Department of Communication
Messaging shapes everything, from social media to diplomacy
Communication is the study of how people share meaning. It’s about how we use messages — spoken, written, digital, visual — to connect with others, influence the world around us, and understand ourselves. For students studying communication at Walla Walla University, our classrooms are more than just a place to learn about the art and science of communication. Our classes, labs, and studios are gathering spaces where ideas flow, conversations are sparked, and lifelong friendships are formed.
With a team of highly skilled professors and adjunct faculty by your side, you’ll gain a competitive advantage. We don’t just teach theory and technical skills, we make sure students have the expert guidance, hands-on practice, and support to master the craft.
Student Spotlight
Stevan is a film, TV, and media major who attended the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. For students who are interested in studying in LA, this program, hosted through the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, provides a unique opportunity to complete elective credits with on-the-ground experience in the field of filmmaking. Walla Walla University is the only Seventh-day Adventist university that participates in this program and also provides on-set opportunities through the Center for Media Ministry on campus.
College Experience
What will your college experience look like as a communication major?
Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA): Explore the world and study abroad through the ACA program, and learn a foreign language that you can earn an academic minor for.
Film festivals: Attend annual trips to the SonScreen Film Festival, the Sundance Film Festival, and the International Christian Film Festival.
Honor society: Students who maintain the required GPA and satisfactory department standing are inducted into Nu Zeta—the WWU chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association honors society. This provides professional advancement and connections when continuing on into the professional field.
Internships: Strategic communication majors intern as content writers, and social media and public relations assistants. Global communication majors intern internationally in linguistics and public relations positions.
Career Path
What can your career path as a communication major look like?
The range of jobs available to communication majors ensures you can find a good match for your strengths and skills. Communication graduates enter a wide range of careers, typically working for organizations (both profit and nonprofit) including the Seventh-day Adventist church, educational institutions, healthcare, journalism and publishing, and government and politics.
Many of our graduates go into careers as public relations professionals, marketing and communication specialists, journalists for major magazines, social media marketing strategists, and teachers and professors. Plus, every industry now has a digital component. Whether it’s social media, content creation, email marketing, or influencer campaigns—that’s all communication work. So, even in industries you might not expect (like manufacturing or agriculture), there are communication jobs up for grabs.
News & Updates
