As one of the oldest foundations of the communication discipline, speech studies maintains importance today in helping us better understand how humans connect and communicate in corporate settings, families, digital and in-person relationships, health care settings, courtrooms and organizational contexts both small and large. Speech communication examines the framing, delivery, analysis and perception of messages within the context of culture, industries and interpersonal relationships.
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The B.A. in Communication and Speech Studies program provides students with the opportunity to develop their communication and critical thinking skills. The curriculum encourages students to examine communicative events and practice persuasive strategies — skills that enhance students’ professional and academic abilities. In practice, speech and communication theories can be applied to foster change, sustain dialogue, negotiate conflict, engage with diverse cultures and maintain richer interpersonal relationships.
Students are encouraged to perform research with faculty, which may allow them to present at local, state and national communication conferences as well as publish work in reputable journals. Creativity and critical thinking are woven into the curriculum.
Studying communication and speech gives students an advantage in professional settings and prepares them for graduate school. Students graduate with an understanding of the fundamentals of human communication, including effective persuasion and the presentation skills necessary to deliver articulate arguments.
Why Communications and Speech Studies
Reasons to Declare the Communication and Speech Studies Major
Every career requires some public speaking, so why not practice in college? Speech courses focus on practical skills, including conflict resolution, group presentations, and more.
Effective communication skills are employers' #1 most sought-after skill according to Spartan Ready business research surveys.
The program offers guest speakers and events to help you learn more about job opportunities in any industry.
The University of Tampa's communication and speech studies program was recognized as the nation's top undergraduate communication program at the 2019 National Communication Association Conference.
- Career Opportunities
- CSS Mission Statement
- Center for Public Speaking
Career opportunities for students with this major include the following:
- Business and Industry
- Management
- Communications and media
- Government and social services
- Education
- Advertising
- Public relations
- Politics
- Health
- Negotiations
- Law
- Human resources
- Technology
Mission Statement
The B.A. in Communication and Speech Studies program is committed to preparing students to be competent communicators trained in communication theory and practice. The renowned faculty team is dedicated to developing students’ critical thinking, group collaboration and presentational delivery skills so they may construct effective context-specific messages for their personal and professional endeavors.
The program provides students with the choice to select from a plethora of engaging classes such as business communication, storytelling, mass media, communication and law, persuasion, interpersonal communication, global speech and intercultural communication. Using a mentorship framework, the program's faculty experts encourage students to explore social scientific, interpretivist and critical perspectives of communication studies so that they may graduate with the skills to communicate empathically, think critically, and present professionally in any environment.
The CSS program's faculty and students work diligently to foster a diverse and inclusive communication culture that allows for the expression of differing thoughts, beliefs, and opinions from persons of all social, cultural and economic backgrounds. In doing so, the CSS program strives to create a classroom climate where everyone feels welcomed, respected and empowered in the pursuit of greater knowledge.
UT’s Center for Public Speaking is a free resource for one-on-one coaching, tutoring and assistance in perfecting pitches or presentations.
The UT Center for Public Speaking’s mission is to enhance communication skills and offer support services at The University of Tampa.
Sample Courses For This Degree
What You Might Study
SPE 300
Storytelling: Voice, Script and Movement
Students learn how to “storify” their lives to reap the physical and psychological benefits, practice “story-selling” to sell a product and participate in a live Story Slam event
SPE 310
Interpersonal Communication
Through self-reflection, engaging discussions and practical application, students will become aware of the processes and theories of interpersonal communication within and about relationships that impact our personal and professional lives.
SPE 315
Freedom of Speech and First Amendment Studies
Through research and performance, students analyze the historical context of free speech in the United States and international speech issues. A broad range of issues are considered, including blasphemy, commercial speech, free press, hate speech and privacy.
SPE 425
Persuasion, Argumentation and Conflict Resolution
Students gain advanced public speaking skills and learn to critically evaluate arguments in real-time. In addition to theory and practical strategy, students engage in various forms of conflict resolution, mock debates and practical negotiations.
