The Department of Communication Studies will help you acquire the knowledge and skills needed in both your professional and personal lives. Your training will strengthen your ability to describe, interpret and evaluate any kind of communicative experience. You will learn to communicate more effectively and to facilitate the communication of others.

The department provides courses that stress the theoretical and functional aspects of oral communication. The program offers practical experience through a nationally ranked forensics debate program and sponsors a community outreach service.

Through judicious selection of electives, both within the department and outside, majors may prepare themselves for a wide range of careers. Students pursue programs to provide the foundation for graduate work with college teaching and research as ultimate goals; prepare for careers in community, educational, governmental, medical and industrial communication; provide foundations for post-graduate study in law or theology; and provide a traditional liberal arts education.

The Bachelor of Science in Education allows students to prepare for teaching positions in speech and/or theatre. The degree, under the authority of the College of Education, is offered cooperatively with the Department of Theatre in the College of Fine Arts.

Students in the Master of Arts in Communication Studies and Theatre Arts choose either a speech or theatre track. Students interested in theatre should contact the Department of Theatre. Students in speech communication work closely with the debate team, the speech lab and the community outreach program. They sometimes serve as assistant coaches while traveling with and supervising the team. They use the degree to prepare for debate coaching positions of their own, further graduate study or enhancement of their professional careers.

Contact Information:
Dept of Communication Studies
Dr. Thomas Baglan, Chair
P.O. Box 369
State University, AR 72467
Phone: (870) 972-3091
Fax: (870) 972-3856
Email: tbaglan@astate.edu