traditional undergraduate on campus

Interpersonal Communication

Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in interpersonal communication equips you to understand how humans relate and communicate in friendships, families, romance, small groups, church and work. As you hone your own communication skills, you’ll learn how relationships are affected by context, listening ability, existing power structures, conflict management, and verbal and nonverbal communication.

Program Benefits

Graduate with internship experience and a versatile and applicable knowledge base.
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.
Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.

What to Expect

As a student in Trevecca’s interpersonal communication program, you’ll gain a solid foundation in the study of how human communication works in all types of relationships, and you’ll become equipped to analyze and apply theories in different contexts. Your studies will help you develop and improve crucial relationship skills such as listening, empathy, trust, influence, conflict management and verbal and nonverbal communication.

Core coursework includes the study of interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, small group communication, social influence and more. You’ll also grow your presentation skills, learn research methods and improve your one-to-one communication skills in a variety of settings. This program culminates in an exciting senior project and a career internship, giving you the chance to gain valuable research and field experience and to establish professional networking contacts.

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 interpersonal communication degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you and your goals.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in interpersonal communication, you gain skills that apply to almost any field or career, including roles like these:

College admissions counselor
Conflict negotiator/mediator
Customer service coordinator
Marketing or HR director
Wedding consultant
Financial planner
Instruction/curriculum developer
Legislative assistant
Public information officer
Camp director

This program also positions you well for a variety of options in graduate studies.

"My experience in Trevecca's Communications Department was more than I ever hoped for when I adopted my major. My professors created an educational community that was engaging, educational, and applicable, and they encouraged and supported me through every twist and turn. I still have an incredible support system at Trevecca, use my major every day, and can see the things I learned in every interaction I have."

Brycellyn LaBorde Trevecca graduate

Interpersonal Communication

COM 2010

A study of two-person (dyadic) communication. Topics include: human communication theory, verbal and nonverbal codes, development of self-concept, perception, impression formation, and relationship development. Preferred prerequisite for all courses leading to an Interpersonal Communication major.

Credit Hours: 3

Principles of Intercultural Communication

COM 2025

A study of how culture affects communication behavior and intercultural relationships. This course provides a broad theoretical and contextual base that emphasizes intercultural communication competency as it relates to Western and non-Western cultures.

Credit Hours: 3

Business Information Technology

ITI 1900

Seeks to prepare students to use technologies that they will encounter as they pursue their calling in the world. Regardless of discipline students will need to work with databases, web technologies, publishing technologies, financial tools, online resources for Christian ministry, and perform research using computing technologies. Students will have an opportunity to explore and use these technologies in a project-based context.

Credit Hours: 2

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

Small Group Communication

COM 2810

Involves the study of theory and research of communication behavior in small problem-solving groups. Includes the effects of participants' personal characteristics and of situational constraints involved in small group interaction.

Credit Hours: 3

Language and Social Interaction

COM 3340

An examination of communication as symbolic interaction between human beings within social contexts. The social construction of interpersonal and societal meaning primarily through the use and influence of language is analyzed.

Credit Hours: 3

Nonverbal Communication

COM 3500

A study of the nonverbal forms of human communication. Special attention is given to the creation of meaning through such nonverbal forms as facial expression, gesture, bodily movement, use of space and time, voice, and environmental setting.

Credit Hours: 3

Social Influence

COM 4060

Examines the role of communication and human relations in the initiation of attitude change and development within individuals, groups, community organizations, and other cultures. Consideration will be given to persuasive theory, diffusion of innovations, conflict resolution, and the development of working relationships between and within community groups.

Credit Hours: 3

Interpersonal Communication

Program Benefits

What to Expect

Why Choose Trevecca?

Career Opportunities

Faculty

Course Descriptions