College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies

Find Your Voice

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. As a Communication and Media Studies major, your classes will focus on teaching these two core skills:

  • Understanding What Moves People
  • Understanding Different Media Forms

Then, you'll specialize by choosing one of two different concentrations: Content Creation and Storytelling and Organizational and Professional Communication.

A student wearing headphones works at a music production setup with a keyboard and computer, concentrating on audio creation.

COMM Core: 24 credits

  • Introduction to Media Writing and Ethics
  • Introduction to Mass Communication and Media Studies
  • Rhetoric and Persuasion
  • Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
  • Communication Theory and Research
  • Communication Internship

Select one course from the following:

  • Role-Playing, Improvisation, and Performance 3 credits
  • Podcasting and Broadcasting 3 credits

Select one course from the following:

  • Intercultural Communication 3 credits
  • Communicating Data Visually 3 credits
Throughout my years at NU, I grew so much both academically and spiritually. The communications program taught me not just the textbook principles I need to excel, but also how to put these principles to use in everyday life in a way that allows me to reach people on a deeper level. The COMM department is incredibly collaborative, and I was able to utilize my personal strengths and creativity in a way that made me feel like the education was truly for me, not just a grade.

Sophie Parman ’25
Case Worker at Acres of Diamonds, a program to support moms and kids who are experiencing homelessness in Duvall, WA.

Concentration in Content Creation and Storytelling

Further explore and hone your 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 a wide variety of media forms.

Pursue career options like Social Media Manager, Creative Director, Media Team Lead, Content Strategist, and Technical Project Manager, while gaining a lifelong foundation in stewarding your creative voice for God.

Concentration Courses

  • Digital Storytelling: Worldbuilding for Media
  • Introduction to Creative Media Production and Technology

Select any 12 credits from the following:

  • Drawing for Design
  • Survey of Entertainment Business
  • Creative Writing
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Introduction to Design Thinking
  • Graphic Design
  • Survey of Design Methods
  • Survey of Audio Technology
  • Live Sound
  • Survey of Video Production Technology
  • Cinematography
  • Technical Project Management
  • Digital Video Editing I
  • Digital Marketing
  • Web Design and Layout
  • Web Development
  • Introduction to Game Studies
  • Stage and Film Directing
  • Topics in Film
  • Special Topics in Media and Technology (Distinct topics may be repeated for additional credit.)
  • Any upper-level ENGL literature course

Concentration in Organizational and Professional Communication

Better understand others for the purpose of leadership and service, and hone your face-to-face communication skills such as public speaking and active listening.

Pursue career options like Project Manager, Human Resources Coordinator, Case Worker, Proposal Coordinator, and Ministry Leader, while gaining a lifelong foundation for Christlike service to others.

Concentration Courses

  • General Psychology
  • Industrial Organizational Psychology
  • Organizational Behavior

Select 12 credits from the following:

  • Digital Storytelling: Worldbuilding for Media
  • Lifespan Psychology
  • Principles of Management
  • Leadership in Business
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing Theory
  • Business Negotiations
  • Special Topics in Media and Technology

Why Communication and Media Studies at NU?

A professor teaches in a classroom, gesturing while holding a mug, with a screen behind him displaying discussion comments.
  • Benefit from small classes where you receive one-on-one attention from professors who care about your success.
  • Learn from faculty members whose teaching reflects their high academic scholarship as well as real-world experience.
  • Gain a holistic view of communication by studying areas such as message design, interpersonal skills, and public speaking.
  • Integrate your faith with your learning in an environment that nurtures your spiritual development.
  • Put your learning into action through internships that offer practical experience with Seattle-area organizations.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Apply today to join a COMM program that fits your educational and career goals.

Request Info   Apply Now

View Course Descriptions

You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.

Go to the Catalog