It all begins with good communication

In the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, we believe that mutual understanding, collaboration, and positive personal and social change all begin with good communication.  

The study of human communication helps students learn how to harness the power of communication to build strong relationships and communities, become effective leaders, solve complex problems and more.

Undergraduate Degrees

Graduate Degrees

Certificate and Minor

Exploring the complex role of human communication.

Our faculty address communication issues that impact people’s lives, from socially-embedded research on local, national and global concerns that contributes to a more peaceful, prosperous and equitable future, to research that helps people communicate in healthier ways in relationships and workplaces. 
 

#1 in-demand skill

across the labor market, according to Georgetown University.

Second-best major

based on job prospects, alumni salaries and popularity, according to The Princeton Review.

10% of Sun Devil 100

are communication majors and are excelling in a wide range of industries.

Top-10 rankings

in intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, marriage and intimacy, sexuality, organizational communication and nonverbal communication.

#7 in the nation

for our online bachelor's program.

Preparing you for limitless career opportunities.

Majoring in communication not only strengthens students’ personal and professional relationships but gives them a wide variety of career options.  These are just a few examples.
 

Students in a human communication class

Community/Public Health

Consulting

Data Analysis

Entrepreneurship

Event Planning

Human Resources

Law

Marketing

Nonprofit Leadership

Politics

Project Management

Public Relations

Sales

Social Media

Training and Development

Jennifer Kaplan.

 

I had a wonderful college adventure that I want students today to experience. I hope that they grow and thrive, achieve their goals and pursue their career dreams. I don’t take for granted all that I have been given and want others to have the same opportunities.”

Jennifer Kaplan
Owner and Founder, Evolve Public Relations and Marketing
BA in communication, 1996 

Offering diverse areas of emphasis.

Five emphasis areas are designed to help you effectively choose communication courses that fit your interests and career goals.

Learn more.

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Workplace, organizational and leadership communication

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Communication across cultures

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Communication and healthy relating

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Civility, advocacy and engaging publics

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Communication, creativity and performance

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