College	Arts, Sciences, and Technology
Academic Award	Bachelor of Arts
Credits Required	122 semester credits
Faculty Lead	Richard Snyder
CIP Code	9.0100

Degree Requirements

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We live in a communication-oriented society. Our world is significantly influenced by both the personal and mediated communication of individuals from diverse social, political, professional and religious groups. Never before has there been such a demand for leaders with advanced communication skills and knowledge. 

Major Outcomes

Graduates with a degree in Communication Studies will be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective extemporaneous speaking.
2. Create effective technologically-mediated messages.
3. Evaluate communication practices, messages, and effects.
4. Recognize the foundational concepts, theories, and methods of communication research.
5. Articulate how Christian faith informs communication and media practices. 

Northwest University Communication and Media Studies Major Overview

The Communication and Media Studies major offers the opportunity for students to find their voice and learn to move hearts and minds—whether it’s speaking into a microphone, steering a small group, or crafting a compelling story for the web. Our graduates understand the strengths and limitations of a wide array of media, equally at home in low- and high-tech situations. Always people-focused, they are empathetic, confident communicators who deeply understand their audiences, using their robust, versatile skill set for God’s glory and the common good.

This program offers several advantages, including the freedom to tailor one’s course of study to future goals and interests. The core curriculum balances two objectives: 1) understanding how to move people to belief and action and 2) understanding media. Students specialize by choosing from two concentrations, each of which journeys deeper into one of these areas while retaining a high degree of customization.  

Concentration in Organizational and Professional Communication

Students who major in Communication Studies with a concentration in Organizational and Professional Communication seek to better understand others for the purpose of leadership and service. Likewise, they focus on honing their face-to-face communication skills such as public speaking and active listening.  This concentration is designed to support career options such as project management, human resources, social work, fundraising, and ministry leadership, while providing a lifelong foundation for Christlike service to others.

Concentration in Content Creation and Storytelling

Students who major in Communication Studies with a concentration in Content Creation and Storytelling seek to further explore and hone their digital media skills to craft compelling messages and move people to belief and action. This concentration allows great flexibility to mix and match courses in audio, video, the web, visual design, and/or games, moving beyond the broad foundation granted in the Communication and Media Studies core.  This concentration is designed to support career options such as Social Media Manager, Creative Director, Media Team Lead, Content Strategist, and Technical 37 Project Manager, while providing a lifelong foundation in stewarding one’s creative gifts for God. 

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