About the Department
Committed to Excellence
The Department of Communication offers the full spectrum of research and teaching in the discipline of communication. We are housed in the Language and Communication Building (LNCO), equipped with state-of-the art teaching and research facilities, including a telecommunication production facility, film and digital photography labs, web labs, print design labs, interaction labs, and two large media presentation classrooms.
Our 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.
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 INFORMATIONWe 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 INFORMATIONOur Certificates
The Department offers three excellent certificate programs geared toward enhancing professional development for undergraduate, graduate, and nonmatriculated students though 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 training necessary to be successful in mediation, negotiation, and facilitation of dialogue. Many graduates of this program go on to receive state of Utah mediation certification.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM INFORMATIONHealth 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 INFORMATIONDepartment 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, 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
