Department of Communication Studies
The Communication Studies Department is firmly committed to academic excellence through promoting a rigorous and relevant curriculum grounded in the liberal arts tradition. We approach communication as the primary social process: the various modes of human communication forge and maintain individual identity and collective organization.
The Communication Studies curriculum offers an integrated approach to communication, providing depth and breadth of knowledge. Undergraduate students will become competent in analyzing the construction, reception and effectiveness of messages, which give shape to our world.
Communication Studies Goals
Our primary goal is to help our students acquire the communication skills that equip them to live and work effectively, creatively, and responsibly in a variety of social contexts from interpersonal to public to mass communication. Students who complete the major will have knowledge of the following:
- Foundational theories of communication
- Prevailing communication research paradigms
- Media industry structure and practices
- Prevailing criticism of media practice and performance
- Media influence on individuals and groups
- The interplay of media systems in a global context
- Roles and functions of communication in interpersonal, group, organizational and public contexts
- Conventions of public address and advocacy
- Impact and ethics of persuasion
Communication Studies prepare students to participate in professional, social and civic life in an ethical, intellectually curious and engaged manner.
Why Choose Communication Studies at USD?
Emphasis on Internships
Students are encouraged and assisted to find an internship with reputable companies regionally and nationally to gain resume-building experience and possibly direct hire opportunities.
Versatile Education
Student gain tangible, applicable expertise in an emphasis of their choosing. While this is not a requirement of our program, students have the chance to deepen their experience in an area that resonates with them.
Engaged Faculty
Faculty in Communication Studies are actively engaged with students, so students graduate with life-long mentors and advisors, who are committed to their continued success.
Media and Research Opportunities
Students are involved in research projects - on their own under faculty advisement or in cooperation with faculty research - so they have the chance to put their research and methods coursework into practice. Students are also able to focus research on areas that are of personal interest to them or that relate to a desired profession.
In the News
USD Just Read! Brings Fresh Dialogue on American Poverty
// November 14, 2018
In its seventh iteration, the USD Just Read! Program again challenges the campus community to consider pressing social issues of our time. T…
Torero Hours: Hoops Havoc, Majors/Minors Fair, Colorism, Dia de los Muertos, Bias
// November 1, 2018
It was a busy first day of November on Thursday afternoon on the University of San Diego campus. Once again, the wide range of ways the comm…
Office Hours: Diane Keeling, PhD, Assistant Professor in Communication Studies
// October 16, 2018
Whether she's enjoying jazz music or roller skating, Diane Keeling, PhD, an assistant professor of communication studies in the University o…
Upcoming Events
More Human Series - "Folklore & Culture"
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 // 4:30 p.m.Serra Hall, Room 200, Humanities CenterMore Human Series - "Faith"
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 // 4:30 p.m.Serra Hall, Room 200, Humanities CenterDigital Humanities - N. Katherine Hayles, PhD
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 // 6 p.m.Serra Hall, Room 200, Humanities Center
Department of Communication Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Contact Us Email
Phone: (619) 260-4040
Fax: (619) 260-4205
jbartoli@sandiego.edu
Visit Campus Map
Camino Hall 126
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110