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Communication Studies Minor

Minor

With a communication studies minor, you’ll gain essential communication skills that can be applied to almost any career.

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By adding a minor in communication studies, you’ll explore interpersonal and group communication, public speaking, and communication strategies—and gain the foundational communication skills necessary to thrive. In today’s world where people are using technology daily, the demand for exemplary digital and face-to-face communicators is at an all-time high. You’ll develop the self-awareness to relate to and interact with others on personal and professional levels. And you’ll gain essential tools to serve organizations across various fields.

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Why should I study communication studies at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Communication Studies, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. 

  • Faith-fueled learning
    You’ll learn to thoughtfully apply your Christian values to the way you communicate in large groups, different cultures, interpersonal relationships, and media productions.

  • Customize your education
    You can customize your education to match your goals by adding a second major, minor, or endorsement. For example, a minor in gender studies pairs nicely with this degree.

  • A vibrant community
    You’ll learn in a dynamic academic department where you’ll develop close relationships with your professors and classmates through informal gatherings, tutoring services, and teaching assistantships. You’ll find numerous mentorship opportunities and the comm studies department is known for providing personable, comprehensive advising support.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

As you explore basic communication principles, you’ll grow competent in interacting with others on both personal and professional levels.

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Strong communication skills

You’ll gain the skills to help you communicate interpersonally, interculturally, in group settings, and one on one—all with compassion, integrity, and effectiveness.

Public speaking

You’ll become proficient in public speaking, equipping you to confidently present information and ideas in any setting.

Strategic planning

You’ll learn to develop and implement strategic communication plans, preparing you to manage public relations efforts and communicate effectively within organizations.

Communication analysis

You’ll develop strong skills in communication analysis, allowing you to critically assess and improve communication strategies.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop fluency in solid research methods, communication analysis, and public speaking that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors and minors. You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience—all in a community where you belong. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

You can take classes abroad through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. Many communication studies students spend a January in Thailand in the immersive study of intercultural communication and ethnic diaspora.

Student clubs

COMMentor—a communication studies mentoring program that works closely with BethelBiz—provides opportunities to connect with experienced professionals, attend career events, and build connections as you work toward your career goals. You can also join Bethel’s Public Relations Society Student Association (PRSSA) chapter and communication honor societies Sigma Zeta and Lambda Pi Eta.

Internships

You’ll participate in an internship tailored to your specific area of interest—providing real-world, applicable experience in the field.

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Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

With a communication studies minor, you’ll gain communication skills that are in high demand with organizations and employers. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in many different fields.

Adaptable skills for any field

Your versatile communication skills will equip you for nearly any job. Whether you pursue a career in healthcare, psychology, business, ministry, theology, political science, or art, you’ll be well-prepared for jobs where strong communication skills are essential.

Ready for advanced degrees

By pairing this minor with your primary area of study, you’ll be more prepared to go on to graduate school or seminary for a variety of fields—and communications. In fact, many communication studies students at Bethel have received fully-funded graduate assistantships.

Apply your faith to your career

As you wrestle with important questions and study from a Christian perspective, you’ll be well-equipped to glorify God in all your conversations wherever your career takes you.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions.

Department of Communication Studies


Location

Hagstrom Center (HC) 327

Contact

Ripley Smith

Peggy Kendall

Peggy Kendall

Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Ripley Smith

Ripley Smith

Professor of Media Communication

Bio >

Betsy Anderson

Betsy Anderson

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Jentine Arkema

Jentine Arkema

Teaching Partner in Communication Studies

Bio >

Nancy Brule

Nancy Brule

Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Christopher Shofner

Christopher Shofner

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Scott Sochay

Scott Sochay

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Jessica Samens

Jessica Samens

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Michael Dreher

Michael Dreher

Professor of Communication Emeritus

Bio >

Arthur Terry

Arthur Terry

Associate Professor of Communication Studies Emeritus

Bio >

158

students majoring in the department

150

students presented at regional conferences in the past 7 years

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples: 

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements