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At its foundation, Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, and is the discipline that studies all forms, modes, media, and consequences of communication through humanistic, social scientific, and aesthetic inquiry... Communication cuts across contexts and situations; it is the relational and collaborative force that strategically constructs the social world.

The study of communication thus entails a multidisciplinary approach, contingent on which aspect of the field one is focused. It is truly interdisciplinary, incorporating research, theory, and methods from Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, English Literature, Linguistics, Business, Education, Political Economy, Cinema Studies, Women's Studies, Ethnic Studies, Performance Studies, Art, and numerous others.

Of course, Communication is also a scholarly discipline in its own right, reflected in areas of study such as Rhetoric, Media Studies, Advertising, and Public Relations. In addition to the study of communication, the field also entails production of media and messages (usually distinguished from the broader field by adding an 's,' indicating focus on products being communicated). Some familiar areas of Communications include Journalism, publishing, TV and documentary production, podcasting, blogging, social media, journalistic photography and video.

With such a broad range of influences and so many options one might choose within the field, we encourage  students to choose from the many opportunities and experiences our degree programs and concentrations offer. 

To summarize, the study of Communication includes interdisciplinary openness to theories and methods; critical analysis of processes, techniques, strategies, media and messages, in public, private, interpersonal, cultural, societal and organizational contexts; the study of audiences and users of media; and the media industries. The Department of Communication curriculum focuses on relating theory to practice, recognizing and exploring the ways personal and cultural values and experiences, politics, ethics and morals all influence communication.