MA in Communication - Interpersonal Communication in Davis United States | University of California Davis

Researchers specializing in interpersonal communication examine how individuals interact within their relationships. This field explores the dynamics of social exchanges that shape connections and achieve objectives. Interpersonal communication manifests in diverse environments and formats, ranging from in-person encounters to digital platforms. Key areas of study encompass relationship formation, evolution, sustenance, and dissolution (including friendships, romantic partnerships, and family ties), along with social support systems, harmful interaction patterns like (cyber)bullying, emotional displays, body language, verbal communication interpretation, deception tactics, persuasion techniques, conflict resolution, healthcare communication, cultural impacts on social behavior, and identity-related communication. Interpersonal communication principles apply to numerous situations where people navigate relationships and share information. Students acquire knowledge from experts across communication disciplines while developing research competencies in experimental methods, survey design, content analysis, social network mapping, and other methodologies.