Communication and Languages
Linda Potter Crumley, Chair; Alma Alfaro, Lynelle Ellis, Jean-Paul Grimaud, Jerrold Hartman, Nancy Semotiuk.
Studying Communication and Languages stimulates critical thinking and creative expression, enhances language and cultural sensitivity, and helps students connect educational, career, and life goals. Students are prepared to enter careers or pursue graduate studies that use their talents to understand, speak, read, write, and communicate visually through a variety of media, becoming effective and articulate Christian communicators.
Communication study focuses on message creation, production, and dissemination—on sharing ideas that enhance community, create change, and influence audiences. Language study prepares students to engage in the language, literature, and life of other cultures. Global communication combines communication and language study to embrace expanding global opportunities in politics, business, technology and environmental issues. For students interested in treating communication disorders, we offer a program preparing students to pursue further coursework elsewhere in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Film, TV, and Media focuses intensely on teaching visual and audio communication. BS degrees focus more on a specific area of knowledge, and a minor is not required. Graduates often produce, direct, write, edit, and in many ways are involved in the creation of film, documentary, advertising, broadcasting, video, and other visual media. Graduates of this program may be eligible for the 4+1 Masters program in Cinema, Religion, and Worldview (see the WWU graduate bulletin for more information and specific course requirements) and are prepared for other graduate programs.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Digital Media and Design is an interdisciplinary degree answering the demand in industry for people with Graphic Design and Film/TV skills. The major selects the most critical courses for jobs in this area, drawing from the departments of Technology and of Communication and Languages. Students in this major may be eligible for the 4+1 Masters program in Cinema, Religion, and Worldview (see the WWU graduate bulletin for more information and specific course requirements).
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Strategic Communication integrates a strong core of communication study with skills in journalism, public relations, social media management, fundraising, and publishing. A minor is required. Graduates often take positions as writers, editors, fundraisers, public relations practitioners, communication specialists, or social media managers. They are prepared for graduate study as well and may be eligible for the 4+1 Masters program in Cinema, Religion, and Worldview (see the WWU graduate bulletin for more information and specific course requirements).
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Global Communication integrates knowledge of communication with language study abroad, an international internship, and a minor. With experience in international communication, graduates are prepared for careers as communication specialists in international and intercultural organizations such as global business, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charitable or religious organizations, foundations, media outlets, and international missions. Students in this major may be eligible for the 4+1 Master’s program in Cinema, Religion, and Worldview (see the WWU graduate bulletin for more information and specific course requirements).
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish offers a solid linguistic and multi-cultural experience, with a school year spent in either Spain or Argentina and provides a valuable insight into the Hispanic and Latin-American world including the Latino community. A minor is required. Graduates may teach, translate, and interpret. The BA in Spanish has also proven to be an asset when pairing with Healthcare pre-professional programs, Business, Communication, International Development Studies, and Education.
Associate of Science (AS) in Pre-Speech Language Pathology and Audiology prepares students for admission to Speech Language Pathology and Audiology at Loma Linda University and may also apply to other professional programs. A selective program involving sciences, general education courses, and communication-specific coursework offers graduation with an AS degree before entering BS professional training.
Minors are available in drama, film and television production, global communication, journalism, and speech, as well as in the following languages: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish. Most language minors include some time studying abroad.