Chair, Department of Communication Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of Utah
Baldwin Wallace University is discontinuing the communication studies major and is no longer accepting applications for this major. View all active majors and programs.
Prospective students: Students interested in attending BW should contact the BW Admission Office at (440) 826-2222, admission@bw.edu with any questions.
Current BW students: The University is committed to "teaching out" and supporting all students currently enrolled in the communication studies major. Students should contact their academic advisor for scheduling courses.
OVERVIEW
Gain the analytical, research, writing and oral presentation skills that are in-demand by today's employers.
Baldwin Wallace's communication studies program combines broad-based communication courses with focused study in persuasive speaking, interpersonal communication, and organizational and group leadership.
Real-World Communication Research
You'll learn to apply textbook theory to real-world situations and gain advanced research skills. BW is one of a few colleges in the nation to offer an intensive two-semester research investigation in communication studies at the baccalaureate level.
Also beneficial to your studies is a required internship, where you can gain impressive work experience and important networking contacts. In your senior year, you'll create a professional portfolio that showcases your skills to prospective employers and graduate schools.
Small class sizes encourage close relationships with faculty and peers, enabling you to begin developing your professional network early in your career.
CURRICULUM
What You'll Learn
The communication studies program prepares you to do the following:
- Understand and become proficient in using communication in its various forms - interpersonal, group, organizational, intercultural, nonverbal and persuasion.
- Develop competencies in public and presentational speaking, written communication and multi-media production.
- Learn effective techniques for conducting, analyzing and reporting research.
See a full list of required courses and electives >
Communication Minors
You can complement your communication major with a minor in our newest programs:
- Social media production - an interdisciplinary program that incorporates writing, visual communication and marketing as tools to create strategic social media plans and tactics.
- Convergent journalism - a program that builds skills in interviewing, writing, social media, design and is closely integrated with BW's award-winning student newspaper as a learning laboratory.
- Other options for a communication-related minor include: film studies, media production and public relations.
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions, requirements for the major and additional information can be found in the University Catalog.
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Faculty mentoring is inherent to the program. BW professors and advisers in the communication studies program are communication professionals with decades of real-world experience. They'll work closely with you to help you establish key networking contacts in the field and gain the experiences needed to land a first job.
Student Clubs and Organizations
The Exponent
The Exponent, BW's award-winning, student-run newspaper, where you can hone writing, reporting, editing, social media and design skills.
Lambda Pi Eta
This communication studies honor society serves as a point of distinction for high-achieving students as well as a sponsor for a service-learning initiative through BW's Habitat for Humanity.
Wordsmiths
A group of creative writers who are dedicated to strengthening their craft through discussion and critique, mutual respect and support for each other in their growth as writers.
ALUMNI SUCCESS
FACULTY
Professor
Ph.D., University of Illinois
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Associate Professor
M.A., The University of Akron
Full-Time Faculty
Andrew Dohanos
Chair, Department of Communication Arts & Sciences
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Utah
Sean Gilmore
Professor
Ph.D., University of Illinois
Clare Gross
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Judi Lakner
Associate Professor
M.A., University of Akron