The Whitworth Communications Studies Department offers students a range of opportunities to engage in academic research. All communication studies majors are introduced to quantitative and qualitative research skills in Introduction to Communication Research (JMC/SP 209). Students gain experience using social science methods, rhetorical and critical analysis, and historical inquiry. Students who have conducted their own projects, worked in research teams, or worked collaboratively with a faculty member have presented their work at the Spokane Intercollegiate Research Conference (SIRC).

The communication studies department offers a major and a minor in each of three areas: communication, journalism and mass communication, and speech communication. In addition, all majors are encouraged to take one or more of the following activity courses: Applied Journalism, and Editorial and Broadcast Practicum.