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Department of Communication Studies

Department of Communication Studies

Points-of-Distinction

Student Learning Outcomes Curriculum Maps Assessment Plan Use of the Evidence of Student Learning Points of Distinction Mission Meaning, Quality, & Integrity

Department of Communication Studies

The Department of Communication Studies is part of the College of Arts and Humanities.  The department is home to three major programs: Communication Studies, Organizational Communication, and Media Communication. Each major program offers the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Communication Studies – The curriculum of the Communication Studies major blends theory and practice as students learn to analyze, create, and deliver effective verbal and nonverbal messages. Students in this major apply tools for improving communication to diverse, multicultural audiences within interpersonal, group, and public contexts. The curriculum includes lower and upper division core requirements as well as a choice of lower and upper division electives. These electives allow students to customize course interests, preparing them for interaction in a variety of personal and professional roles.

Organizational Communication – The Organizational Communication major focuses specifically on communication in an organizational setting. This is an intentional hybrid major of communication and business. Communication is the primary focus as organizational theory, management, and leadership are taught and explored by viewing these ideas as communication phenomena.

Media Communication – The Media Communication major has four areas of concentration. All aspects of the media field are present in the four concentrations including, screen performance, production (TV & Film), film studies, and multimedia. The media major focuses not only on producing the media but also being a responsible consumer of the media.

There are five minors in the department including

  • Communication
  • Cinema Studies
  • Media Communication
  • Public Relations
  • Theatre

The Department of Communication Studies is a comprehensive department that prepares students for leadership in a variety of communication-intensive careers.  Our educational mission provides opportunities for intellectual discourse, leadership development, and spiritual growth in a supportive faith community.

Department Learning and Training Activities

Our department provides activity based intensive learning opportunities for students to gain practical hands on experience. These activities help our students impress future employers and graduate school admission boards.

Championship Speech & Debate Program:  We are home to the nationally ranked speech and debate team.  Over the last 25 years, the debate team has won five or more national championships and in Parliamentary debate the team ranks number 1 in a field of over 500 colleges. The team has a speech lab for extensive research and hosts one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country on our campus every year.

Internships:  Our department maintains a strong internship program, offering opportunities in a variety of industries including education, marketing, media, entertainment, public relations, and more. Many of our graduates receive job offers from their internship.

Point Radio: The campus radio station, Point Radio, strives to showcase student talent and creativity. Its goal is to provide listeners with quality music, news, and entertainment while inspiring the next generation of communicators.

Point TV: Our campus television studio gives students experience working in front of and behind the camera. Point TV allows students to use the equipment, technology, and tools used by industry professionals, and it has produced award-winning student films and television shows that have been screened nationwide. 

Salomon Theatre:  Salomon Theatre has put on more than 150 stage productions in the past 40+ seasons.  Award winning classics, as well as new and innovative plays, are produced and performed not only for PLNU but for the entire community.

Full-Time Faculty

Adjunct Faculty