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Communication Studies

Communication studies is about saying what you mean—and building connections in the wider world.

Communication is central to what makes us human. The Department of Communication Studies prepares graduates to be skilled communicators in any setting. You'll learn how to critically analyze situations; communicate in strategic, compassionate, and culturally sensitive ways; and succeed in whatever career you choose.

Majors, Minors, and Programs

Communication Studies Major Minor
Media and Performing Arts Minor Minor
Media Production Major Minor
Organizational Communication Major
Social Media Minor Minor

Upcoming Events

JUNE 18 2024

Video Production Camp

Learn about storytelling using cameras, lighting, sound recording, and video editing.

JUNE 19 2024

Video Production Camp

Learn about storytelling using cameras, lighting, sound recording, and video editing.

JUNE 20 2024

Video Production Camp

Learn about storytelling using cameras, lighting, sound recording, and video editing.

Using Communication to Prepare for a World of Possibilities

What does studying communication mean? At Bethel, it means preparing for a lifetime of thoughtful professional and personal communication. Our students grow as confident speakers, active listeners, media gurus, organizational leaders, passionate writers, creative event planners, dynamic filmmakers, and more—there are endless possibilities and a plethora of customizable degree options to choose from. Through cocurricular opportunities in research and broadcast production, you'll learn to become a flexible and skilled communicator—developing your talent and professional judgment to open up doors in corporate, media, ministry careers, and beyond—and to make an impact in our world.

Students majoring in communication studies can:

  • effectively analyze relationships, conflicts, and group dynamics
  • produce strategic and creative messages that move a specific audience
  • lead, motivate, and manage
  • think, listen, speak and create
  • articulate the impact of media and technology on culture
  • build bridges between people of different cultures and different viewpoints
Communication students chatting at a table.

158

students majoring in the department

150

students presented at regional conferences in the past 7 years

Program Highlights

Practical classes

Communication classes are practical and personally enriching—with a variety of course offerings, all customizable to your area of interest. You'll find that lessons go straight from the classroom to the dorm room, the workplace, or your favorite social media site.

Student success

Our students regularly win top undergraduate awards at the Central States Communication Association and are highly sought after by graduate programs across the country. Students regularly receive assistantships that cover the cost of their graduate education.

Real-world experience

Communication majors have gained practical experience at a number of media outlets and prestigious organizations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including the Minnesota Twins, KSTP-TV, Target Corp., BellaGala, World Vision, YouthWorks, Eaglebrook Church, The Office of the Governor of the State of Minnesota, and Hennepin County Medical Center.

Hands-on learning

Study at the L.A. Film Studies program through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, or join communication honor societies Sigma Zeta and Lambda Pi Eta. Students also learn effective intercultural communication strategies locally in the Hmong and Somali communities and benefit from further experiential, simulation learning in the classroom.

Faith and learning integration

You'll learn to thoughtfully apply your Christian beliefs and values to the way you communicate in large groups, different cultures, mediated spaces, and interpersonal relationships.

What can I do with a degree in communication studies?

Communication studies students prepare for professional careers in a variety of industries and graduate programs.

Careers

Our communication studies graduates work in:

  • Event management
  • Recruitment
  • Social media marketing
  • Counseling
  • Management in nonprofit organizations
  • Youth ministry
  • Executive producing
  • Filmmaking
  • Life coaching
  • Training
  • Missions
  • Web development

Graduate Fields

Our alumni study:

  • Counseling psychology
  • Law
  • Seminary
  • Social work
  • Communication
  • Business

Graduate Schools

Graduate schools our alumni have attended:

  • New York University
  • Pepperdine University
  • University of Nebraska
  • Texas State University
  • Duquesne University
  • University of Virginia
  • University of Florida

Most of the students attending these schools received assistantships that covered the entire cost of their graduate education.