Communication-related majors attract more enthusiastic students...
than nearly any other discipline, not only at NDSU but on most campuses across the United States. And with good reason: students realize that study in mass or speech communication is not only a way to a good job, but it's superb background for almost any profession you can imagine.

Good writing skills, polished speaking skills, clear thinking skills, ability to relate well with others in all sorts of professional groups--what professional would not value these abilities? What student would not value these abilities, no matter where life leads her or him?

It's no wonder, with about 300 communication undergraduate majors, four dozen master's students, and more than two dozen Ph.D. students, that NDSU's Department of Communication is a popular home for people from a variety of backgrounds.

Do we have a mission?
Of course. Mission statements are rather formal and general by design, but in ours you can see where we'd like to be. The teaching mission for the communication department is three-fold:

• to be a service area on the undergraduate level to enhance critical thinking relative to creating and interpreting written, oral and visual communication through any medium;
• to provide students with the theory and skills necessary for them to enter and progress in professions requiring extensive communication skills;
• to provide a graduate program that is flexible (including theory, research and practical experiences) and suitable for individuals entering from an academic or professional orientation.

The department is also committed to creating opportunities that benefit its faculty and the state of North Dakota through quality research and service. Faculty development and retention is an ongoing and vital element in the process of maintaining a department of high quality. In turn, members of the department seek to share their knowledge and expertise concerning effective and innovative communication with the professionals and citizens of North Dakota.

For more information, contact: Dr. Paul Nelson, head, 321 Minard Hall, Department of Communication, North Dakota State University, Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58105-6050 USA.

Tel: (701) 231-7705; FAX: (701) 231-7784