Department of Communication Studies

Joshua Westwick, Interim Department Head
Department of Communication Studies
Pugsley Center 115
605-688-6131
E-mail: joshua.westwick@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/communication-studies-theatre

Faculty

Professor

Elizabeth Tolman

Associate Professors

Karla Hunter, Rebecca Kuehl, Joshua Westwick

Assistant Professor

Jenn Anderson

Lecturers

Andrea Carlile, Barbara Kleinjan, Mary Jo Nesmith

Emeritus

Laurie Haleta, Joel Hefling, Michael Schliessmann, Harold Widvey

Overview

The Department of Communication Studies provides a transformational educational experience which builds collaborative citizens, committed researchers, civic partnerships, innovative practitioners, caring mentors, professional presenters and confident communicators within the students we engage, the staff we support, and the community we serve.

Programs

Majors

Minors

Graduate Programs*

Communication Studies and Journalism (M.S.) - Communication Studies Specialization

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Advanced Placement in Speech

All students are required to take a designated oral communication course for graduation; however, those with previous training and experience in speech may apply to the Department to take an advanced course in Speech and earn credit for SPCM 101 concurrently. The disposition of the application for advanced placement rests with the departmental administrator.

Student Support & Engagement Opportunities

Being involved in a student organization is a great way to spend time with other students in the department, promote activities on campus and gain leadership skills. The departments has two organizations for qualified students: Pi Kappa Delta (Forensics) and Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Studies). Additionally, while pursuing a degree in any major, students have the opportunity to get involved in Forensics.

Forensics - Opportunities are provided for participation in SDSU’s nationally recognized intercollegiate Forensics program. Local, regional, and national participation is sponsored. Activities include debate, public speaking, and oral interpretation in contests, workshops, and public performances. Any regularly enrolled undergraduate student is eligible to participate. University credit may be earned regardless of major. For more information contact instructor Andrea Carlile, Director of Forensics.