With a communication studies major: relational studies emphasis, you’ll study interpersonal, intercultural, family, and other forms of communication, while learning how to infuse your Christian values into the conversation.
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Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
If you’re considering a communication studies major, it’s likely you enjoy working with people. You’ll develop a myriad of skills that are critical to effective leadership, training, and service, preparing you to make a positive impact in any setting.
Strong communication skills
You’ll gain the skills that will help you communicate interpersonally, interculturally, in group settings, and one on one—all with compassion, integrity, and effectiveness.
Adaptable communication expertise
This emphasis covers interpersonal, small group, intercultural, and international communication by helping you develop the ability to persuade, initiate, and maintain relationships, communicate nonverbally, listen, build empathy and trust, and manage conflict.
Mediation
You’ll become confident in navigating conflict resolution and reconciliation. Your ability to mediate conflicts and foster understanding will make you a valuable asset in any organization or community setting.
Research and public speaking
You’ll become proficient in research methods and public speaking, equipping you to gather, analyze, and present information in a variety of fields.
Interpersonal and intercultural communication
With strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, you’ll be equipped to navigate and respect diverse perspectives. You’ll learn to build strong relationships and effectively communicate with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
Study abroad
You can take classes abroad through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. Many communication studies students spend a January in Thailand in the immersive study of intercultural communication and ethnic diaspora.
Student clubs
COMMentor—a communication studies mentoring program that works closely with BethelBiz—provides opportunities to connect with experienced professionals, attend career events, and build connections as you work toward your career goals. You can also join Bethel’s Public Relations Society Student Association (PRSSA) chapter and communication honor societies Sigma Zeta and Lambda Pi Eta.
Internships
You’ll participate in an internship tailored to your specific area of interest—providing real-world, applicable experience in the field.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a communication studies degree?
You’ll be prepared for numerous career opportunities that involve working with people. Your compassionate communication and mediation skills will enable you to serve and support diverse communities. As you become the person you’re meant to be—equipped for a life of purpose in many different areas.
Counseling
From college admissions and career counseling to conflict mediation and life coaching, you’ll be equipped to help and guide others through their decision-making.
Ministry
Infuse your faith into interactions with others and use your interpersonal communication skills for roles in medical centers, nonprofits, or as part of a ministry or missional organization.
Advanced degrees
You’ll be prepared to go on to graduate school or seminary for psychology, marriage and family therapy, sociology, and more. In fact, many communication studies students at Bethel have receive fully-funded graduate assistantships.
Communication
Use your communication skills to educate, support, and decipher for others through roles in community education, hospital-patient relations, and social and human services.
Business
Having developed the ability to persuade, initiate, and maintain relationships, you’ll be ready for business positions in sales, employee relations, and other leadership roles.
Social and human services
Leverage your relational skills in roles within social and human services. You'll be prepared to make a meaningful impact by promoting well-being and resolving conflicts in diverse settings.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions.
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
Accessible education
Tuition and financial aid
We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.
Become A Bethel Student
Apply now
You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
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