Bachelor in Communication

Why Study Communication?

Although everyone is born with the means to communicate, communication ability, like any talent, must be developed. The communication curriculum at Aquinas was designed with that in mind.

Classes demand thoughtful inquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and active participation. Communication is one of the fastest growing disciplines at Aquinas.

How We're Different

Effective communication skills are what employers seek, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Communication majors learn those skills in classes and internships. Aquinas communication graduates hold leadership positions in healthcare, law, the arts, education, and the non-profit sector. Four distinct communication major tracks are offered and tailored to career objectives, including a Business Administration and Communication Dual Major. All majors design and conduct senior research projects in preparation for top-tier graduate programs and highly skilled careers. Communication students can become State-Court Approved Conflict Mediators while completing courses for the major and minor. Communication faculty members serve on numerous Grand Rapids boards, including the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids Restorative Justice Initiative, and the Spectrum Health Institutional Review Board. Our faculty members advise high profile individuals, including state and national titleholders for the Miss America and Ms. Wheelchair America Programs. Communication is one of three Aquinas majors that can be completed at night. Faculty members have expertise requested by community partners, facilitating improvement in communication skills at healthcare, non-profit, for-profit, and education organizations. Other majors - Nursing, Sustainable Business, Language Arts, Sport Management, and Journalism - require communication courses, demonstrating the interdisciplinary value.

Major Requirements

Designed for students who want a solid foundation in the major areas of the communication discipline toward a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Thirty-eight (38) semester hours in Communication. Twenty-six (26) semester hours including: CN101, 205, 206, 285, 305, 307, 406, 498. Twelve (12) semester hours of electives chosen from: TE141, 221, 222, 223; CN185, 186, 207, 208, 212, 300, 301, 302, 303, 310, 311, 350, 360, 361, 397, 398, 399, 401.

No more than six (6) semester hours may be taken from CN397, CN398, or CN399. At least eighteen (18) semester hours must be taken at Aquinas.

Courses

• CN101 Introduction to Communication (3) PGC
• CN205 Public Speaking (3)
• CN206 Interpersonal Communication (3)
• CN285 Understanding Mass Media (3)
• CN305 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
• CN307 Small Group Communication (3)
• CN406 Advanced Communication Theory (4) SC
• CN498 Research Methods (4) WI
• TE141 Acting I (3)
• CN185 Introduction to Radio Production (3)
• CN186 AQ Sound Management Staff Practicum (1)
• CN207 Family Communication (3)
• CN208 Nonverbal Communication (3)
• BS/PS/CN212 Parliamentary Procedure (1)
• TE221 Oral Interpretation (3)
• TE222 Storytelling (3)
• TE223 Voice and Diction (2)
• CN300 Listening (3)
• CN301 Intercultural Communication (3)
• CN302 Communication Ethics (3) WI
• CN303 Principles of Persuasion (3)
• CN310 Special Topics in Communication (3)
• CN/WS311 Gender Communication (3)
• CN350 Crisis Management (3)
• CN360: Conflict Resolution 1 (3)
• CN361: Conflict Resolution 2 (3)
• CN397 Field Experience in Communication (Variable)
• CN398 Readings in Communication (Variable)
• CN399 Independent Project (Variable)
• CN401 Organizational Communication (3)

The close-knit educational environment at Aquinas develops students who thrive in all dimensions of life. Learn more, in our students' words about the Aquinas experience and the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community.

The Dominican tradition is two-fold: contemplative and communal. At Aquinas, we are committed to gathering for liturgical prayer nourished by God's Word and the Spirit. Prayer leads us into the deeper Truth needed to live out God's call for us in the world. We commit ourselves to a love of learning, both formal and informal. This necessitates an openness to learn from the most unlikely sources as well as tried and true scholarship. Aquinas encourages students to engage in service projects and service-learning programs. It also offers preparation for careers that will enable graduates to spread the truths that they have learned - "to make a difference in the world."