Mission Statement
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 offers a strong curriculum that embraces a range of traditions in the 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 numerous other areas. The knowledge and skills offered in the Department help 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.
Faculty members participate actively in regional, national and international associations and organizations, focusing on communication and human relations, communication training and development, communication and cultural studies, and 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 students in the community, such as the Communicating Common Ground Project and the Communication for Youth Institute. The Department also has a nationally competitive Speech and Debate 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 not-for-profit organizations in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley regions.
Academic Advisement
Our staff Advisor David Del Mundo can be reached in room TH 110 in Nordhoff Hall or at (818) 677-5751. All full-time faculty are also involved in undergraduate advising. Students may contact any full-time faculty member during office hours for assistance. Graduate students should contact Graduate Coordinator Stacy Holman Jones.
Careers
Professionals in all career paths generally find a background in Communication Studies rewarding, as there are communication needs in every field. Our graduates generally find employment in various fields, including the media industries, business, law, entertainment, public relations, marketing, advertising, government, performance art, social and human services, the ministry, international relations, management and education.
Accreditation
The Department of Communication Studies at CSUN is a member of the Western States Communication Association (WSCA), the National Communication Association (NCA) and the International Communication Association (ICA).
Clubs and Societies
Contact
Chair: Kathryn Sorrells
Manzanita Hall (MZ) 220
(818) 677-2853
www.csun.edu/coms