Communication is central to the ongoing processes of culture and society and is therefore a vitally important field of study. At CSUN, the Department of Communication Studies offers a curriculum that embraces a wide range of disciplinary traditions in the study of human communication. These include: rhetorical studies, performance studies, cultural studies, language behavior and communication theory. Coursework includes introductory and advanced study in interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication, intercultural communication, rhetorical analysis, textual analysis and performance studies. The knowledge and skills offered in this department help our students build satisfying and productive relationships in their careers as well as in their personal and civic lives.
We use humanistic, aesthetic, and social scientific methods to examine communication processes and patterns in a variety of contexts. We provide instruction in the knowledge and skills people need to communicate and function effectively in business, entertainment, law, government, the ministry, teaching, the performing arts, politics, international relations, and numerous other areas. The knowledge and skills offered in this department help our students to build satisfying and productive relationships in their careers as well as in their personal lives, and to become active and reflective global citizens.
Our 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, our department supports several service learning projects that involve our students in the community, such as the Communication for Youth Institute. Our department also has a nationally competitive Forensics Team, an active Performance Ensemble program, and a vibrant student Communication Association. Communication majors take advantage of internship opportunities at a wide variety of businesses and nonprofit 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. You will also find the electronic version of the department's newsletter, AlumNews, focusing on what our Alumni, faculty, and students are doing, as well as departmental initiatives.