The graduate program in Communication Theory has a social science (i.e., empirical) orientation and, most broadly defined, focuses on the processes underlying interpersonal communication. Students usually specialize in areas such as persuasion, message processing, small group communication, family communication, intercultural communication, linguistics, and computer mediated communication Dissertations and Masters Theses.
Because graduate studies are usually conducted in close collaboration with faculty members, it is important for prospective students to identify faculty (inside and outside the department) who are researching in the students' area of interest and are able to involve the students in their research. Our department has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary education and research, which is why we can offer a graduate program much broader than the research interests of our core faculty. Thus, when evaluating the eventual fit of the department to their research interest, graduate students are encouraged to keep in mind the resources the University of Minnesota has to offer, such as related departments and related interdisciplinary minors.
Follow these links to find general information regarding the course requirements for the M.A. and the Ph.D. in the department of Communication Studies. Generally speaking, the M.A. program is more structured, whereas the Ph.D. program is more flexible and allows students, in collaboration with their advisers, more freedom to design their own courses of study. The [Tool Requirement] for students in Communication Theory is usually proficiency in research methods and/or statistics. Graduate students should expect to devote considerable course work in those areas.
Communication Theory Faculty & Areas of Interest
Rosita Albert: Intercultural Communication; International Relations; Communication Theory; Health Communication.
Dean Hewes: Small Group Communication; Interpersonal Communication; Analysis of Social Interaction; Cognitive Bases of Communication; Research Methodology; Bargaining and Negotiation.
Susanne M. Jones: Interpersonal Communication and Emotional Support Messages, Nonverbal Communication, Communicating Emotional Support, Communication Theory.
Ascan Koerner: Cognitive Processes in Interpersonal Communication; Marital & Family Communication; Relationship Schemas: Persuasion.
Amy Sheldon: Language and Gender; Language and Social Interaction; Child and Adult Language Acquisition; Discourse Analysis.
Departmental Resources
Research Labratories
The department of Communication Studies has great research facilities. Our laboratories consist of three interaction labs complete with audio/video recording equipment, one-sided mirrors, and control rooms and a main lab for data processing and internet research. Currently, one lab is set-up as a living room for family research, a second lab is configured for focus-groups and small group research, and a third lab is set up for survey research. The main lab is equipped with high-end PCs for data processing and analyis, internet research, digital and analog video-editing suites, and multi-media production equipment.
Graduate Student Computer Lab
Independent of the research facilities, the department maintains a graduate student computer lab equipped with up-to-date PC and Macintosh computers, scanners, color-printers, etc.
University Wide Resources
Related Disciplines
- Child Development
- Child Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Family Social Science
- Journalism & Mass Communication
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Work, Community and Family Education
Related Minors
Recent Dissertations
Laura Jacobi-Smigelski (2004). "Psychological Protective Factors and Social Skills: An Examination of Spirituality and Prosocial Behavior. Advisers: Terry Kinney & David Rarick.
Manako Fujiwara (2004) "Friendship Communication In Japan and the United States: Cultural and Individual Level Analyses". Advisers: Dean Hewes & Ascan Koerner
Nanda Bognar Dimitrov (2004). "Being Russian, Being American: The Role of Value-Behavior Discrepancies in the Cultural Adaptation of Russian Immigrants in the United States". Adviser: Rosita Albert
Pamela Cox-Otto (2003). "Adolescent's Use and Gratification of the Internet and the Interplay of Involvement and Gratification Matching." Adviser: David Rarick.
Wendy Bjorklund (2002). "The Recursive Relationship Between Relational Frames and Preventive Facework During Negotiations in Organizational Settings." Advisers: Dean Hewes & Marshall S. Poole.
Susan M. Wildermuth (2001). "Loners, Losers, Freaks, and Geeks: The Impact of Perceived Stigma on the Quality of online Close Relationships." Adviser: Dean Hewes.
Brian Seyfarth (1999). "Schemas as Structures: A Structurational and Cognitive Approach to Organizational Decision Processes." Advisers: Marshall S. Poole & Dean Hewes.
In Ah Ha (1998). "Culture and Communication: Styles of Handling Interpersonal Conflict Among Koreans and Americans." Adviser: Rosita Albert
Barbara Kappler (1998). "Refining Intercultural Perspective-Taking." Advisors: Donald Browne & Michael Paige.
Tammy Swenson Lepper (1998). "Using Cognitive Maps to Assess Ethical Sensitivity for Ethical Issues Related to Organizational Communication." Advisor: David L. Rarick.
Rick Malleus (1998). "Student Stereotypes of Southern African Business Persons: An Intercultural Study." Advisor: Rosita Albert.
Amy Matten (1998). "Close Relationship Dialectics: Young Adult Friends' Perceptions and Interaction Patterns." Advisers: David L. Rarick & Becky Omdahl.
Lisa Millhous (1998). "Organizational Structures in Russian-American Collaborations: The Role of Intercultural Communication and Technology." Advisor: Rosita Albert.
Gary Larson (1997). "Resisting Convention—Affirming Subjectivity: A Fantasy Theme Analysis of Racialized Discourse on Internet Relay Chat. Advisor: David L. Rarick.
Recent Master's Theses
Nanda Bogna (2000). "Cross-Cultural Adjustment and Gender Related Norms: A Study of Eastern Europeans in The United States." Adviser: Rosita Albert.
Kristin Eis (2000). "The Impact of Television Consumption on Sexuality Related Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors." Adviser: Terry Kinney.
Heather Thomton (2000). "Sexual Harassment: Perceptually Unique." Adviser: Terry Kinney.