Be the voice of Beaver athletics
Students provide play-by-play and color commentary on 96.1 FM WBWH.
Communication and Media Studies
Learn to communicate with truth, authenticity and authority
The average American consumes an estimated 74 gigabytes of information each day — roughly the equivalent of 16 movies. In a world full of content, how do you create something people actually notice, remember and respond to?
At Bluffton, communication students learn to turn ideas into impact. From crafting compelling stories and creating digital content to developing messages for different audiences and platforms, you’ll discover how to connect with people, shape conversations and make your voice heard. You’ll build the creative and strategic skills to communicate with purpose in a constantly changing media landscape.
Communication and Media major
Core courses provide a foundation in contemporary media studies and the traditional liberal arts elements of communication.
Competitively paid positions include internships and extracurricular activities. An FM radio station, theatre performances and an oratorical contest provide opportunities for you to put classroom learning into practice.
- We are moving into an age where storytelling is crucial and the thirst/need for information is ever increasing.
- It’s a versatile major with vast career opportunities.
- Prepare for careers in public affairs, media relations, higher education, communication research, political communication, public speaking, organizational leadership and more.
Transfer student
“Professors and coaches are understanding. They work with each other really well, and they all want the best for you.”
Kennedy Parker, two-sport athlete and communication and media major
Sports broadcasting
Andrew Collinsworth's dream goal is calling the game in a World Series.
“When I was a kid, I would just sit there and say something and then the broadcaster would say the exact same thing right after I said it.”
A summer in DC
“A big part of my job was to make policy briefs for the Mennonite Central Committee office, looking at bills, highlighting the most important parts and putting them into-non-government language.”
– Olivia Daugherty
Certificates
Human-to-human storytelling is more important
than ever. This certificate prepares students to
develop the aesthetic and strategic skills necessary
to create engaging and effective content.
Communication is one of the most sought-after
skillsets among employers — regardless of the
industry. This certificate prepares students to be
well-rounded communicators who can navigate a
variety of professional contexts.
Minors
Add a minor to meet your professional goals, to broaden your knowledge or to set your resume apart. For instance, a marketing or graphic design major might be interested in a public relations minor. A social work or psychology major might be interested in a communications minor.
Develop your skills in interpersonal and organizational communication, media studies, journalism and persuasion.
Develop skills in writing, visual communication, digital and interactive technologies essential for careers in digital, print and convergent journalism.
Prepare for a communication liaison and strategist career—in nonprofit and corporate settings with journalism, graphic design, marketing, analytics and crisis communication courses.
Studying theatre provides training and experience in many performance areas, including acting, directing, stage management, lighting, sound design and more. Participation in Bluffton theatre productions gives you a chance to experience all facets of theatrical production.
COMMUNiCATION FACULTY
Melissa Friesen, Ph.D.
Communication and fine arts department chair; professor of theatre and communication
Marathana Prothro
Assistant professor of communication; Director of general education
Be the voice of Beaver athletics
Students provide play-by-play and color commentory on 96.1 FM WBWH.