Department of Communication Studies

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Welcome to the Department of Communication Studies

We put students first–always.

The Department of Communication Studies is committed to offering exploring flexible degree programs that fit students busy schedules and meet them where they are. Our faculty have come from around the world, even from MSU Denver, and are deeply committed to providing diverse and inclusive learning environments. We ensure students are gaining relevant skills as they stay on-track for graduation and are ready for the changing needs of the global workforce.

Rowdy the Roadrunner posing with Department of Communication Studies Professors

Dr. Sarah Chorley (Left) and Dr. Elisa Varela (Right) pose with Rowdy at Open House, 2023.

Why get a degree in Communication Studies?

In the Communication Studies degree program you’ll learn essential skills for work and family life – from trust building to persuading, from negotiating to resolving conflict, from training others to crafting memorable messages. Our majors and minors excel in five ways demanded by employers, needed in communities, and essential to thriving relationships:

Communicating effectively in speech and writing, thinking critically, practicing ethics and respect for diversity, understanding new communication technologies, and collaborating successfully with others.

Students seeking a broad understanding of the field can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies while students who wish to specialize in this degree may elect a concentration in Professional and Organizational Communication or Rhetoric and Public Culture. Students can also Minor in Communication Studies.

Communication Studies Programs

Communication Studies Major, B.A.

Bachelor of Arts

Communication Studies Minor

Minor

"My Communication Major has provided me with new lenses and perspectives on how I better make sense of myself, culture, and society through recognizing the deep power and impact of communication; a tool often taken for granted."

Andrew Ortiz-Martinez, MSU Denver, '22, Communication Studies

Current Office Manager and Assistant to the Associate Vice President of Classroom to Career Initiatives

"The MSU Denver Communication Studies Department has helped me immensely in so many ways, from allowing me to expand my skills in public speaking to understanding the importance of strategic organizational communications. I find myself regularly connecting the work that I do to the practices I learned in the classroom. I couldn't thank the faculty and staff enough for setting me up to be successful after graduation!"

Alaura Ward, MSU Denver, Communication Studies

Current Coordinator of Student Employment in the Classroom to Career Hub at MSU Denver

Stories, News and Events

Bianca Machado Named MSU Denver's Top 10-Under-10

Bianca Machado, MSU Denver '22, Communication Studies, B.A. named a 2024 MSU Denver Alumni 10-Under-10 Award Winner

View all the 2024 Alumni Winners

Different colored profiles overlapping with talking bubbles

How to talk to your family about politics without losing your cool

Christina Foust, Ph.D. gives advice on having constructive conversations with the people in your life

Read the full MSU Denver RED Article

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Beginning to Dialogue: Relationship-Building Practices & Norming

Join us for this awesome workshop focused on creating the conditions for dialogue, storytelling and critical thinking.

October 23, 2024

View Upcoming Workshops

Explore the Department of Communication Studies

Learn more about our Faculty and Staff, get connected to your Academic Advisor, find career resources and scholarships, and stay engaged with student organizations and campus resources.

Career Resources

Find your perfect career

Communication is a skill that is in high demand and the Department of Communication Studies can help you achieve the communication skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Where might a Communication Degree take you?

Faculty and Staff Directory and Bios

Meet your champions

Find quick contact information and faculty office hours on our Faculty and Staff Directory, then visit our Bios page to learn about their background, teaching interests, research and more.

Office Directory Faculty Bios and Research

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Academic Advising

Find your Advisor

Professional academic advisors and faculty advisors can help you navigate college. Meet with your advisor at least once a semester to stay on track for graduation.

Book an appointment with your advisor

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Student Resources

Get involved

Discover more about our student clubs and find important forms.

Discover Student Resources Here

Giving to the Department of Communication Studies

Your generous donations support MSU Denver students pursue their dreams. Your tax-deductible donation will help us continue to provide a quality and competitive education for our students.

Make a Gift Online