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Communication Studies

A bachelor’s degree in communication studies offers the flexibility to design an academic path that fits your unique goals and passions. With a wide range of courses spanning interpersonal, organizational, film, journalism and theatre study, you can focus on the areas that interest you most, whether that’s preparing for a career in public relations, leadership, digital media and more. This customizable program empowers you to explore diverse communication contexts while developing essential skills in speaking, writing and critical thinking that apply to virtually any profession. You can earn either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree depending on your selected coursework.

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Program Benefits

Graduate with the skills you need to be competitive in a variety of careers.
Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience, and who make an effort to know you personally.
Tailor your coursework and degree to match your interests and goals.

What to Expect

As a student in Trevecca’s communication studies program, you’ll gain a solid foundation of human communication in all its forms. Core coursework allows you to study intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational and mass communication. In addition, you’ll grow your presentation skills, learn research methods, take part in a career internship and complete an extensive and exciting senior project.

From public speaking to journalism to theatre, this program provides you with maximum flexibility to tailor your education to match your interests and goals. You’ll work with faculty advisors to put together your own unique plan of study. If your coursework consists primarily of dramatic arts and public speaking, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. If you concentrate more on interpersonal, organization, mass media, or journalism courses, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science degree. No matter which path you choose, a communication studies degree prepares you to succeed in a variety of industries and fields.

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your communication studies degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Career Opportunities

With a degree from our communication studies program, you’ll have incredible job flexibility and earning potential. Your degree will prepare you to be successful in roles like these:

  • Social media coordinator
  • 6-12th grade speech or drama teacher 
  • College admissions counselor
  • Human resources director
  • Public relations director
  • Community engagement and fund raising director
  • Event coordinator
  • Corporate trainer
  • Account manager
  • Customer service director
  • Conflict negotiator/mediator​
  • Marketing director​
  • Curriculum developer​
  • Legislative assistant​
  • Public information officer​
  • Communication director in church or other non-profit organization

“What I liked most was the faculty in the department. Not only did they take the time to know each student personally, but they made sure we felt comfortable asking questions about the content. I felt cared for, and it prepared me for my professional journey.”

Claudia Huezo Ictech Trevecca graduate

Communication Studies Faculty

  • Portrait for Seth Conley

    Seth Conley

    Professor, Communication Studies


    Biography

    Seth is a professor of film and television at Trevecca Nazarene University. He teaches courses ranging from cinematography and editing to directing and screenwriting. He holds an MFA in film & television from Asbury ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for Jeffrey Frame

    Jeffrey Frame

    Professor, Dramatic Arts And Communication Studies

    Jeff is a professor of dramatic arts at Trevecca and teaches theatre at the undergraduate level to students majoring in dramatic arts and theatre education. He also teaches applied theatre, musical theatre and media studies. With more than 35 ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for Lena Hegi Welch

    Lena Hegi Welch

    Dean, School of Arts & Social Sciences | Professor of Communication Studies

    Lena is the dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, associate provost of traditional undergraduate programs and a professor of communication studies. She graduated with her B.A. from Trevecca Nazarene University, her M.A. from Auburn ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for Jeffrey Wells

    Jeffrey Wells

    Professor, Communication Studies

    Jeffrey has taught communication and theatre at the collegiate level since 1991. He rejoined the Trevecca community in June of 2016 after serving as chair for the division of communication arts and director of theatre at Oklahoma Baptist ...

    Read Full Bio
  • Portrait for JoEllen Werking Weedman

    JoEllen Werking Weedman

    Associate Professor, Communication Studies

    Jo Ellen leads the multimedia journalism program and oversees Trevecca's award-winning student newspaper, The TrevEchoes. She also serves as the communication director at a local non-profit. Before starting her teaching career, she ...

    Read Full Bio

icon-course-description-group

Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

Theories of Communication
COM 3010

Surveys the major theories of human communication. The study will focus on the origins, usefulness, and limitations of each theory for understanding communication events. This course will help prepare students to analyze and interpret human communication in all its forms (intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group transactions, organizational communication, public speaking, drama, and mass communication).

Credit Hours: 3
Advanced Public Speaking
COM 4000

Gives students practical experience in the preparation and presentation of the speeches that are usually required in business and the professions. Areas of instruction include speech making, oral reading of reports, and speech for radio and television.

Credit Hours: 3
Career Internship in Communication Studies
COM 4510

Intensive study, observation, and participation in various field projects designed and contracted between the student and instructor. Internships will be arranged in conjunction with the student's major. Maximum of 6 hours. Graded S/U.

Credit Hours: 1-3
Research Methods in Communication Studies
COM 4550

Introduces students to the most commonly used qualitative and quantitative methods of research associated with the discipline of communication.

Credit Hours: 3
Senior Project in Communication Studies
COM 4800

All majors in the Department of Communication Studies are required to present a senior project as a public performance. The project should relate to the student's specialized interest in the field, demonstrate his or her acquired skills, and be academically and vocationally beneficial as a culminative experience. The project must be approved by the faculty advisor at least one semester in advance. The number of credits is contingent upon the number of hours given to the project [40+ hours for one (1) credit; 80+ for two (2) credits.] Graded S/U.

Credit Hours: 1-2
Communication Studies Electives
COM xxxx
Any area at or above 2000-level.
Credit Hours: 9

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.

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