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We communicate for many reasons and in many ways: to share knowledge and experiences, give or receive orders, or express our feelings. We use speaking, writing, sign language, gestures, and facial expressions. Communication can be interactive, transactive, intentional, or unintentional, and it varies considerably in form and style with the scale on which it occurs.
There are a number of theories to explain human communication. As complex as the subject is, there’s one concept with which everyone agrees—effective communication is a powerful tool at home, at work, in life. Whatever your do, effective communication will enhance your success.
If you major or minor in Comm Studies, as it’s commonly called, you’ll take courses that include all aspects of message exchange—relationships, families, organizations, politics and culture. You’ll enjoy working with faculty who are experts in their areas, frequently receive teaching and research awards, and also earn rave reviews from students. Performance and lecture class sizes are kept small to encourage interaction among students and faculty. Even Public Speaking, a core requirement offered as a large lecture, utilizes 25-studdent speaking labs. Most program majors complete an internship with a local or Denver-area business, and all cap off their program of study with a senior project or paper.
Students complete introductory courses in public speaking, theory and inquiry. Intermediate courses for majors include studies in persuasion, interpersonal communication and small groups. A variety of elective courses are available,including studies in debate, family communication, leadership, and communication and technology. Students are encouraged to take up to six credits in one or more internships. Students pursuing the Secondary Teaching Emphasis also complete Professional Teacher Education Progam course work.
Career Options
According to surveys of CEOs, communication skills are the skills most sought in new hires. About 97 percent of program graduates are employed, and their average salary is higher than that of graduates of most other humanities and social science programs. Comm Studies majors choose from a wide range of careers such as these:
- Managers
- Lobbyists
- School teachers
- Event planners
- Training facilitators
- Communication consultants
- Motivational speakers/trainers
- Community relations practitioners
- Sales and custormer service personnel
- Human resources staff
How to contact the program:
Office: Candelaria 1265
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Thomas Endres
E-mail: thomas.endres@unco.edu
Phone: (970) 351-2045
Administrative Assistant: Petie Vonk
E-mail: petie.vonk@unco.edu
Phone: (970) 351-2045
Fax: (970) 351-2336
