Chair:  Robert Harrison, Ph.D. 
Contact: Kim Sexton
Sorenson Language and Communication Center (SLCC)  1100

Video Phone: 202-651-2731
Voice: 202-651-5420

Outcomes

The Department of Communication Studies plays an important role in helping students meet the five major competencies of Gallaudet's new General Studies Curriculum:

• Language and Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Identity and Culture
• Knowledge and Inquiry
• Ethics and Social Responsibility

In addition, the department has established its own set of major-specific outcomes and assessment measures.

1. Communication Studies majors will acquire knowledge in the field of communication studies.
   1. Identify and describe the contexts, dynamics, and implications of human communication.
   2. Explain and apply the major theoretical communication perspectives.
   3. Explain the fundamental values of the discipline and its value in life in the community, workplace, family, and civic participation.
   4. Use appropriate conventional and evolving technologies in public, professional, and interpersonal contexts.
   5. Discuss the presence and implications of additional factors that affect communication, including, among others: culture, gender, group composition, sexual orientation, leadership, nonverbal communication, family background, situation, environment, and conflict.

 

2. Communication Studies majors will employ critical thinking skills about communication interaction.
   1. Analyze the outcomes and effects of their own communication actions and those of other individuals and groups.
   2. Suggest ways to make communication more effective in various contexts:
      • interpersonal communication
      • group communication
      • organizational communication,
      • public communication
      • mass communication
      • gendered communication
      • intercultural communication
      • computer-mediated communication
      • leadership communication.

 

3. Communication Studies majors will explain the concepts of diversity and cross-cultural communication situations and contexts.
4. Perform effectively as a public speaker and practitioner of interpersonal communication.
5. Evaluate the benefits and effects of mass communication channels and sources.
6. Practice ethical dimensions of communication in personal relationships, in service to the community, and in professional situations
7. Integrate and apply knowledge of communication and communication skills in careers and/or graduate education.

Careers

Graduates with a degree in communication studies have gone on to graduate school or careers in the following areas:

• College admissions and recruitment
• Communication education
• Community service
• Counseling
• Customer service
• Deaf services
• Event management
• Fundraising
• Human resources
• Law office work
• Public opinion research
• Public relations
• School administration
• Volunteer service