With a communication studies major: health communication emphasis, you’ll gain the relational skills to work with patients compassionately and effectively.
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
There is a widening gap in today’s healthcare environment between the knowledge obtained by medical professionals and the information understood by patients. You’ll be equipped to make a difference in healthcare through effective communication and support.
Healthcare-specific relational skills
You’ll gain specialized skills in patient outreach, education, and advocacy, allowing you to work with patients in a non-medical capacity.
Strong communication skills
You’ll gain the skills that will help you communicate interpersonally and interculturally—in group settings and one-on-one—with compassion, integrity, and effectiveness.
Advocacy and outreach
You’ll gain a deep understanding of patient advocacy, social outreach, and reconciliation. These skills will prepare you to work closely with patients, ensuring their needs and voices are heard, and helping to bridge gaps in healthcare access and understanding.
Research and public speaking
You’ll become proficient in research methods and public speaking, equipping you to gather, analyze, and present information in healthcare careers and beyond.
Interpersonal and intercultural communication
With strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, you’ll be equipped to navigate and respect diverse perspectives. You’ll learn to build strong relationships and effectively communicate with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
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.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
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 apply what you learn by participating in an internship at an organization within the healthcare industry, partnering with Bethel’s Center for Healthcare Excellence to find applicable opportunities and build professional connections outside of the communication studies department.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a communication studies degree?
By focusing your communication studies major on healthcare opportunities, you’ll open doors to working in an exciting, growing, and influential field. You’ll become the person you’re meant to be—equipped for a life of purpose serving patients and families.
Patient care
By studying communication studies with a healthcare emphasis, you'll be more qualified to pursue your employment goals within the healthcare industry. You’ll be equipped to make an impact in patients’ lives through outreach, education, and advocacy.
Health communication
With a comprehensive introduction to the healthcare field, you’ll be prepared for positions within healthcare campaigning, risk and crisis communication, health consulting, and doctor-patient communication.
Ministry
Infuse your faith into interactions with others and use your interpersonal communication skills for roles in medical centers, nonprofits, or as part of a ministry or missional organization. Through compassionate and effective communication, you can bring comfort and support to those in need.
Transferable skills
With a strong foundation in communication essentials and critical thinking, problem-solving, and public-speaking skills, you’ll be equipped if your career takes you out of healthcare to areas like counseling, education, missions, community development, and more.
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.
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.
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
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.
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.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
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