The mission of the Department of Communication Studies is to prepare students for civic participation in an increasingly complex world that requires sophisticated practical, critical, and theoretical understandings of human communication. The department offers coursework and degree programs which focus on the history, theory, and critical evaluation of mediated communication as well as the areas of broadcasting, applied speech performance, and rhetoric.

Communication majors secure employment in a variety of fields after graduation including journalism, sales, advertising, public relations, media development, and broadcasting. Some graduates also pursue graduate degrees at the masters or doctoral level. The department offers a Minor in Communication Studies to students majoring in other disciplines.