These major papers examined the aspects of theory, research and application in regard to mass communication through examples in each designated paper. As the portfolio title indicates, the methods analyzed throughout these major papers will first feature theory through an analysis of rhetorical criticism, then move to research with the literature review on environmental communication, and finally discuss application with a case study concerning the crisis communication efforts utilized by the state of Minnesota during the I- 35W bridge collapse. Each of these facets of communication were included and analyzed for their contributions to the field of mass communication itself. Through establishing the importance of theory, research and application in the context of mass communication, this portfolio provides insight into the educational foundations of my graduate program with detailed explanations into why each piece was chosen. In addition to this in-depth look into my curriculum, this portfolio also includes suggestions for future research as well as discussion on what lessons I learned through the completion of my graduate program.