Welcome to the Department of Speech Communication
Speech Communication is a humanistic and social-scientific field of study within the liberal arts and sciences. It focuses upon communication as a tool for doing the work of social life--how, why, and with what consequences people exchange messages. In our research and teaching, we examine the modes and technologies of communication (mass-mediated, computer-mediated, spoken, written, nonverbal); the contexts and settings of communication (cultures, organizations, institutions, groups, families, interpersonal relationships); how communication skills are acquired; and how communication shapes societies and cultures.
We offer research and study in many areas, including:
- Communication in cultural contexts
- Communication technologies
- Health communication
- Interpersonal and relational communication
- Media processes and effects
- Organizational and group communication
- Political communication
- Rhetoric and public discourse
The Department of Speech Communication ranks among the top five departments in the field of communication in the United States. Our faculty are engaged in cutting-edge research projects that deal with socially pressing problems in communication. Because of our strong liberal arts approach to education, our program prepares students for employment as communication specialists and leaders in the private and public sectors.