Department of Communication Studies

Advocating change. Engaging difference. Leading with purpose.

Students participating in a debate in class

Communication Studies students at Tiger Pride Day in Annapolis, MD.

About the Department

The Department of Communication Studies began in 2018 and is the home department to almost 500 students majoring and minoring in the three primary dimensions of communication studies:

advocacy and public discourse
identity and culture
leadership and organizational communication

The major provides both theory and research as well as applicable skills that will prepare you for a variety of careers.

What We Offer

The Department of Communication Studies offers the following undergraduate programs:

Statement of Solidarity and Action

Read the TU Department of Communication Studies Statement of Solidarity and Action to learn how we are standing with our Black students, faculty and staff, and community. The Department of Communication Studies fully supports the COFAC Statement on Solidarity and Purpose, which helps frame many of the actions the department is taking in the coming weeks and months.

COVID-19 Update

In response to COVID-19, Towson University Department of Communication Studies is still available during normal business hours by email at communicationstudies@towson.edu. We appreciate your understanding.

Public Speaking Competition

Thinking about auditioning for the Public Speaking Competition? It is open to any TU undergraduate student. Your prepared 5-8 minute persuasive speech should address at least one of the core tenets of the Department of Communication Studies curriculum:

Advocacy and public discourse: This dimension emphasizes the importance of persuasion within politics and activism. How do we advocate for ourselves? How do we advocate for our communities?
Identity and culture: This dimension asks us to be reflexive about the intersectionality of identity and culture within message construction. What is the relationship between identity and politics? How does popular culture influence our understanding of ourselves or others?
Leadership and organizational communication: This dimension examines the ways communication creates and maintains organizations and organizational culture. How do organizations (non-profit/for-profit) shape cultural conversations? What makes a strong leaders?

Learn more about the competition at Public Communication Center.

Learn about our Public Communication Center

Do you want to improve your public speaking skills or get help with an upcoming class presentation? Make an appointment with our peer mentors in the Public Communication Center today.

Areas of Study

Undergraduate

Communication Studies

Communication Studies Minor

About Our People

Erin Miller

Michaela Frischherz

Alex Thomas

News

Dr. Rowe is in Japan!

Dr. Desireé Rowe was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholar grant and is in Japan teaching at Kyushu University.

Service-Learning in the COMM Major

Prof. Norton's Leadership Communication class is working with the Towson Chamber of Commerce to plan and implement the 2019 Towsontown Festival.

Public Communication Center Recognized

The PCC has received a grant from the TU Foundation to continue growing to help more students improve their public speaking skills.

Events

Communication Studies Symposium

April 12

8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., VB 204

The day-long communication symposium, Leading with Purpose: Navigating Organizational Culture, Communication, and Identity, will feature scholarly and professional presentation/discussion panels and a keynote address given by Dr. Patrice Buzzanell '75.

Contact Information