Speech

Undergraduate Study: Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Minor in Speech.

Academic Program

The Department of Speech has as its primary objectives the development of knowledge in and instruction concerning the process of speech communication. This involves three fundamental areas of emphasis. The first area is human message processing, which involves understanding the function and structure of the various codes, verbal and nonverbal, used to form messages in speech communication, as well as examining the encoding and decoding processes involved in speech communication. The second is relational communication, which focuses on factors that influence growth, maintenance, and termination of relationships. The third is social influence, dealing with the processing of beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral modification, including gaining compliance, conflict resolution, persuasive campaigns, and propaganda.

Speech is predominantly a discipline of systematic, purposeful thinking and communicating. Students obtain a liberal education of considerable breadth and depth in regard to speech communication theory. Furthermore, they are afforded ample opportunity to develop their communicative skills by applying theory in such diverse activities as interviewing, group discussion, organizational communication, intercultural communication, public speaking, interpersonal communication, debate, and performance of literature. Indeed, the basic philosophy of this department—and it is stressed in every course and co-curricular program offered—is that there is no surer preparation for professional life and participation in society than an education that enhances the ability of the individual to maintain lifelong learning and the skills to communicate effectively.

Major-Related Skills

In addition to discipline specific content, speech majors have the ability to:

communicate in an effective, articulate, and persuasive manner.

analyze and interpret behaviors of others.

present oneself in a professional and self-assured manner.

make critical observations and evaluations.

deliver speeches or speak on the spur-of-the-moment.

develop strong interpersonal skills.

Declaring Speech as a major

Click here for a form-fillable major declaration form. Complete the first page of the Declaration of Major form and print two copies. Make an appointment with a faculty advisor in the Speech Department to discuss your interests, major requirements, and course selection. The advisor will complete the second page of the form. Two copies of the completed form should then be turned in to the service counter for Arts & Sciences Student Academic Services.
Note: Click here if you are adding a second major - you will need to use a declaration of major form that has not been pre-filled to declare speech as your first major. Click here for concurrent degree requests (i.e., between A&S and another college or different degree programs within A&S, such as concurrent BA and BS degrees).

Created by Lynne Higa, Michael Kirk-Kuwaye

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