Communication Studies distinctively balances and integrates research and theory with practice. These include attention to speaking, writing and critical-thinking skills, all of which are essential to a student’s experience at Simpson. Furthermore, Communication Studies is an area of study instrumental in improving any political, economic, cultural or social institution.  Graduates of the program should be able to critically examine communication behavior with the goal of discerning the structures, patterns and effects necessary for facilitating a higher quality of communication.

Simpson’s students in Communication Studies major or minor in one of three areas: Corporate Communication, Journalism and Mass Communication or Rhetoric and Speech Communication. A core set of theories, values and principles common to all three areas of study form the backbone of a student’s academic preparation.

Consistent with the goals of a liberal education, faculty encourage the practice of hearing and honoring a variety of voices and celebrating creative and humane approaches to solving complex human problems in our local and global communities. The program fosters graduates who contribute voices of thoughtful reflection in the course of successful careers.