The Communication curriculum has three major components. All majors complete core classes in communication theory, media, public speaking, linguistics, ethics and critical thinking. Students then take advanced-level courses in a communication concentration along with classes in allied disciplines. The final component of the program includes integrative capstone seminars and individual internships.
All seniors produce a portfolio of their best academic and internship work.
Photography, graphic design and journalism add to courses in public communication, technology and communication, media, politics and persuasion. These studies prepare students for careers in media organizations and for media-related work in politics, journalism, public relations and advertising. Marketing, management, the sociology of complex organizations, sociology and psychology supplement advanced classes in organizational and group communication. Students in this concentration usually take courses in psychology, sociology or religion to support advanced classes in interpersonal, group and intercultural communication. In addition to graduate work in communication, career options include counseling, human relations, mediation, pastoral work, personnel and social work.