The department offers a structured training program for teaching associates. The program helps graduate students develop the skills necessary to become college teachers in speech communication. Applicants interested in teaching should send a separate letter of application to the chair. Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's potential as a college instructor should be sent directly to the department chair. These letters should be different than those submitted to the graduate adviser for admission to the program.

The department supports a nationally recognized forensics program that emphasizes National Debate Tournament (policy) debate and individual events. Opportunities are available for graduate students to assist with coaching forensics. Applicants interested in working with the forensics program should indicate this in their letters applying for a teaching position that they send to the department chair.

The department maintains the Andersen Research Center, which contains all of the major joumals in the field. The Research Center also contains specialized research resources in the areas of concentration offered in the Department of Human Communication Studies.