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.
Student Stories

Noella Merchant (’19)
Noella Merchant – Class of 2019 Communication / Theatre (double major) Library Specialist II at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota What

Anthony Miller
Anthony Miller – Class of 2014 – Major: Communication Digital Media Coordinator-City of Savage – Savage, MN Freelance On-field Utility

Isaac Rice
Photo by David Norris Issac Rice at TCF Bank Stadium, home of Minnesota United soccer. Bethany alumnus Isaac Rice (’13)

Emma Kinney (’16)
Emma Kinney, a 2016 Bethany graduate, is a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan

Meaghan (Dahlke) Johnson (’10)
Meaghan, a 2010 Bethany Communication Major graduate, is the Marketing Manager for Hartfiel Automation in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. WHAT DO

Hannah Thiesfeldt (’14)
Hannah, a 2014 Bethany graduate, currently works as an in-home Autism Therapist in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. WHAT DO YOU
Meet the 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Jake Birkholz | Adjunct Faculty | | |
![]() | Angie Jahr HH 204 507-344-7734 | Professor | HH 204 507-344-7734 | |
![]() | Brian Klebig HH 329 507-344-7334 | Associate Professor | HH 329 507-344-7334 | |
![]() | Jon Loging HH 206 507-344-7420 | Associate Professor - CommunicationAssistant Professor | HH 206 507-344-7420 | |
![]() | Derick Lyngholm HH 208 507-344-7384 | Associate Professor - CommunicationHead Coach Men's SoccerAssistant Professor | HH 208 507-344-7384 | |
![]() | Kurt Paulsen HH 231 507-344-7732 | Associate Professor - CommunicationAssistant Professor | HH 231 507-344-7732 |
|
![]() | Steve Reagles HH 227 507-344-7338 | Adjunct FacultyErling M. Bolstad ChairProfessorProfessor | HH 227 507-344-7338 |

Associate Professor - Communication
Head Coach Men's Soccer
Assistant Professor
HH 208
507-344-7384

Associate Professor - Communication
Assistant Professor
HH 231
507-344-7732
- Images on Film
- Communication Internship
- Audio Video Production Basics
- Audio/Video Production
- Advanced Audio/Video Production
- Motion Graphic Design
- Editing for Film and Video
- Avant Garde/Experimental Film
- Video Production for Business
- Media Arts Capstone I
- Media Arts Capstone II - Exhibition
- Media Arts Internship
- Media Arts Independent Study
Communication Major Requirements
Program Goal
Human communication is the art and science of verbal and non-verbal messages. The goal of the communication major is to teach students how to consume and create these messages ethically.
Program Learning Outcome
Upon graduation, every student majoring in communication will exhibit the following learning outcomes:
- Presentations: Increased confidence and competence in public presentations.
- Relationships: Knowledge of the manner in which communication creates, maintains and transforms relationships and the ability to engage in effective and productive relational communication.
- Contexts: Knowledge of the crucial role communication plays in community, professional and civic contexts, and the ability to use communication behaviors ethically and effectively in various contexts.
- Diversity: Knowledge and respect for the role of culture and diversity in communication, and the ability to effectively communicate within and across cultures.
- Influence: Competency in the construction and analysis of arguments and discourse intended to influence beliefs, attitudes, values, and practices.
- Technology: Ability to effectively use communication technology and to critically evaluate how technology affects communication.
- Research: Competence in systematic inquiry, including the process of asking questions, systematically attempting to answer them, and understanding the limitations of the conclusions reached.
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
- COMM212 Interpersonal Communication
- COMM230 Argument and Advocacy
- COMM240 Introduction to Mass Media
- COMS101 Computer Applications
- ENGL100 Stretch Composition I and ENGL101 Stretch Composition II or ENGL110 College Writing I
- ENGL210 College Writing II
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
- COMM340 Rhetorical Traditions
- COMM389 Intercultural Communication
- COMM440 Communication Theory
- COMM475 Media Ecology
- COMM499 Communication Internship
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:
All of the following:
One of the following:
One of the following:
Six additional credits at the three- or four-hundred level communication (COMM) courses.
Next Steps
Do you see communication as a focus of your life and career? We’d love to talk with you! Schedule your personal visit today, or learn more about becoming a Bethany student.