Effective communication is a skill that can be learned through our various courses here in the Speech Department!

Communication competency is a primary skill valued in a wide variety of professional areas. By majoring in Speech Communication you will study a broad field of Communication Studies and increase your own communication competency interpersonally, academically, and professionally.

Communication studies applies rhetorical principles to research and analyze concepts related to various Speech courses. Students learn and apply practical verbal and nonverbal communication techniques as well as understanding listening and critical thinking skills.  Our discipline and accompanying courses are designed to help you develop & refine your oral communication and critical thinking skills and understand various techniques used to overcome speech anxiety.

Through the study and application of theory and practices embedded with a social justice pedagogy, speech provides students with lifelong communication skills at the personal, academic, and professional levels. As a department, we promote an anti-racist culture through faculty working groups, campus events, and curriculum.

One faculty inquiry group is our Social Justice and Anti-Racism Working Group. The Social Justice and Anti-Racism Working Group was formed in response to the horrific 2020 murder of George Floyd and the need to integrate the Black Lives Matter Movement into our campus community. Our working group's main focus is to continually seek a socially just working environment for our historically underrepresented staff and faculty that will better serve our goal of maintaining a student-centered, inclusive and socially just campus community.

Programs & Courses

Speech Communication Courses

Each semester, we offer important core courses required for transfer including Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate and Interpersonal Communication. Use the links below to view all course descriptions and the current schedule of classes.

Browse Course Catalog View and Search Class Schedule (online)

 

Fulfill General Education (GE) Requirements

If you are earning a degree or preparing to transfer, you can take a speech course to fulfill one of your GE requirements. The following courses are generally accepted as GEs for transferring to a UC or CSU school:

Requirements vary by school and program. Visit the transfer center for resources to help you determine which Speech courses will satisfy the GEs for your degree and transfer plan.

Review Transfer & GE Requirements

Speech & Debate Team

Our Speech & Debate Team is nationally ranked, consistently bringing home top honors. We welcome both beginning and experienced competitors. 

Explore Speech and Debate