Our Graduate Program

The Department of Communication at the University of Colorado at Boulder is a vibrant community of scholars whose members share a commitment to excellence and innovation in communication research and teaching. Graduate study in the Department of Communication focuses on communication-based problems arising from recent social and technological changes, especially problems associated with processes of interaction, collaboration and participation, deliberation and decision-making. The department offers programs leading to bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees with emphases in organizational communication, group interaction, and rhetoric. Graduate students may pursue research within one of these areas or craft individualized programs of study that cut across the areas and combine humanistic and social scientific methods. In addition to these three areas, the communicative and organizational dimensions of science, technology, and medicine is an emergent theme of scholarship and teaching in our department. Our department emphasizes engaged scholarship that addresses salient social issues.

Our program values the development of the student as a scholar and professional. Our graduate students develop individualized programs of study that either concentrate in one of our thematic areas—organizational communication, group interaction, and rhetoric—or cut across these areas. That development, to be most productive, should encompass the interests and abilities of the student, the student’s advisor, the student’s committee, and the faculty as a whole. This document conveys the spirit of our graduate program and outlines the expectations held by the faculty for graduate study.

Department Commitment

Innovation

Our department is committed to producing ground-breaking scholarship and teaching that expands the boundaries of knowledge. We examine problems of human interaction, participation, collaboration, deliberation, enculturation, and decision-making across a wide variety of settings. Through our courses, colloquia, guest lectures, and informal activities, we encourage students and faculty to engage current problems of communication in society.

Integration

Our department fosters scholarship that cuts across the areas of rhetoric, organizational communication, and group interaction. Students completing a BA, MA, or PhD degree are encouraged to synthesize social scientific and humanistic approaches to communication theory, research, and practice. We are committed to making our Department a community in which diversity is a fundamental value. In selecting from the group of qualified applicants, additional consideration is given to prospective students whose presence will add to the diversity of the community.

Distinction

We are a top-ranked department whose undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty routinely win national and international awards for their scholarship, teaching, and service. Our faculty exhibit strong leadership in ICA, NCA, and RSA. A few recent awards include NCA’s Distinguished Scholar Award (2004, 2005, 2006), Distinguished Scholar Award from NCA’s Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division (2003), and the Ernest Bormann Research Award from NCA’s Group Communication Division (2003). We were ranked 3rd in organizational communication, 4th in critical and cultural studies of communication, 8th in interpersonal and small group communication and 15th in rhetoric by the National Communication Association’s 2004 Reputational Study of Doctoral Programs.

Our Graduate Students

  • Are competitively selected from all over the United States and the world
  • Develop individualized programs of study consistent with our tradition of innovation, integration, and distinction
  • Received personalized mentorship and training from top scholar-teachers in the field
  • Are routinely well placed in top programs and positions world-wide

What Graduate Students Are Saying

  • "CU-Boulder offers a program based on cutting edge research in a highly productive and supportive atmosphere." - Brandon Fitzgerald, MA '06
  • "This department has challenged me to situate myself and my research in a diverse group of scholars with multiple perspectives on the world of communication." - Erin Underwood, PhD '07
  • "I am continually impressed by the faculty and the high level of intellectual discussion." - Margaret Durfy, PhD Student
  • "The department's high standards have challenged me to reach a new level of professionalism and analytical rigor which has enhanced my scholarship. I've been able to collaborate with faculty on major grants. This research benefits both scholars and practitioners." - Hamilton Bean, PhD Student
  • "The theoretically rich and intellectually stimulating environment of the communication department is enhanced by the academic resources of the University as a whole. This is a community where you will definitely find your place." - Alison Vogelaar, PhD Candidate
  • “The communication department has been a welcoming and vivacious community at CU-Boulder. I found a wonderful and supportive environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle and academic engagement.” - Diane Keeling, PhD Student.

For additional information on the Graduate Program:

Tim Kuhn, Graduate Program Director
303.492.2986

For additional information about application forms or status of an application:

Contact Rachel Wilcoxson, Graduate Staff Assistant