该部门的课程侧重于通过各种媒体在人际，小组，在职，从演讲者到听众的各种环境中进行交流，以及通过文化和国家之间的交流。此外，在论证，辩论，交流理论和研究方法方面也有指导。学生出于各种原因报名参加交流课程。有些人主要具有学术动机，并寻求传播学的副学士学位，学士学位或高级学位。其他学生报名以提高其职业生涯的效率。还有一些人寻求个人成长，认识到熟练的自我表达的重要性并了解自己的生活。
Whatever their age, social position, or occupation, people communicate. Humans spend more time engaged in speaking and listening than virtually any other activity. Communication is as important as it is pervasive—success or failure often depends on how well we express ourselves and understand others. <br>The Communication Department's curriculum focuses on communication in a variety of settings -- interpersonal, small group, on-the-job, speaker-to-audience, via mass media and between cultures and nations. In addition, instruction is available in argumentation and debate and communication theory. Surveys show that most employers rank effective communication at the top of desired skills.<br>The Communication Science Emphasis provides students with the foundational knowledge in communication theory and research methods and prepares them to make a successful transition to a Baccalaureate Degree in Communication Studies at any of the UC campuses, particularly UC, Santa Barbara.