Bethany’s communication major engages students in the study of human communication. Many of our graduates are recognized nationally for their skills in video and broadcast media. Our graduates develop skills for communicating effectively with diverse audiences through the variety of channels available today. They have insight into audience analysis, are familiar with technology, are able to think about problems clearly, and demonstrate the ability to write and speak with precision and power. Additionally, our students consider the field from a Christian perspective, understanding what it means to be an ethical communicator.
Entry into the Major
A student desiring to enter the communication major will make a formal application to do so at some point following the successful completion of three college semesters.
Entry to the major will be granted based on the following qualifications:
- Achievement of at least a 2.8 GPA in all of the pre-major communication requirements.
- Successful completion of Major Admission Application and portfolio submission. Special circumstances may be considered by the communication division faculty.
Pre-major requirements should ordinarily be taken in the first two college years:
- COMM111 Fundamentals of Speech 3 cr.
- COMM212 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
- COMM230 Argument and Advocacy 3 cr.
- COMM240 Introduction to Mass Media 3 cr.
- ENGL100 Stretch Composition I 6 cr. or ENGL110 College Writing I 3 cr.
- ENGL210 College Writing II 3 cr.
Declaration of major process can begin here.
Core Requirements
All communication majors will be required to pass each of the following six core courses with at least a “C–” grade, while maintaining a 2.8 GPA requirement in Program Courses:
- COMM318 Small Group Communication 3 cr.
- COMM340 Rhetorical Traditions 3 cr.
- COMM389 Intercultural Communication 3 cr.
- COMM440 Communication Theory 3 cr.
- COMM475 Media Ecology 3 cr.
- COMM499 Communication Internship minimum of 3 cr. required
Major Electives
At least 33 upper division (300–400 level) communication (COMM) credits are required for graduation with a communication major. Students may with advance planning create “Areas of Emphasis” consisting of groups of three or four upper division courses focusing on a particular aspect of communication studies. Emphases may consist of COMM offerings combined with courses that deal with communication in other disciplines — these courses all count toward the 33 credit requirement.
Areas of Emphasis
“Emphases” (groups of three or four upper division courses also focusing on a particular aspect of communication studies) provide communication majors maximum flexibility in tailoring programs to fit their interests and needs. Emphases make the communication major truly interdisciplinary, since courses can be drawn not only from communication (COMM) offerings, but from other curricular areas as well.
Internship Requirements
An essential component of the communication program, fieldwork experiences (internships) provide opportunities for students to apply classroom learning in real-life situations, explore career options, and build meaningful resumes.
Communication internships are available only to communication majors (COMM499 Communication Internship). At least three internship credits are required for graduation and count toward major requirements. As many as seven additional credits may be earned as upper division electives.
Students who minor in communication and desire an internship experience should pursue one within their chosen major.
Communication Minor
The communication minor requires:
- COMM111 Fundamentals of Speech 3 cr.
- COMM212 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
- COMM475 Media Ecology 3 cr.
One of the following:
One of the following:
- COMM318 Small Group Communication 3 cr.
- COMM340 Rhetorical Traditions 3 cr.
- COMM440 Communication Theory 3 cr.
Six additional credits at the three- or four-hundred level communication (COMM) courses
To view the most recent course list and requirements for the Communication major, please consult the Academic Catalog.
Contact for more information
Student Stories
Hannah Thiesfeldt (’14)
Hannah, a 2014 Bethany graduate, currently works as an in-home Autism Therapist in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. WHAT DO YOU
Lindsey Dorris (’12)
Lindsey, a 2012 Bethany graduate, works as a legal assistant at Taylor Corporation in North Mankato, Minnesota. WHAT YOU DO
Cody Hardin (’11)
Cody, a 2011 Bethany graduate, currently lives in Bristol, Connecticut working at ESPN, Inc. as an audio operator. WHAT YOU
Anthony Miller
Anthony Miller – Class of 2014 – Major: Communication Digital Media Coordinator – City of Savage – Savage, MN Freelance
Communication Faculty
These faculty teach many of the courses that comprise the major. For more information, see the Communication Department page.
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Klebig HH 329 507-344-7334 | Professor | HH 329 507-344-7334 | |
 | Erik Lee | Adjunct Faculty | | |
 | Jon Loging HH 206 507-344-7420 | Associate Professor - Communication | HH 206 507-344-7420 | |
 | Sylvia Lohmeyer | Adjunct Faculty | | |
 | Derick Lyngholm HH 208 507-344-7384 | Associate Professor - CommunicationHead Coach Men's Soccer | HH 208 507-344-7384 | |
Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.