Apply Here Interpersonal and Health Communication The graduate program in Interpersonal & Health Communication provides students with a theoretical and methodological foundation in the study of verbal and nonverbal communication in contexts related to interpersonal interaction (including socio-cognitive, relational, influence, interracial, and mediated contexts) and health settings (including doctor-patient, campaign, intervention, and mediated contexts). Our faculty are committed to maintaining high standards in both undergraduate and graduate instruction and our alliances with the Institute of Behavioral Research and the Center for Health and Risk Communication allow for a focused study of interpersonal communication and health communication processes that are directly relevant to a variety of real world contexts. Rhetorical Studies The aim of the graduate program in Rhetorical Studies is to prepare students to conduct significant scholarly inquiry into the relation of rhetorical processes and civic life. Students therefore are exposed to a variety of qualitative research methods and invited to explore the insights into rhetorical processes and practices - oral, written, visual, and mass-mediated - that have been advanced by a wide array of intellectual traditions and theoretical conversations. The program has particular strength in 20th and 21st century rhetorical theory and criticism, public argument, feminist theory and criticism, and the rhetoric of science. The Faculty The Department's faculty members are nationally recognized authorities in rhetorical studies, interpersonal communication, persuasion, and health communication. No matter the interest area, the faculty are active scholars and committed teachers who embrace a philosophy of accessibility and supportiveness to graduate students. Faculty Research and Teaching Interests: Interpersonal and Health Communication: Analisa Arroyo, Ph.D., University of Arizona. Interpersonal communication, family communication, communication about weight and appearance Jiaying Liu, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania. Health communication, social influence, message effects, media campaigns, computerized content analysis, neuroimaging method, and eye-tracking research Soroya J. McFarlane, Ph.D., University of Miami. Health communication, health disparities, and reproductive health Mackensie Minniear, Ph.D., University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Health communication and racial identity Chelsea L. Ratcliff, Ph.D., University of Utah. Health communication, persuasion, media, and message effects Jennifer A. Samp, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison. Interpersonal communication, conflict, and close relationships Sachiko Terui, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma. Global health communication, cross-cultural communication, and interpersonal communication Rhetorical Studies: Barbara A. Biesecker, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh. Modern and contemporary rhetorical theory and criticism, cultural studies, visual studies, feminist studies Kelly Happe, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh. Rhetoric of science, women's studies, rhetorical theory and criticism Thomas M. Lessl, Ph.D., University of Texas. Rhetoric of science, the theory and criticism of religion, myth and narrative, public speaking pedagogy Peter O'Connell, Ph.D., Harvard University. Ancient rhetoric and poetics, Greek literature of all periods, and Classical Athens Roger Stahl, Ph.D., Penn State University. Rhetorical theory, critical and post-structural theory, war and media Belinda Stillion Southard, Ph.D., University of Maryland. Rhetorical criticism, public address, gender studies, nationalism, and citizenship Bjørn Stillion Southard, Ph.D., University of Maryland. Early U.S. Public Address, particularly discourses concerning race and law Some Recent Faculty Accomplishments and Awards: As Researchers... Marie Hochmuth Nichols Book Award NCA Douglas Ehninger Distinguished Rhetorical Scholar NCA Golden Anniversary Monograph Award NCA Carroll Arnold Lecturer SSCA Outstanding Gender Scholar NCA Distinguished Scholar Award NCA Golden Monograph Award UGA Creative Research Medal UGA Institute for Behavior Research Fellow AND Over 50 Top Paper Awards As Teachers... NCA Religious Communication Scholar of the Year RCA Scholar of the Year SSCA John I. Sisco Excellence in Teaching Award SSCA Freshley Outstanding New Teacher Award SSCA Outreach Award UGA Center for Teaching and Learning Writing Fellow UGA Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor UGA Lily Teaching Fellows UGA Office of International Education Award UGA Sandy Beaver Teaching Award UGA Scholarship of Teaching and Engagement Fellow As Leaders... The faculty have held numerous leadership positions in regional and national professional associations. Some highlights: Member, Finance Committee, Southern States Communication Association Chair, Interpersonal Communication Division, NCA Secretary, Interpersonal Communication Division, NCA Member, Organization and Activities Board. The Southern Colloquium on Rhetoric Editor, Quarterly Journal of Speech Associate Editor, Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies As Grant Recipients... Our faculty receive several research-related grants from UGA each year. At the national level, we have recently received grants from the following agencies: Centers for Disease Control National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health National Human Genome Research Institute National Institute of Mental Health United States Department of Education Arthur W. Page Society
