classism, and other forms of oppression influence culture and vise-versa?

Undergraduate Programs

The cultural studies program is an interdisciplinary program bringing together faculty and students from across campus to study different subjects of interest. This interdisciplinary approach uses methods of inquiry of the humanities, social sciences, and critical cultural theory, as well as science, mathematics, economics, and health professions. 

• Cultural Studies Major
• Cultural Studies Minor

Careers in Cultural Studies

Alumni of cultural studies find work in the following fields:

• diversity and inclusion work
• law and government
• journalism and publishing
• media and entertainment
• community organizing

Cultural studies students also have a competitive edge when applying for scholarships and grants like Fulbright’s, programs like the Peace Corp, and graduate programs across a variety of disciplines.

Cultural Studies Faculty

The program faculty boast an impressive record of scholarly research and creative production across a variety of subjects. Students are invited to work closely with faculty members whose interests align with their own. 

The department provides service to the university and the larger community in a variety of ways, including through service-learning courses, community engagement initiatives and through an affiliation with Pi Kappa Delta, the communication studies honorary society.