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Mission Statement & Learning Outcomes

The Whitworth University Communication Studies Department provides students with the theories and skills necessary for effective communication in diverse contexts. Working within the tradition of liberal arts, the department introduces students to theoretical, historical and philosophical assumptions fundamental to communication scholarship and practice.

The learning outcomes of this major prepare the student to:

• Be aware of the relationships between the theory and practice of journalism or speech communication and the student’s faith or worldview.
• Demonstrate writing skills required to excel in an entry-level communications- related job and/or graduate school.
• Demonstrate public speaking and presentation skills required to excel in an entry-level communications-related job and/or graduate school.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills required to excel in job, family and other contexts.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills required to excel in the intellectual, professional and personal dimensions of life.
• Demonstrate skills necessary to make and defend sound ethical decisions.
• Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively.
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of and proficiency with communication technology.
• Understand the history and theory of the disciplines of journalism and mass communication or speech communication.
• Understand legal and philosophical principles underlying freedom of expression.
• Apply communication skills in cross-cultural settings.
• Experience a communications internship that clarifies the student’s career goals and provides practical preparation for the student’s career.

The Whitworth Communication Studies Department offers a major and a minor in each of three areas: communication, journalism and mass communication, and speech communication.