Hands-on learning is at the core of all our majors.

In any major or minor in the communication studies department, you’ll have numerous opportunities to apply what you’re learning, conduct research, and gain experience. It’s all part of how we equip you with skills that transfer to any career.

And you’ll be able to get involved right away. Bethel’s size and vibrant community present opportunities for you to get involved from your first day on campus. 

Study abroad

You’ll be able to study abroad through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. Many communication studies students spend a January session in Thailand in immersive study of intercultural communication and ethnic diaspora. For off-campus media production opportunities, you can spend in Nashville through the Contemporary Music Center. 

Internships

You'll have the chance to gain practical experience, explore career pathways, and cultivate professional networks by interning at diverse companies. Every year, our department places students in local, national, and international organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and top nonprofits, including:

• Allina Health
• Minnesota Twins
• KSTP-TV
• Target Corporation
• World Vision
• Eaglebrook Church
• Hennepin County Medical Center
• Twin Cities Orthopedics
• Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge
• the Office of the Governor of the State of Minnesota

On-campus work

Become a teaching assistant (TA)—the communication studies department typically hires eight to 10 a year—and work closely with faculty in a valuable opportunity for mentorship. The department is also contracted by Bethel Athletics to oversee the broadcasting and streaming of all on-campus athletic events, giving you the chance for hands-on production work. 

Career prep and connections

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. 

Student clubs 

You can join Bethel’s Public Relations Society Student Association (PRSSA) chapter and communication honor societies Sigma Zeta and Lambda Pi Eta. You can also gain experience through Royal Media Studio, an organization that focuses on creating media, and explore the broader clubs and organizations that Bethel offers. 

Faculty mentorship

Classes are typically small, allowing you to gain individual attention and mentorship from your professors. They bring real experience to the classroom, and they’ll model how to integrate Christian principles and all you learn into your career. And you’ll have opportunities to conduct research with them. Several communication studies faculty have won Edgren research grants allowing them to conduct research alongside students. 

Cultural awareness

You’ll learn how to effectively build bridges between people of different cultures and different viewpoints. By spending time and serving in local Hmong and Somali communities, you’ll have the opportunity to practice intercultural communication strategies.