Specializations in Communication Studies
Interpersonal Communication
The study of how people communicate on a one-on-one basis, focusing on verbal and non-verbal communication, relationships, and conflict resolution.
Group Communication
Explores communication dynamics and interaction processes within groups, addressing decision-making, leadership roles, and the influence of groupthink.
Mass Communication
Analyzes how information is transmitted to large audiences via media channels, including television, radio, newspapers, and digital platforms.
Media Studies
Investigates the content, history, and effects of various media forms, including film, television, and digital media, as well as media literacy.
Cultural Communication
Examines how culture influences communication practices and the role of communication in the formation of cultural identity.
Health Communication
Focuses on communication in healthcare settings, including patient-provider interactions and public health messaging.
Rhetoric and Persuasion
Studies the art of persuasion, effective argumentation, and the rhetorical strategies used in various types of discourse.
Political Communication
Explores communication strategies in politics, including campaign communication, political messaging, and media coverage of political events.
Organizational Communication
Analyzes communication processes within organizations, including internal communication, leadership communication, and team dynamics.
Digital Communication
Focuses on communication through digital platforms, including social media, online networking, and the effects of digital technology on communication practices.
Public Relations
Explores strategies for managing communication between organizations and their publics, including crisis communication and brand management.
Quantitative Research Methods in Communication
Uses statistical techniques and surveys to analyze communication patterns and effects quantitatively.
Qualitative Research Methods in Communication
Employs interviews, focus groups, and ethnography to understand the complexities of communication processes and experiences.
Intercultural Communication
Studies how communication varies across cultures and the challenges of cross-cultural interactions.
Communication Technology and Society
Examines the impact of new communication technologies on society, including issues of access, equity, and the digital divide.
Social Media Studies
Analyzes the role of social media in communication practices, including user interactions, content dissemination, and the impact on public opinion.
Nonverbal Communication
Explores the use of body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues in human interaction.
Critical Communication Theory
Engages with theories that analyze power dynamics and social justice issues within communication practices.
Environmental Communication
Studies how communication influences public perceptions of environmental issues and the role of communication in promoting sustainability.
Gender and Communication
Explores how gender affects communication styles and the societal implications of these differences.
Strategic Communication
Focuses on the planning and execution of communication strategies to achieve organizational goals.
Communication Ethics
Examines ethical issues in communication, including media ethics, public accountability, and moral dilemmas in communication practices.
Community Communication
Investigates communication practices within communities, including community engagement, activism, and participatory communication.
Entertainment Communication
Studies the intersection of communication and entertainment, focusing on media effects, storytelling, and audience engagement.
Mediated Communication
Examines how mediated channels (television, internet, etc.) shape communication practices and interpersonal relationships.
Audience Studies
Analyzes how audiences receive, interpret, and respond to media messages, and the implications for content creation.