About the Department
Overview
Since its inception as a separate department in 1967, the Department of Communication Studies has fostered a tradition of serving the educational needs of students through teaching, research, and service missions. From the
department's roots as a public speaking-based program, Communication Studies has evolved into a broad-based liberal arts program that examines a wide variety of human communication experiences including mass media, public relations, persuasion, argumentation, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, gender communication, small group communication, business and organizational communication. Other course areas include telecommunications,oral interpretation, communication and racism, nonverbal communication, political communication, conflict intervention and resolution, rhetorical criticism and theory, television advertising and research methods.
Degree Programs
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication Studies
As an undergraduate major in Communication Studies, you will learn how to develop theoretical and practical communication skills in public speaking, interpersonal transactions, group dynamics, argumentation and debate, gender communication, intercultural communication, communication technologies, mass media, political communication, oral interpretation of literature, conflict resolution and negotiations, and organizational communication. Students are expected to develop strong research and practical skills through our required courses, and can tailor most of their communication coursework to their particular areas of interest. So, while we require a strong foundation, the program of studies is designed for maximum flexibility. Learn more...Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Studies
Graduate study in Communication Studies at URI is based on an inter-disciplinary philosophy designed to enhance options for graduates. The Department of Communication Studies offers a 30-credit hour program leading to a Master of Arts degree. In consultation with faculty advisors, students are expected to develop their course of studies to foster their developing career needs. The curriculum prepares students interested in establishing or furthering their careers as professionals in communication or related fields such as personnel, business administration, human services, or for continuing study in a Ph.D. program. Learn more...in the news
New Documentary Examines the Bond Between Rescue Dogs and Their Handlers
Reliance is an upcoming documentary by Mary Healey Jamiel that tells the story of handler Matthew Zarrella and his rescue dogs.
Watch the trailer
The University of Rhode Island Harrington School of Communication and Media
