Majors & Minors

Communication Studies Major | Minor

The communication studies major is designed to prepare students for careers in communication consulting and analysis, speech writing, sales, organizational administration, as well as further graduate education in the areas of law, higher education, and ministry. The major combines practical skill development with breadth of study in the discipline of communication. If your passion for communication is broad and you want a solid foundation in many areas , this major is perfect for you. That’s why we have a communication studies major. You don’t fit into a box.

Digital Media Arts Major | Minor

The digital media arts–animation major is designed to promote breadth of knowledge in visual arts, graphic design and communication as comprehensive preparation for the field. Specific course work in traditional and digital animation provides necessary skills leading to entry level professional careers within the field of digital animation. Strong emphasis is placed upon critical thinking, effective communication, research and technical production.

Electronic Media Communication Major | Minor

The electronic media communication major is designed to prepare students for careers in radio, television, film and other careers in electronic media. The development of skills in announcing, audio and video production, media writing, programming, and management are features of this program. Students will also develop a critical understanding of electronic media and its relationship to faith in today’s world.

Journalism Major | Minor

The journalism major is designed to prepare students for careers in professional print journalism and magazine publishing. Students learn a wide variety of professional skills, from basic interviewing and story structure to advanced investigative reporting techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experience through the student newspaper and off-campus internships. Students learn to write news, features, editorials, reviews and in-depth articles, while also learning about press law, photo journalism, journalism history and professional standards and ethics.

Professional Writing Major

The Professional Writing major is a multidisciplinary major combining coursework in English, journalism, marketing, public relations and web content management. This major prepares students to become communication professionals who are able to write in several professional, organizational, and media venues. It includes a vast pool of writing styles and purposes, some of which lean towards the more creative side and others that reach to the practical side. The major also allows you to accumulate your polished writing samples in a professional portfolio so that you'll be ready to present your professional writing skills at any interview you go to!

Public Relations Major | Minor

The public relations major is designed to prepare students for careers in the diverse field of public relations. Career opportunities include media relations specialist, events planner/coordinator, press secretary, promotions manager, and marketing manager. With an emphasis on relating to the public, students learn to conceptualize and solve problems, gather information and conduct market research, think strategically, and communicate effectively through writing, persuasive speaking, presenting and interpersonal networking.

Theatre Major | Minor

The theatre major is designed to prepare students for careers in professional and community theatre, church drama ministries and theatre management. Students develop skills in acting, directing, design (sets and costumes), casting, voice, movement, lighting, sound, stage management and production management. Students acquire strong academic training while meeting the concrete challenges offered by actualized productions. The program provides numerous opportunities to be involved in campus productions, both on stage as well as backstage.

Find out more about Northwestern’s theatre productions.

Associate in Applied Science and Bible – Electronic Media Communication

This program is designed to prepare students for employment or further study toward a higher degree, with an emphasis is on marketable skills.