Communication Studies refers to both a practice and an intellectual inquiry.  As a practice, people study communication to become more competent in oral, written, and mediated forms.  People study communication as an intellectual inquiry to critically evaluate communication processes and messages. As a student of communication, you will learn to describe, explain, analyze, interpret, and criticize communication. A degree in Communication Studies at the University of Minnesota will help improve both your skills in communicating and your understanding of communication.

The program examines human communication using both humanistic and social scientific methods.  Fields of study include speechmaking, rhetorical criticism, ethics, interpersonal, small group, organizational, intercultural, and electronic (broadcasting, cable, satellite, Internet) forms of communication.

Communication, both as practice and as inquiry, permeates every element of our lives.  It shapes how we see, engage, and describe the world.  From this viewpoint, Communication Studies is one window through which we understand ourselves, our interactions with others, and our life experiences.

How Do I Declare?

What Can I Do With the Major?

Senior Paper

Communication Studies Association