Communication Studies
Interpersonal communication
About Interpersonal Communication
Learn about the dynamics of one-on-one and small-group interactions and how they shape, and are shaped by, our identities and relationships. Coursework focuses on theories and skills to help students build meaningful, ethical, and effective connections in personal and professional contexts. Students will learn to use and interpret verbal and nonverbal messages with the goals of navigating complex conversations, adapting to various cultures and contexts, and fostering healthy relationships.
The focus of this emphasis area is on the relationships people establish with each other as they search for meaningful communication in an increasingly complex world. Students in Interpersonal Communication often minor (and sometimes double-major) in psychology. Students who major in Interpersonal Communication may be interested in one or more of the following:
- Communication in romantic, friendship, family, and/or professional relationships
- Functions of interpersonal communication, including but not limited to relational initiation, development, maintenance, and de-escalation
- The relationship between identity and interpersonal communication
- Conflict management and deception in relationships
- The role of interpersonal communication in health, organizational, and mediated contexts
Many of our graduates from this emphasis area have gone on to work in hospital, clinic, or school settings. Others have pursued graduate work in counseling, social work, or higher education.
Student Learning Outcomes: Interpersonal Communication Emphasis
CST majors in the Interpersonal Communication emphasis will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Interpersonal Skills: Practice interpersonal communication skills that are effective, appropriate, and ethical for various relationships, goals, and contexts
- Interpersonal Communication Perspectives: Employ interpersonal communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts to analyze the communication that occurs in all relational types and interactions
- Personal and Cultural Identities: Explain how personal and cultural identities impact the way people communicate with one another
Major Requirements
Total: 39 credits (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs)
| Category | Requirements |
| CST Core Requirements | CST 190 → 301 → 498 → 499 |
| IPC Required | CST 230 → 430 |
| IPC Electives | CST 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 336, 337, 339 (Choose 6 credits) |
| Other Emphasis Areas | 3 credits from Org. & Prof. Communication (OPC*). 3 credits from Media Studies (MS†). 3 credits from Public Communication (PCA‡) |
| Additional CST credits | Minimum six credits from any CST course (excluding CST 110) |
*OPC Courses: CST 260, 351, 350, 353, 354, 355, 358, 360, 365, 380, 452, 460
†MS Courses: CST 271, 338, 371, 373, 377, 378, 379, 387, 388, 419, 471, 489
‡PCA Courses: CST 210, 211, 213, 310, 312, 315, 319, 322, 410, 412, 413, 415
Minor Requirements
Total: 18 credits (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs)
| Category | Requirements |
| Required | CST 190, CST 230 → 430 |
| IPC Electives | CST 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 336, 337, 339 (Select 3 credits) |
| Other Emphasis Areas |
Select six credits from two different areas below: |
*OPC Courses: CST 260, 351, 350, 353, 354, 355, 358, 360, 365, 380, 452, 460
†MS Courses: CST 271, 338, 371, 373, 377, 378, 379, 387, 388, 419, 471, 489
‡PCA Courses: CST 210, 211, 213, 310, 312, 315, 319, 322, 410, 412, 413, 415