Communication is the process that makes us human. It is through our ability to use symbolic expression that we develop our identities, gain personal effectiveness, and establish, maintain, and change the societies in which we live. Communication is then a study which is central to the mission of the liberal arts. Students investigate how humans use signs and symbols to communicate in a variety of settings: interpersonal, public, organizational, and mass communications contexts. In all of this study, students come to understand the mutually influencing and interdependent nature of all communication. Students majoring in speech communication may be interested in pursuing a mass communication concentration as well. Majors are expected to participate in all assessment objectives as outlined by the department.