Prospective Students

The Department of Communication offers a broad range of courses in the following areas:

• Journalism—Introduction to Mass Media, Public Relations, Introduction to Print Journalism, Advanced Print Journalism, Broadcast News, Video Production & Copywriting, Documentary Film, Mass Communication Theory.
• Communication Relationship Skills—Introduction to the Communication Process, Interpersonal Communication, Family Communication, Intercultural & Gender Communication, Communication and Conflict
• Organizational Communication—Public Presentations, Task Group, Leadership, Organizational Communication, Political Communication.
• Research and Critical Thinking—Quantitative Research Methods, Analytical Skills, Rhetoric & Public Culture, Film Criticism, Political Communication, Rhetorical & Communication Theory
  

What our students have to say

“I am so grateful for my internship [with the Tulip Time Festival Office in Holland, MI.] Not only has it helped me to see how beneficial my classes at Hope will be to my success in the workforce, it helped me focus my goals. In working there, I have decided that someday I, too, would like to work in event planning or promotions. I know that it is something that I am good at and that I would enjoy. If asked by students what to do in their education, I would definitely stress an internship.” Krystal Beyer (‘04)

“I recommend that anyone—whether a Communication Major or not—take Media I. It is a fun class that teaches not only the basics of media, but also how to form contacts in the real world (that and you get to laugh at yourself all the time.) There are some research classes that can seem hard and tedious at times, but by a student’s senior year, [one] will have learned how it can be worthwhile to be able to look up just about anything. I find it very useful at my current job which is producing the morning show on WYVN in Holland.” Jonathan Cain (’04)

“As a stage manager, I am responsible for making the decisions of the design team and director happen on stage. This means that I have to keep constant communication flowing between directors, designers, and actors. I take notes at meetings and rehearsals, follow through with phone calls and e-mails, and arrange meetings so that we can discuss as a group. Then, when the show is open, I am on headset, calling the cues, telling board operators when the light cue or sound cue needs to run, calling for entrances or scene changes, and talking through any backstage problems. My job is communication!” Amanda Weener (’04)

What our alums have to say

“To this day, in most of my challenges, I am critically reviewing the circumstances using some of the thought processes I learned in [Rhetorical Theory] to try to come to a ‘just outcome.’ In fact, I would even argue that I review all challenges as they come across my desk to find out: 1) How the most ‘ethical’ outcome [can] be attained for all parties involved. 2) The most efficient way to achieve ‘point one’ once it [can] be identified.” Blair Farwell (’95) is the Director of Health Brokerage for Resource Brokerage, LLC.

“I find that in this job, like many others, relationships are how you build an audience, and with a company that is not willing to spend huge dollars on promoting every single DJ here, you have to have some tricks up your sleeves in order to get ahead. With that said, Interpersonal Communication coupled with the Marketing classes I took have allowed me to be graceful in most situations and able to sell myself to other people without seeming overbearing or just plain annoying.” Jon Hultgreen (’96) is a radio host and Assistant Program Director and Music Director for WSNX-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Studying communication at Hope College allowed me to put the things I learned in class to practical use in various campus organizations and activities. Specifically, working at The Anchor, being the publicity chair for Nykerk, interning with Hope’s Public Relations Department to put out it’s annual supplement in The Holland Sentinel, interning through the Philadelphia Center, and representing the Department in a trip to Japan. Hands-on experience is the best teacher, and at a small campus like Hope your chances of getting this kind of experience are pretty good. I feel that at a larger campus it would have been easy to get lost in the crowd.” Heather Mumby (’94) is the Publications Director for the West Michigan Tourist Association in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What can you do with a Communication Major?

speechwriter ÷ anchorperson ÷ politician ÷ arts administrator ÷ film director ÷ public speaker ÷ journalist ÷ communication consultant ÷ political campaign manager ÷ entertainer ÷ radio talk-show host ÷ communication statistician ÷ director of corporate communication ÷ lawyer ÷ mediation specialist ÷ publications editor ÷ public relations officer ÷ student activities director ÷ mental health professional ÷ linguist ÷ child language specialist ÷ nonprofit organization director ÷ legal communication consultant ÷ fund raiser ÷ developmental officer ÷ college recruiter ÷ language arts teacher ÷ government lobbyist ÷ media critic ÷ political analyst ÷ advertising executive ÷ media buyer ÷ market researcher ÷ script writer ÷ sound technician ÷ lighting technician÷ business manager ÷ communication researcher ÷ theatre manager ÷ tour guide ÷ minister ÷ recreational supervisor ÷ human rights officer ÷ political activist ÷ diplomatic host/hostess ÷ employment interviewer ÷ human resources manager ÷ health services manager ÷ hotel manager ÷ sports announcer ÷ sports publicist ÷ labor relations consultant ÷ parliamentarian ÷ media account executive ÷ marketing communication manager ÷ public information officer ÷ advertising account executive ÷ forensics/debate director ÷ community college speech instructor ÷ governmental press secretary ÷ reporter ÷ public opinion researcher ÷ marketing specialist ÷ community relations director ÷ customer service representative ÷ medical communication trainer ÷ community affairs liaison ÷ training specialist ÷ entrepreneur ÷ telecommunications specialist ÷ telemarketing manager ÷ legislative assistant ÷ public affairs director ÷ publicist ÷ university communication professor ÷ legislative correspondent ÷ high school speech teacher

Request information from the admissions office!