Department of Communication

Overview
Welcome to the Department of Communication at Fairfield University. We offer a stimulating academic environment comprising three programs: 1) an on-campus Master's of Arts in communication; 2) a major in communication with three tracks of specialization to choose from: media studies, organizational communication and communication and the human condition; and 3) an undergraduate minor in communication.

Our department is home to a diverse and productive group of scholars/teachers with a broad set of research interests that reflects the most current scholarship in the field of Communication. The department sponsors an undergraduate student communication club, Comm.unity, as well as a chapter of the national Communication Honors Society Lambda Pi Eta. Our faculty participate in a wide-variety of interdisciplinary campus programs and initiatives including Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Women's Studies, the Ignatian Residential College, the Honors Program, Asian Studies, American Studies and Service Learning.

Department Philosophy
Our course offerings have been designed so that students will acquire a critical understanding of human communication processes and contemporary communication media, improve their abilities in oral and written communication, heighten visual awareness, develop research skills, and learn to make connections between communication practices and the social world.

The program prepares students for careers in a variety of communication-related activities, including public relations, media analysis, advertising, advocacy, information campaigns, counseling as well as for graduate study. Communication majors will develop an intensive understanding of the importance of communication in everyday life - both professionally and personally. Many upper-level undergraduate students participate in a for-credit internship program that has recently included work experience opportunities at sites including "Live! With Regis and Kelly," "The Late Show with David Letterman," Valentino fashions and the Special Olympics. Each spring the department also hosts career panels in conjunction with Career Planning to help students think through their professional goals.

In keeping with the University's mission, we hope our students will also develop the skills necessary to make a valuable contribution to their society, and a commitment to influence the media and other organizations to become more just and socially responsible. We encourage students to develop a global awareness of communication processes; we strongly suggest becoming fluent in a second (or third) language, taking courses with international focus, and planning a study abroad or other international experience.

We encourage you to have a look around our website and read the latest news in our very active department, check out the departmental brochure and, for current students, find the resources you need to help plan your academic trajectory. Please stop by the second floor of Donnarumma Hall or contact one of the Department of Communication's faculty members if you have any questions. Welcome!