About the Department
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance the practice and understanding of communication in its intellectual, professional, cultural, and environmental contexts. We view communication as central to the integration and dissemination of information, the recognition and appreciation of multiplicity, and the development and application of technical and social knowledge. In communication scholarship, our department draws upon the full spectrum of methodologies and perspectives.
Through teaching, research, and service, the Department serves the needs of its students and contributes significantly to the University's commitment to educational development through the discovery, refinement, and exploration of knowledge.
Programs
We are committed to excellence across the full range of communication research and teaching, offering top-notch PhD, MA, MS, BA, and BS degrees, as well as four undergraduate emphases.
Undergraduate Program
We offer a BA or BS in Communication with four sequences: Strategic Communication, Journalism, Communication Studies; or Science, Health, Environmental, and Risk Communication. Department faculty provide a strong program of undergraduate education, and our academic advisors provide how-to advising.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM INFORMATIONGraduate Program
We also offer nationally-acclaimed Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Ph.D. degrees in Communication in a breathtaking Mountain West location. The graduate program is noted for its close faculty-student interaction. Graduate students have great flexibility in designing their individual programs of study.
GRADUATE PROGRAM INFORMATIONCertificates
The Department offers three excellent certificate programs geared toward enhancing professional development for undergraduate, graduate, and nonmatriculated students through research-informed content.
Dialogue, Conflict Resolution, and Mediation
This two-semester program is designed for working professionals who want to develop advanced communication and process skills, and the training necessary to be successful in mediation, negotiation, and facilitation of dialogue. Many graduates of this program go on to receive the state of Utah mediation certification.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM INFORMATIONHealth Communication
Health communication is a crucial concern and a top priority as the nature, forms, and functions of health care and health information shift dramatically in contemporary society. Participants of this 18-hour program study how communication about health is co-created, transmitted, received, constructed, and circulated.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM INFORMATION
Department of Communication Rankings
According to ComAnalytics, against Pac-12 peers, Utah ranks:
- #1 in U.S. in communication research on Cultural Studies, Ethics, Film, History, Law, Memory, Narrative, Popular Culture, and Race & Ethnicity
- #2 in U.S. for Research on Contemporary Issues, Critical Theory, Democracy, Health, News, and Theory
- #3 in U.S. for research on Education, Persuasion, Print Journalism, and public relations
- #3 in U.S. for Total Publications (above Stanford)
- #4 in U.S. for research on Broadcasting and Media, Politics, and Government
Faculty Distinctions:
- Presidencies- American Journalism Historians Association, International Communication Association, National Communication Association
- Editors- Critical Studies in Media Communication, Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies
Current faculty have won major awards in the field of communication:
- Young Scholar Award, International Communication Association
- Distinguished Education Service Award, Broadcast Education Association
