 Jennifer King, a Communications major, interned at KING 5 News in Seattle.
CommunicationBachelor of Arts Degree
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 and professionals with advanced communication skills and knowledge.
OverviewCompetence in communication is fundamental to success in many professions such as human resources and public relations, organizational management, sales, conflict resolution and negotiation, government and politics, law, teaching and the entertainment industry. The major in Communication provides the student with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill his or her calling to serve Christ in communication related professions. The major is designed for aspiring servant leaders who seek to integrate their faith with their communication skills, creative abilities and appreciation of the arts. But, apart from the practical value of communication studies for future employment, the major also helps students improve their personal quality of life. Becoming an effective communicator is a process that touches every area of our lives -- both at home and at work and helps to unlock all other learning. The program offers many advantages, including the freedom to tailor choice of courses to meet student’s personal or career interests. After completing the core courses, students choose among one of five concentrations for focused study: Organizational Communication, Drama, Media Studies, Rhetoric and Public Affairs or Film Studies.
Core Competencies and ObjectivesThe Communication Studies Program seeks to enable students to develop:
Communication Major Core CoursesThe following core courses are required for all concentrations. Students usually begin by taking Introduction to Human Communication to enter the major. After completing the core, students declare a concentration in either Organizational Communication, Drama, Media, Rhetoric or Film. Each core course seeks to fulfill certain objectives of the major listed. COMM 2003 Introduction to Human Communication
COMM 2242 Interpretive Reading
COMM 3263 Small Group Communication
COMM 3503 Message Design
In addition, the student will select nine credits in communication studies of courses not included in the concentration.
Organizational Communication ConcentrationStudents who major in Communication with a Concentration in Organizational Communication focus on the knowledge and skills necessary to direct, represent, promote or serve in organizations. Drawing on the fields of business and psychology in addition to public address, the Concentration provides an understanding in how humans interact and function in organizations. Knowledge of the theories and practices of organizational management, leadership and promotion permits students to appreciate the complex processes of human relations in organizations through the framework of Christian faith and values. The Communication major with a Concentration in Organizational Communication helps prepare students not only for graduate studies, law school, or seminary, but also for a variety of public information related careers. Course work includes a practicum in which students serve as interns or assistants to organizational professionals working with pregnancy help, hospice centers, domestic abuse organizations, public interest, para-church, missions support, youth and other community organizations as well as political parties, campaigns or political actions organizations. Students pursuing this major gain a broad-based liberal arts education and acquire valuable personal and leadership skills - from self-discipline and confidence in public communication to decision making and conflict resolution and problem solving. The Concentration provides the ability to:
Media Studies ConcentrationStudents who major in Communication with a Concentration in Media Studies learn how print and broadcast mediated communication shapes our society. Drawing on the fields of radio and television production, film studies, web broadcast and journalism the concentration provides basic understandings and skills necessary to begin careers in mass media related professions. All courses are designed to guide students to think about media from the perspective of the Christian world view and to consider how media is used to fulfill the great commission. The Communication major with a Concentration in Media Studies helps prepare students not only for graduate programs in journalism or broadcast, but also for a variety of entry level careers with newspapers, magazines and radio and television stations. Course work includes work with the college newspaper as well as an internship in which students gain practical experience with area newspapers, radio and television studios. Students pursuing this major gain a broad-based liberal arts education and acquire valuable personal and professional skills as journalism or broadcast professionals. The concentration will provide students with the ability to work in a number of journalistic settings. In addition to the goals of the communication major, students in this program will:
Rhetoric and Public Affairs ConcentrationStudents who study Rhetoric and Public Affairs at Northwest learn how to design, implement and critique messages for promoting the common good in those areas where they are called to serve. Our civic and community organizations are in need of leaders and professionals who understand how reasoned discourse and persuasion promote solutions to problems. Traditionally rhetoric was a core curriculum for the Academy seeking to educate an engaged citizenry. Rhetoric is defined as the creation and maintenance of human understanding in order to foster cooperation among members of society. Students gain insights from the perspectives of political science and communication studies and develop practical skills, which empower them to make a difference in the world. The student will:
Drama ConcentrationStudents majoring in Communication with a Concentration in Drama will develop competence in communication with a focus in the dramatic arts. Such competence includes familiarization with various communication theories and practice with dramatic literature, theory, and history. The focus of the Drama Concentration at Northwest is on the craft of acting. Within this focus students come to appreciate human experience as presented in dramatic literature, with critique or analysis from a Christian aesthetic or world view. Students pursuing this major achieve a broad-based liberal arts education, with emphases in Communication and Drama, and so learn invaluable personal and social skills - from self-discipline and confidence in public communication to risk-taking and group endeavor. Competence in Communication with a Concentration in Drama helps prepare students not only for graduate school, law school, or seminary, but also for a variety of career areas including the performing arts, education, and the ministry. In addition to achieving the goals of the University, completing the Communication major with a Concentration in Drama enables students to:
Film Studies ConcentrationStudents majoring in Communication with a Concentration in Film Studies are introduced to the theory and practice of the motion picture industry and its critical analysis. The concentration depends on admittance to the Los Angeles Films Studies Center -- usually limited to one or two students each year. Students spend a semester in Hollywood for internships and course work. Other courses at Northwest University familiarize students with essential communication theories in addition to film analysis. According to the LAFSC program description: "Students who choose to attend the LAFSC are exposed to a true behind-the-scenes look at the work and workings of Hollywood, yet at the same time are a part of a Christian-based educational program committed to understanding what it means to be salt and light in this unique and powerful industry. The entire experience of classes, internships, and Christian fellowship provides the student with an opportunity to test his or her interest in pursuing a career in the mainstream entertainment industry." The LAFSC is sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities and is located in one of the primary film and television production centers in Los Angeles. Adjacent to Burbank, the LAFSC is within a few miles of Warner Brothers, Universal, NBC, and The Walt Disney Studios. Students pursuing this major and concentration achieve a broad-based liberal arts education, with emphases in Communication studies, and so learn invaluable personal and social skills - from self-discipline and confidence in public communication to risk-taking and group endeavor. Besides gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of film in our culture, the major helps students develop practical communication skills and improve their chances for success in graduate school, law school, or seminary, as well as a variety of communication related careers -- including the movie industry, performing arts, education and the ministry. In addition to achieving the goals of the University, completing the Communication major with a Concentration in Film Studies enables students to:
Admission to major, graduation requirements
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