Department of Communication Studies

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The Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Northridge is a member of the Western States Communication Association (WSCA), the National Communication Association (NCA), and the International Communication Association (ICA).

What's New?

Communication Studies Assessment Materials!

Position Announcements:

• Assistant Professor in Performance Studies & Director of Performance Ensemble
• Assistant Professor in Communication Studies & Director of Forensics

Check out the ComNews page for the latest updates to our department site, including new class announcements.

What We Do

Communication is central to the ongoing processes of culture and society and thus is vitally important to study.  The field has a rich and diverse foundation of specializations, ranging from public address, to critical and cultural studies, to interpersonal and small group communication, to organizational communication, to intercultural and international communication, and to performance studies.  At CSUN, the Department of Communication Studies exists to offer strength-based curriculum that embraces a range of traditions in the discipline and adequately prepares students for knowledge that advances communication theory and practice in ways that serve the needs of the region and discipline.

We use humanistic, aesthetic, and social scientific methods to examine communication processes and patterns in a variety of contexts, and the promises and challenges people experience when they use language and other symbolic systems to work with and influence others.  We provide instruction in the knowledge and skills people need to communicate and function effectively in business, law, government, the ministry, teaching, the performing arts, politics, international relations, and related areas.  The knowledge and skills help our students and graduates to build satisfying and productive relationships in their careers as well as in their personal and social lives, and to become active and reflective global citizens. 

Faculty members participate actively in regional, national and international associations and organizations focusing on communication and human relations, communication training and development, as well as issues of communication and social justice. Several serve in leadership positions in professional associations.

As part of a learning-centered university, the department supports several service learning projects that involve our students in the community, such as the Communicating Common Ground Project, the Communication for Youth Institute, and the Los Angeles Urban Debate League.  The department also has a nationally competitive Forensics Team and an active Performance Ensemble program.  Communication majors take advantage of internship opportunities at a wide variety of businesses and not for profit organizations in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley regions

On this site, you will find useful information for current and prospective students, faculty information, and course offerings, along with our ComNews page. ComNews is a news page of the Department of Communication Studies. It contains regular information and announcements about departmental events, programs and activities. You will also find the electronic version of the department's newsletter, AlumNews, focusing on what our Alumni are doing, what our faculty and students are doing, as well as departmental initiatives.

Program Expectations and Outcomes:

We expect our graduates to:

1. understand the centrality of communication in the social construction of reality and in the on-going processes of culture and knowledge production
2. demonstrate competencies for ethical and effective oral and written communication in diverse forms, contexts and processes, including computer-mediated communication
3. demonstrate the ability to analyze and critically evaluate communication practices, messages and outcomes in various contexts
4. apply with confidence communication skills and knowledge in their careers and/or future academic endeavors
5. understand and appreciate a wide range of cultural and socially diverse communication forms, representations, and practices in both domestic and international contexts
6. practice and facilitate a culture of civic engagement as citizens and consumers in a multicultural, global society

Contact Information