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
Research Week: Faculty Recognized for Mentorship, Grant Proposals
// April 19, 2018
The University of San Diego’s Research Week hosted two events Tuesday that speak to one of the most important elements for research to…
Eric Pierson, PhD at Ebertfest 2018
// April 18, 2018
Eric Pierson, PhD, Professor of Communication Studies and Director of the Interdisciplinary Film Studies program, is among the honored …
'Quiet Heroes': USD Alumnus' Film Documentary Debuting at Sundance Film Festival
// January 18, 2018
Utah resident Jared Ruga is a busy man these days. On Sunday, Jan. 21, he’ll be in Salt Lake City. On Jan. 23 and 26, the 29-year-old …
USD Honors Feast of All Saints, All Souls, Día de los Muertos Events
// October 31, 2017
The first few days of November hold very special meaning to many people, both religiously and culturally. At the University of San Diego thi…
Fall 2017: Humanities Center Offers Engaging Speakers, Series
// September 18, 2017
The University of San Diego’s Humanities Center, located in Serra Hall 200, embarks on its second year of existence with several serie…
Torero Life Abroad: Melinda Sevilla '18 Experiences Madrid to the Max
// August 30, 2017
Melinda Sevilla is a senior Communication Studies and Spanish double major and a McNair Scholar in the University of San Diego's class of 20…
Meet Olivia Gonzalez, Selected as USD Student President for a Day
// April 27, 2017
On Tuesday, May 9, University of San Diego President James T. Harris will temporarily surrender leadership of the university to USD senior O…
Toreros' Mid-Year Graduation is Extra Special
// December 19, 2016
Graduation is a time to celebrate, reflect on all that's been learned and accomplished and to record the successful completion of a signific…
Communicating the Vote: Students Create Vote Campaigns for Nov. 8 Election
// November 7, 2016
Vote. In a word, that's been the focal point this fall semester for USD Votes, a dedicated program organized by USD Political Science P…
Reflection: Prof. Mercado Shares Dia de los Muertos History, Significance
// November 2, 2016
University of San Diego Communication Studies Assistant Professor Antonieta Mercado, PhD, organized a Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) A…
Nov. 1-2: USD Celebrates Feast of All Saints, All Souls; Dia de los Muertos
// October 28, 2016
The University of San Diego will recognize and celebrate the Catholic Church’s Feast of All Saints on Tuesday, Nov. 1 and, on Nov. 2, …
School of Business Entrepreneurship Manager to Speak at TEDxSanDiego
// October 18, 2016
Regina Bernal, entrepreneurship manager in the University of San Diego School of Business, has in many ways ‘come of age’ at USD…
Travis Weger '12: Documents 'Honor Flight' of WWII, Korean War Heroes
// September 16, 2016
What if you had one day, 24 hours, to be in the presence of your heroes? What would you do? What would you say? How would you capture it? Tr…
Getting to Know Your Professors: Jillian Tullis, Communication Studies
// February 23, 2016
Jillian A. Tullis, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies. Her teaching and research interests focus on h…
Upcoming Events
Digital Humanities Colloquium Series: Learning from Cyborgs: Digital Technology and (Post) Humanism
Thursday, April 26, 2018 // 12:30 p.m.Serra Hall, Room 200, Humanities CenterFinding Your Voice: How to be Heard and Get Your Point Across
Thursday, April 26, 2018 // 3 p.m.Hahn University Center, Room Forum BDigital Humanities Pedagogy Showcase II: Theory and Practice of Teaching and Learning through Technology
Thursday, May 3, 2018 // 12:30 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