B.A. in Communication Studies

 Do you enjoy leadership roles and public speaking? Are you skilled in persuasive communication, both written and verbal? Are you adept at identifying and resolving communication challenges? If so, pursuing a major in Communication Studies at Otterbein University could be the ideal path for you.

In this program, you will develop essential skills in organizational and interpersonal communication. Whether you’re aiming for careers in corporate settings, public relations, or education, Otterbein prepares you to communicate effectively and excel in diverse environments.

Guided by faculty with real-world experience, you’ll engage in hands-on learning opportunities designed to enhance your expertise and leadership abilities in the dynamic field of communications.

Opportunities in Communication Studies

  • Present information through various formats, including speaking and writing
  • Develop skills to persuade, argue effectively, and mediate conflicts
  • Think critically to communicate confidently
  • Analyze the internal dynamics of major organizations
  • Develop comprehensive communication plans
  • Collaborate with managers and teams to enhance organizational communication

Core Courses in Communication

  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Argumentation and Advocacy
  • Intercultural Communication

Student Learning Outcomes & University Learning Goals (KMERI)

University Learning Goals (KMERI): Knowledgeable

Communication Studies Major Goals

1. Understand the core principles of the Communication Studies field
2. Examine the historical development of communication theories
3. Apply communication principles to real-world scenarios
4. Gain proficiency in both contemporary and classical communication theories

Goals for Core Communication Courses

1. Define central questions within the communication discipline
1a. Articulate the importance of communication expertise in civic engagement
1b. Evaluate contemporary topics within the field.
2. Employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts
2a. Explain and synthesize communication theories, perspectives, principles and concepts
2b. Apply communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts

Multi-literate: Adapting Messages Across ContextsMulti-literate 

Communication Studies Major Goals

4a. Identify diverse audiences and adapt communication strategies accordingly
4b. Modify messages effectively during communication processes to enhance understanding

Goals for Core Communication Courses

4. Create messages tailored to specific audiences, purposes, and contexts
4a. Research, compose and present a speech to a specific audience
4b. Reflect critically on personal communication styles and their impact

Articulate the characteristics of oral, written, and mediated messages

Engaged: Analyzing and Influencing Public Discourse

Communication Studies Major Goals

5a. Evaluate public, interpersonal, and scholarly messages critically
5b. Articulate the qualities or oral, written and mediated messages
7a. Analyze and apply persuasive strategies to address local, national, and global issues
7b. Assess the influence of various forms of discourse on public opinion

Goals for Core Communication Courses

5. Critically analyze diverse messages across multiple platforms
5a. Develop strategies to influence public discourse effectively

Responsible: Upholding Ethical Communication Practices

Communication Studies Major Goals

6a. Evaluate ethical considerations in communication practices
6b. Articulate the ethical responsibilities of both speakers and audiences
6c. Propose solutions to address unethical communication behaviors

Goals for Core Communication Courses

6. Apply ethical principles consistently in all forms of communication
6a. Identify the ethical responsibilities of the audience and the speaker

Inquisitive: Engaging in Communication Research

Communication Studies Major Goals

3a. Formulate pertinent communication research questions
3b. Identify and apply appropriate research methods in communication studies

Goals for Core Communication Courses

3. Engage in scholarly inquiry to advance understanding in the communication field
3a. Identify and describe questions and approaches for communication scholarship
3b. Evaluate and critique communication scholarship from a variety of perspectives
3c. Critique and refine existing communication theories and practices.

 For more information or to get in touch with our department, please visit our Contact Us page.

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.

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