Communication is the central means by which individuals organize society, create identities, and negotiate meaning. Understanding how well others communicate and learning how to communicate well with others is key for personal and professional success. The Communication Studies program in St. John's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences provides students with the theories and practices to communicate effectively.<br><br>A degree in Communication Studies focuses on how humans use symbols, both verbal and nonverbal, to inform or persuade other individuals as they create meaning, form human relationships, and manage conflict in a variety of contexts, cultures, and environments. It allows students the opportunity to develop their communicative practices and strategies in analyzing, producing, and delivering messages--in both 'everyday' situations and those marked by urgency or crisis-- which will help them influence and lead others across their professional, personal, and civic lives.<br><br>The Department of Communication Studies offers a wide range of courses to help students understand and develop communication skills within political, legal, professional, organizational, interpersonal, and intercultural settings. Students will select from courses that provide them with a strong background in communication theory and practice, and communication criticism and history. Students will become effective ethical communicators, learning the communicative practices necessary to participate in civic affairs by learning how to evaluate and respond to controversy, provide meaningful commentary upon social and interpersonal engagements, and exercise sensitivity to the myriad of ways we exist in and make sense of the world.<br><br>Students who major in Communication Studies will take required courses in communicative practices and then specialize in one of three concentrations: Communication & Culture, Organizational Communication & Leadership, or Political Communication & Civic Engagement.