Undergraduate Students
in the Department of Communication Studies receive a broad-based liberal arts education, designed to equip them for life in the 21st Century, including the likelihood of more than one career and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing workplace.

Each student will complete a concentration in one of four areas: Media Studies, Rhetorical Studies, Communication Studies, or Teacher Certification. They also will take elective credits in any or all other areas.

Courses in the Department of Communication Studies emphasize written as well as oral communication skills. Alumni of the Department have commented that their writing skills have been praised by employers and, in conjunction with their oral communication skills, have led to promotions, awards, and other opportunities.

Communication studies majors often are campus leaders as a result of their communication skills. In recent years, our majors have served as president and vice president of the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU); officers of fraternities, sororities and residence halls; editor of the Collegian, the campus student newspaper; president of the Board of Student Communications; officers of many student organizations; and in various leadership roles for Campus Television (CTV) and KCSU-fm.

The Department of Communication Studies is excited that you are considering Colorado State University and our program. We believe the Department offers a top-rate education in a warm, friendly, and fun environment. If you have questions about the Department or its curriculum, please feel free to e-mail the department chairperson, Dr. Sue Pendell.

The department emphasizes the importance of understanding different cultures in the United States as well as internationally. In addition to courses in the department that have this focus, students are encouraged to become fluent in a second language and to spend a semester studying abroad. The major is structured so as to allow interested students to pursue a minor or, with careful planning, a second major.

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Each year, the Department awards a number of scholarships to outstanding juniors and seniors majoring in Communication Studies at Colorado State University. Communication Studies students may also apply for scholarships through the College of Liberal Arts.

Alumni Scholarship. Created by the alumni of the department, this scholarship goes to a Communication Studies student who shows notable creativity in their chosen area and/or demonstrates promise of success and who has financial need.

Corbin Scholarship. Created through the generosity of John Corbin, who graduated in 1974, this scholarship goes to an outstanding student in the department.

Ann M. Gill Scholarship. Established in 1998, this endowed scholarship was made possible by Ann Gill and other gifts to benefit an undergraduate student in the Communication Studies Department.

Harris/Morrill Memorial Scholarship. Created through gifts in memory of Colorado broadcasters Dick Harris, KOA station manager, and John Morrill, Executive Director of the Colorado Broadcasters Association, this scholarship goes to an outstanding student in Communication Studies with an emphasis in broadcasting/media.

Gordon F. Hostettler Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1984 in memory of Gordon F. Hostettler this endowed scholarship is intended to benefit a student in the Communication Studies Department.

Irvine Scholarship. Created in honor of Dr. Jim Irvine, retired professor of rhetoric, this scholarship goes to a Communication Studies student with interest and ability in any area of rhetorical or communication studies who has at least a 3.4 GPA and an interest in M.A./Ph.D. study.

MacLauchlin Scholarship. Created in honor of Dr. Robert MacLauchlin, retired professor of broadcasting, this scholarship goes to a Communication Studies student with a 2.7 GPA or better who is committed to and has worked diligently to prepare for a successful career in field of telecommunications/ communication media.

Denny Phillips Scholarship. Established in 2005, this scholarship is intended to benefit a student in the Communication Studies Department.

Stahl Scholarship. Created through the generosity of Kenneth Stahl, who graduated in 1980, this scholarship goes to a Communication Studies student who exhibits the highest quality in past performance and future promise and has financial need.

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LAMBDA PI ETA Mu Sigma Chapter
Lambda Pi Eta is the official Communication Studies honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA). As an accredited member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), LPE has nearly 420 active chapters at colleges and universities worldwide. Click here to learn more about the CSU chapter.

Student Media
Students interested in communication media have the opportunity to participate in several organizations under the management of the Board of Student Communications, an advisory board composed mainly of students. Media under the management of the board include the Rocky Mountain Collegian, the very successful student newspaper; CTV, the Emmy-winning campus television station run by students; and KCSU-fm, the student radio station.

Service Learning
Students involved in service learning volunteer a minimum of fifteen hours in specifically chosen agencies as part of particular courses. These activities allow students to apply the theory they learn in the classroom to practical situations. Their experiences in the agencies also greatly enrich classroom discussion. In addition, service learning allows students to make a positive contribution to the community and connects Colorado State to the community of Fort Collins. Students also use service-learning experiences to build their resume following graduation.

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