Communication Studies Department
Communication—from an intimate conversation with friends to a thoughtful documentary to a politically charged protest—provides individuals, groups, and communities the opportunity to navigate relationships, impact culture, and participate in democratic self-governance.
The faculty of the communication studies department at Luther College is committed to helping students understand, evaluate, and practice human communication in all its forms. Specializing in the areas of interpersonal communication, media studies, and rhetorical studies, the department encourages students to interact purposefully, create intentionally, and communicate eloquently.
As a major in communication studies, you will learn to
- Engage a range of communication contexts critically.
- Examine the ethical implications of communication practices purposefully.
- Apply communication theories and skills meaningfully.
- Write, speak, interact, and create skillfully.
More Information About Communication Studies
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), graduates with a communication studies major nationwide most commonly obtained careers in the following fields:
- Education
- Finance/insurance
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Management
The most common occupational fields among Luther graduates with a communication studies major include:
- Public relations
- Radio broadcasting
- Journalism
- Development/fundraising
- Sales (sales representative, retail manager)
Luther communication studies graduates are hired by diverse organizations, from marketing firms and small publishers, such as local newspapers or regional magazines, to national corporate institutions, such as Target.
Luther College aggressively tracks the career paths and outcomes of its graduates, from employment to graduate school to postgraduate service.
A high percentage of Luther grads continue on to postgraduate study. These are some of the communication studies majors or minors who have entered graduate programs since 2010.
- Amber Sorenson ’20, Kent State University, MA in Communication Studies
- Evan Lobdell ’20, MA in Communication Studies
- Erin Halverson ’19, MA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Kristen Carlson ’19, University of Minnesota, MA/PhD in Communication Studies
- Curtis Cook ’19 Creighton University, School of Law
- D.J. Simpson ’16, Minnesota State University-Mankato, PhD in Communication Studies
- Emily Gehlsen ’16, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master of Social Work
- Jordy Barry ’15, Rutgers University, MA in International Relations
- Brianna Clancy ’15, University of Oklahoma, Master of Music in Voice/Opera Fellow
- Nick Rauch ’15, Drake University, School of Law
- Jena Schwake ’13, Colorado State University, MA in Communication
- Sarah Thell ’13, St. Catherine University, Master of Library and Information Science
- Mikaela Belland ’12, University of Minnesota, Law School
- Katrina V. Sikkink ’11, St. Catherine University, Master’s in Occupational Therapy
- Susana Hansen ’11, Wichita State University, Master of Music in Opera Performance
- Jill Bohle ’10, Washington State University, MA/PhD in Rhetoric
- Jared Bendel ’10, Colorado State University, MA in Communication Studies
- Sarah Knoploh ’10, Saint Louis University, School of Law
- William Liu ’10, Valparaiso University, MA in Photography
- Heather Lund ’10, University of Northern Iowa, MA in Communication Studies
- Lauren Rauchwarter ’10, Clemson University, MA in Communication, Technology & Society
Communication studies courses are taught in Main and Preus Library. Faculty offices are located in the Center for the Arts.
Majors may also apply their skills as contributors to Luther’s radio station (KWLC) and the student newspaper (Chips), both located in Dahl Centennial Union.
The Communication Studies Department also supports a Speech and Debate Center, which serves any student preparing an oral presentation for a class, cocurricular organization, or outside group. The Speech and Debate Center is located in Preus Library Room 120 and is open Sunday through Thursday evenings 7-10 p.m.
Speech and Debate Center details (requires Luther login)
Also located in Preus Library (Room 100) is Luther’s Digital Media Center. This center combines a full video production studio and multi-station editing lab. Courses in media production are taught in this space, and it is available throughout the day and into the evenings for continued work on class or independent projects.