The study of communication and public affairs provides the necessary training for civic engagement in the public sphere. Students in this option are equipped to address a wide variety of issues and problems at the local, state, national, and international levels of governance.<br><br>This option addresses the need for an active and responsible citizenry. It provides training in the communication skills needed to successfully participate in public affairs and the challenges of a democratic society.<br><br>The power of symbolic communication, public address, persuasion in the public sphere, public debate, and social movements are the cornerstones of this option. Students trained in this option are prepared for a variety of occupations that require strategic communication in public affairs.The BA and MA in Communication Studies prepares students for management and professional positions in public, private, governmental, non-profit and corporate settings. Students are trained in communication across numerous contexts, groups, teams, organizational, interpersonal relationships, as well as across cultures and communities, while developing critical understanding for the nature of language and symbols, and the essence of argument and persuasion in political settings and the role of social movements. Careers in the 21st century demand skills emphasized in Communication Studies: Oral, written, interpersonal and team communication, critical thinking, information literacy, quantitative reasoning and the ability to consume information , media, and data efficiently and critically. Graduates work in a variety of fields and in management positions in corporate, nonprofit and government settings. MA graduates are trained in conducting communication research and are qualified to teach communication studies courses at community colleges and four-year universities, as well as go into community, business or governmental organizations.