Communication

The Communication Program at Westminster University

Through hands-on, immersive projects, communication students study a wide range of topics, including public relations, graphic design, journalism, and technical writing. You’ll learn theoretical principles that you can transform into practical skills, creating professional-quality work to add to your portfolio. Every project provides another opportunity to approach communication from a new perspective, exploring diverse perspectives as a way to create meaningful connections across cultures. By the time you graduate, you’ll understand how to communicate effectively and confidently.

The communication program offers challenging, hands-on classes taught by faculty with expertise in professional communication, journalism, graphic design, mass media law and ethics, and branding. In class, you’ll learn to communicate in many different ways, studying everything from traditional media to digital communication. You can focus your studies on the area you find most interesting, while exploring your passions through internships and community-engaged learning with real-world clients.

Communication students may consider taking part in Westminster’s student news source, The Forum. Additionally, communication faculty provide tips for helpful student resources and information on internships as well as examples of portfolios Westminster communication students have put together.

Who the Communication Program Is For

We like to say that the communication program is ideal for practical people seeking creativity and creative people seeking practicality. Our classes balance theoretical study with hands-on creative challenges, so whether you see yourself investigating stories for the New York Times, consulting clients on SEO strategy, or designing logos for your next big rebrand, you’ll graduate with the skills you need to pursue what you love.

What You'll Learn in the Communication Program 

• Develop writing and editing skills applicable to various communication professions
• Learn basic layout and design principles and use a broad range of industry-standard software applications in applying those principles to the production of quality communication pieces for print and electronic media
• Learn to effectively present skills, interests, accomplishments, and abilities to prospective employers or clients
• Demonstrate appropriate attitudes, skills, and techniques essential for working as a team member and a leader
• Analyze and evaluate the historical, legal, and ethical contexts within which communication professionals operate
  
  

sample Communication courses

 

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Communication Career Opportunities

Communication is a versatile degree, preparing you for a successful career in just about any field. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in corporate and government communication, public affairs, advertising, public relations, event planning, technical and freelance writing, website design and management, graphic design, nonprofit work, and journalism. Other students have chosen to continue their education in graduate or law school.

Potential Employers

• Cottonwood Logistics Services
• Summit County, Utah
• Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

 

Communication Program Plan of Study

You’ll start by taking introductory-level courses, including Media Writing, Media and Society, and Introduction to Human Communication. As you move through the program, you’ll take classes in Business and Professional Writing, Organizational Communication, Design and User Experience, and Communication Law and Ethics. Throughout the program, you’ll have opportunities to customize your experience by choosing an area of concentration, participating in internships, and taking electives ranging from Public Relations Principles to Multimedia Image Production or Advanced Photography. To complete your degree, you’ll participate in a senior portfolio class with the rest of your cohort.

Concentrations

Multimedia

Dive into the world of graphic design, photography, web design, and video production.

Public Relations

Study the principles of public relations, advertising, communication theory and persuasion, and intercultural and global communication.

Professional Writing

Cultivate your writing know-how in classes focused on creative nonfiction, business writing, professional writing, and technical writing.

Liberal Education Courses

You must complete the WCore program or join the Honors College (and complete requirements) to fulfill your liberal education credits.