Program(s) Available: B.A., B.S., Minor
Are you a people person? Do you enjoy public speaking? If so, we have a podium for you! Northwest students can choose to specialize in interpersonal communication, organizational communication and rhetoric.
Strong communication skills help us respond better, speak clearer and interact more effectively with others. If you think about it, communication skills are a critical part of our lives. What would televised news be without the teleprompter? How would the White House press secretary communicate important information without a mastery of these skills?
Communication students may select the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree track. Minor programs are also available.
To learn more about each option, keep scrolling.
You've probably heard the phrase, "communication is key." We couldn't agree more! If you enjoy communicating and strengthening connections with others, this specialization is for you!
The interpersonal communication emphasis explores how people create, send and receive messages, and analyzes the ways in which messages affect the perception of the relationship. At Northwest, faculty focus on communication theory and ensuring students are efficient in public speaking, writing, group behavior, persuasion and interpersonal communication.
The interpersonal communication emphasis requires a minor.
Sometimes communication can get messy. That's where organization comes in! If you enjoy developing cohesive, organized processes of communication, you've come to the right place!
Students pursuing an emphasis in organizational communication study the methods of communication that people create, send and obtain in groups. Faculty focus on teaching approaches to effective communication within an organization, analyzing how communication affects the organization and exploring methods of communication that facilitate a high-performing organizational culture.
Let's be honest, communication is fascinating. The way we interact with others and decide how we react, articulate and create conversation is something to learn more about. That's what the study of rhetoric is for!
An emphasis in rhetoric allows students to critically think about how we speak and write. This is for students who want to reach a little farther in communication and ask all the "why" questions. Students will dive deep into courses such as intercultural communication, rhetoric of American issues and argumentation and debate.
The rhetoric emphasis requires a minor.
A minor is also available in communication. If you aren't sure which career path to take, a minor in communication is always a great idea!
School of Communication and Mass Media
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Career Ready
I’ve had five or six internships throughout my time at Northwest, so the profession-based learning outside of the classroom has been extremely beneficial. — Grace Niemeyer
Northwest's Speaking Bearcats forensics team has claimed 42 national championships since 2009. If you enjoy debating and traveling the country, you may consider joining this organization!
AdInk offers students the opportunity to learn more about advertising agencies and the skills employers are looking for after graduation. Students tour regional advertising agencies and attend a Kansas City advertising career symposium each year!
Knacktive allows teams of students to conduct market research, analyze data, write creative strategies and develop an integrated, digital marketing campaign for a real-world client. At the end of each course, Knacktive teams pitch their ideas to the client in hopes of being selected.
