Communication Major (B.A.)

Whether one seeks a career in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, advertising, government service, community development, law, business, teaching, or the ministry, the ability to communicate is essential.

The communication major is an interdisciplinary program focusing on helping students become competent communicators. This involves the ability to analyze messages in both personal and public contexts, to recognize and choose among the various communication strategies that are available, and to use language and images to create messages that are sensitive to the audience and that help to solve real world problems.

Students can choose from one of three areas of concentration within the communication major:

• Integrated Marketing Communication
• Rhetorical Communication
• Media Arts and Visual Communication

Houghton also offers a minor in communication, consisting of 16 credit hours, and a contract minor in communication with theater emphasis (16 credit hours).

Many students gain further practical experience by completing internships in areas of interest. Because almost any type of work requires strong communication skills, communication majors are encouraged to take a second major in another area of interest. Recent second majors include art, Bible, Christian ministries, business, Spanish, writing, psychology, computer science, philosophy, political science, international relations, and intercultural studies.

The communication minor with theater emphasis is a cross-disciplinary program designed for students interested in the performing arts. The program provides students with experience in a variety of dramatic formats. Courses include Presentational Speaking, Oral Performance of Literature, Theater Arts, Modern Drama, and Shakespeare.

Houghton College communication majors have gone on to careers in advertising and public relations, marketing, journalism, radio and television broadcasting, drama, business, consulting, sales, law, politics, ministry, missions, linguistics, teaching, and higher education.