Communication Studies

About the Program

The Communication Studies Program provides a challenging curriculum for students interested in developing solid communication skills. Students may select a variety of majors and/or minors which include Communication Studies, Communication Studies: Broadcast and Digital Media, and Communication Studies: Public Relations.

The program also offers a Communication Arts and Literature major, which when coupled with professional education requirements, leads to a teaching licensure issued by the state of Minnesota. The Communication Studies Program emphasizes creativity, student initiative, and applied learning. Classes are structured to provide students with a solid historical and theoretical grounding in their chosen disciplines.

See Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes for all the majors in Communication Studies.

Preparation

Communication Studies majors should possess strong oral and written communication skills. Students who are considering this major often have previous training in things such as public speaking, forensics (speech and debate), digital media, and broadcasting.

Activities

Southwest Minnesota State supports an active intercollegiate forensics (speech and debate) program that allows interested students, regardless of their major or previous experience, to develop language skills that promote critical thought and speaking abilities. The SMSU Forensics team travels over 8,000 miles annually attending 15 to 20 tournaments in five or more states. The team has won more than 1,500 trophies and received national recognition for outstanding achievement.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Communication Studies program is to provide high quality liberal arts, professional and technical education to majors, minors and all students of the university to ensure that graduates are articulate, engaged citizens. The program is committed to maintaining vital student activities that afford students the opportunity to hone their skills in communication through co-curricular involvement. The program is also dedicated to providing outreach and service in the area of Communication Studies to SMSU's region.

SMSU Communication Studies Educational Philosophy

The SMSU Communication Studies Program faculty values hands-on, collaborative activities that encourage independent learning, engaged citizenship, and the development of interpersonal and team-oriented skills. More specifically they value a student-centered educational philosophy.  Examples may include problem-based learning, project-based learning, service learning, and other innovative learning strategies. Curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning that blends theory and practice taught within the perspectives of a liberal arts education.

Majors & Minors

• Major - Bachelor of Arts: Communication Studies
• Major - Bachelor of Arts: Communication Studies: Public Relations
• Major - Bachelor of Science: Communication Studies: Broadcasting and Digital Media
• Major - Bachelor of Science: Communication Arts and Literature Education, Communication Studies
• Minor - Communication Studies
• Minor - Digital Media Design
• Minor - Filmmaking
• Minor - Health Communication
• Minor - Interdisciplinary Fine Arts
• Minor - Public Relations
• Certificate - Health Communication

Clubs & Organizations

• Forensics team
• Broadcast Education Association

Contact Information

Communication Studies Program - Office

FA 207, Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258

• Telephone: 507-537-7103
• Email: FineArtsCommunication@smsu.edu

Career Opportunities

Southwest Minnesota State University Communication Studies graduates can be found in teaching, broadcasting, theatre, public relations, fundraising, business, law, and many other careers where the ability to communicate in a professional manner is valued.