Courses offered in the Department of Communication Studies include surveys of the rhetorical tradition, studies of the history of oratory, analytical courses designed to improve students' critical skills and appreciation of mediated communication, investigation of classical means of persuasion, argumentation and debate, coupled with their modern applications, and courses which seek to develop understanding of contemporary theories of communication. Special topics courses are offered every year, including  Maymester classes, one in London. Courses of independent study and research are also available.

Contratulations to The Vanderbilt Intercollegiate Debate Squad who won the 2006 CEDA Novice National Debate Championship held this year at West Virginia University.  Coach M.L. Sandoz received the 2006 John A. Jacobsohn Memorial Award for Career Contributions to Education Through Debate.  She concluded her term as President of CEDA last summer.   We are exceedingly proud of Professor Sandoz and the novice team, Russell Ross and Courtney Gould.

The National Communication Association's Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta has a chapter at Vanderbilt. Students who meet certain academic standard are chosen for membership in their senior year.

The Vanderbilt Varsity Debate Program participates in national collegiate competition with consisten success. All Vanderbilt undergraduate students are eligible for membership on the squad.

Twice a year, students of public speaking classes compete for cash prizes in the Franklin K. Houston Speech Contest.

Graduates from this department follow a variety of careers. Many go to law school or schools of management, or do graduate work in communication, history, journalism, or political science. Careers of past graduates include finance, consulting in human resources, admissions officers, development officers, banking, policy analysis, teaching, media directors, systems design and software consulting, public relations, marketing, account managing, video journalism, law, political lobbying, copywriting and free lance writing, news production, brokerage, and real estate development.