Communication Studies

Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal Communication Emphasis

(Current Undergraduate Catalog and List of Courses)

The focus of this emphasis area is on the relationships people establish with each other as they search for meaningful communication in an increasingly complex world. Students who emphasize in Interpersonal Communication often minor (and sometimes double-major) in psychology. Students who emphasize in Interpersonal Communication may be interested in one or more of the following:

Communication in romantic, friendship, and/or family relationships
Functions of interpersonal communication, including but not limited to relational development and maintenance
The role of interpersonal communication in identity construction
Conflict management and deception in relationships
The function of interpersonal communication in in health, organizational, and mediated contexts
Many of our graduates from this emphasis area have gone on to work in hospital, clinic, or school settings. Others have gone on to pursue graduate work areas such as in counseling, social work, or higher education.

Student Learning Outcomes: Interpersonal Communication Emphasis

CST majors in the Interpersonal Communication emphasis will achieve the following learning outcomes:

Interpersonal Skills: Practice interpersonal communication skills that are effective and ethical for diverse audiences, purposes, and contexts

Interpersonal Communication Perspectives: Employ interpersonal communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts to analyze the communication that occurs in all relational types and interactions

Personal and Cultural Identities: Explain how personal and cultural identities impact the way people communicate with one another