Communication Studies Department 

As a Communication Studies (CMST) student, you’ll learn how to meet complex communication challenges across cultural, organizational, relational, and rhetorical contexts within the dynamic 21st century.

Your faculty will introduce you to relevant theories and concepts and provide skill-building, collaboration, and scholarship experiences to your classes.

The mission of the Communication Studies Department is to promote communication expertise via personal and professional development.

Why Communication Studies?

A degree in Communication Studies can help students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. 

Courses in Communication Studies look at the different ways that people respond to messages, as well as the public influence that results from persuasion and argumentation. Having learned about a variety of viewpoints, students will be more prepared entering a competitive job market with their wide array of interpretive and practical skill-sets. 

Our coursework and extracurricular opportunities also help students develop ethical viewpoints and methods for relating to one another, both inside a professional environment and out. Students learn to think critically, make well-calculated decisions, and embrace change in a world of shifting and emerging possibilities. 

Programs for All

Want to achieve a career in the business or marketing world? Or help others with your work in a non-profit organization? Maybe just learn the essentials of great communication for any situation? 

It’s all possible with the Communication Studies Department’s undergraduate programs:

  • Applied Communication major
  • Leadership & Advocacy major
  • Organizational & Corporate Communication major
  • General Communication minor

Research Opportunities

Explore a topic that’s important to you and the world around you.

CMST students research a wide range of debatable issues, from gender power dynamics, social media, and distortion to representations of race, abortion, and culture.

Communication Studies in the News

Samantha Dischinger '25
From Transfer to Transformation
Samantha Dischinger ’25 transferred to Winona State and found the supportive community she’d been seeking. Majoring in Applied Communication Studies with a minor in Adventure Tourism, she embraced leadership roles and internships that helped her grow.​

Alumni

Samantha Dischinger '25
Resort Manager

Pet Suites

Minneapolis, MN

Emily Kay '24
Marketing Specialist

Scouts Talent

Minneapolis, MN

Chelsey Lexvold '24
Service Associate

Farm Bureau Financial Services

Winona, MN

Annabelle Sachs '24
Corporate Communications Specialist

Legrand

Minneapolis, MN

Kelsie Tabolich '24
Service Specialist-Operations

Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

Chris Grohs '23
Customer Service Representative

DCM Services

Winona, MN

Kiana Lightfield '23
Customer Service Representative

The Vomela Companies

St. Paul, MN

Jordan Lindgren '23
Admissions Counselor

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Cindy Nguyen '23
Regional Admissions Counselor

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Mario Savard '23
Employee Care Specialist

SPECTRAFORCE

Twin Cities, MN

Zachary Taczala '23
Sale Representative-Dealer Acquisition

Generac

Milwaukee, WI

Julia Anzelc '22
Marketing Specialist

Fastenal

Winona, MN

Amber Gunderson '22
Communications & Equity Specialist

Families First of Minnesota

Rochester, MN

Hannah Harper '22
FSB Training Advisor

Fastenal

Winona, MN

Megan Liverseed '22
Master of Social Work Student

Winona State University | Winona, MN

 

Community Resource Coordinator

Inclusia | Stevens Point, WI

Contact the Communication Studies Department
Communication Studies Department
DuFresne Performing Arts Center 215

507.457.5230

Adam Gaffey
Department Chair

DuFresne Performing Arts Center 204

507.457.2362