• MA Degree Requirements
• PhD Degree Requirements
• Curriculum

The Department of Communication Studies pursues communication scholarship in both the humanities and social sciences traditions. Students usually plan course work within one of three areas of concentration, but they are strongly encouraged to develop a program with interdisciplinary breadth as well as theoretical and methodological depth.

A concentration in Rhetoric emphasizes the history of rhetorical theory from classical times to the present; contemporary theories of rhetoric and communication; critical analysis of significant rhetorical texts, movements, and controversies; and the arts of argumentation and advocacy. The curriculum blends understanding of the rhetorical tradition with innovative approaches to rhetorical theory and practice. The relationship between rhetoric an civic culture is of special interest in this area of study.

A concentration in Interaction and Social Influence employs empirical research methods to study the verbal and nonverbal processes associated with relationship development and maintenance, persuasion, conflict management, decision making and community building. Students working within this concentration may specialize in relational and family communication, group communication, workplace communication, and health communication. Reflecting the cross-disciplinary interest in interaction processes, students typically complete course work in such fields as psychology, sociology and organizational behavior.

The Department of Communication Studies is a key participant in the Media, Technology and Society Program. This highly interdisciplinary program embraces both humanistic and social scientific scholarship and offers specializations in Media History, Theory and Criticism, Media Industries, and Technology and Social Behavior. Students seeking admission to this program should apply directly to it. (See Media, Technology and Society listing on this Web site.)

The Communication Studies PhD program is designed for students who intend to pursue a teaching and research career in higher education. The department also offers professional master's degree programs in Managerial Communication and Communication Systems Strategy and Management. Contact the department for information about these programs.

Students in this program are also encouraged to participate in TGS’s Interdisciplinary Initiative program. For more information on how you can have a second intellectual “home” outside of your department or program please visit the Interdisciplinary Initiative page.

Applicants should contact the program or see Web site www.communication.northwestern.edu/communicationstudies/ to learn about program-specific requirements for admission.

Faculty

The primary appointment for those faculty with joint or affiliate status in another program is noted in parentheses.