About the Department
Mission
The Department of Communication Studies realizes the importance of theoretical, practical, and ethical underpinnings to the study of professional communications for majors seeking jobs in these fields, as well as for those planning to attend graduate or professional schools. To that end, the department strives to identify, develop, and offer both in-class and out-of-class educational experiences in such fields as interpersonal and small-group communication, rhetoric, forensics and debate, journalism, media studies, and public relations. This mission is carried out in a faith-integrated context with appropriate efforts to connect these areas with a Christian world view.
Goals
The Department of Communication Studies prepares students who can:
- Apply the basic concepts of communication theory and research to their life's work.
- Incorporate individual and group communication styles that relate to the achievement of their personal and professional goals.
- Utilize appropriate communication skills for solving problems, making decisions, managing conflict, executing change strategies, and promoting the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth of those with whom they live and work.
- Understand the moral and ethical implications of the communicator's responsibilities in the construction of social worlds.
Department Overview
The Department of Communication Studies offers two distinct Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication Studies and Journalism.
The Communication Studies major is tailored toward a variety of student interests. Students must complete a core of courses as well as complete courses in an area of emphasis. The four areas of concentration are: interpersonal and organizational communication; journalism; media studies; and rhetoric and public address.
The Journalism major offers an in-depth study of journalism and mass communication, giving practical experience in writing, reporting, editing, and publication production and management.
The department also offers a minor in Communication Studies.
To graduate as a Communication Studies or Journalism major, students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or higher in their major coursework. Any student participating in the department’s cocurricular activities (forensics, media production) must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average.
Career Opportunities
To enhance their career opportunities, students are required to complete a three-unit communication internship prior to graduation. Graduates enter professions in the media, journalism, public relations or advertising, law, education, communications research, ministry, consulting, and sales. Many will go on to graduate school in communications or to law school.
