Communication

In these classes, learn about the behavior of different forms of communication whether it be psychological, cultural, professional, or social. Your classes are taught from a distinct Christian perspective. You will also be given the chance to pick three courses of interest that fit a vocational calling that you feel drawn to.

To learn more, you can also view the program strengths and learning outcomes for this program.

Dordt’s communication program will prepare you for a career in public speaking, journalism, public relations, filmmaking, and more. Our professors will teach you the communication skills you will use inside and outside the workplace.

Graduates of Dordt’s communication program have worked for businesses like Disney, Aflac, Wonderful Citrus, Radio FM Media, and more.

The career outcome rate for our communication graduates in 2021 was 100 percent.

A degree in communication will require students to complete six communication courses. Each student will also choose an emphasis with additional courses to take.

• First Semester Seminar: Designed to introduce the beginning communication student to some basic principles and thought in the field of communication. Offered in a seminar style, each week we will meet to cover key concepts of communication, such as the communication model, areas of communication, and preparing for a career in communication. This introductory course is designed for new communication students, but anyone wanting an overall understanding of communication and its principles will benefit as well.
• Interpersonal Communication: The study of concepts, problems, and responsibilities in communication between two or more persons, focusing on conversation with consideration of many variables and contexts.
• Introduction to Mass Communication: An introduction to the concept of mass communication and its application to electronic and written media. The course will survey the historical development of technology and the impact of mass communication on culture and society.
• Introduction to Journalism: An overview of how the insights and skills gained by journalists as they examine and understand the world can be used to sustain and build community. Students examine the reporter’s role and mandate in society, the current state of the news media, and how Christians can use journalism to serve the public good by helping a civilization confront its challenges. The course emphasizes doing journalism with practice in several types of creative but factual storytelling for print, audio, and video media. Students also explore the historical and cultural foundations of journalism and investigate journalism theories.
• Communication Law and Ethics: The course examines the legal roots behind the notion of a public media. Students will explore the laws protecting communication in the public square. Students will study the ethics highlighting a communication professional’s responsibilities in the face of these legal freedoms and protections. Paying particular attention to principles from a Christian perspective and using case studies, mock trials, and role playing, students will look at both what a communicator can do and what a communicator should do.
• Senior Seminar: The capstone course for all communication majors – communication studies, digital media, healthcare communication, journalism, and public relations. Students will research, discuss, and struggle with major issues in communication such as freedom of speech, media impact, modern technology, and the information superhighway. Students will be pressed to expand and refine their Christian perspective regarding communication with the study of the role and responsibility of communication in society. Students will examine current communication theories, research, and research design.

See the course catalog for more information.