Communication, BA

Overview

Communication students focus on the development of analytical, speaking, and advocacy skills that allow for critical thought and practical application in the realms of interpersonal communication, journalism, and film. Through the process of learning to articulate ideas clearly through writing, presentations, and technology, communication students develop skills that enable them to assume leadership positions inside their respective organizations.

“The mission of the Department of Communication is to challenge students to become competent, confident communicators, bringing words of life to a world without hope. My desire is for students to embrace excellence in every form of communication, from virtual to interpersonal. The Communication Department endeavors to help students hone their gifts and talents to make a lasting impact for Christ.” —Dr. Lisa Dunne, Department Chair

Benefits

Communication students learn to become more competent communicators, gaining a full understanding of both the theoretical and practical underpinnings of the field of communication. Through their studies, they learn how to improve communication effectiveness across various contexts: in personal relationships, in the workplace, in group settings, and between and within various cultures.

Many people who study communication find themselves being offered leadership positions in their chosen fields. Why? Communication pervades our lives, and those who understand the process of healthy human interaction will be successful in knowing how to make these processes more effective, regardless of the organizational context.

Here are just some of the many careers to which students of communication can aspire:

Corporate/Management Consulting
Technical Writing
College Administration
Pastor/Youth Pastor
Law
Political Speech Writing
Video Production
Training and Development
Missionary Work
Human Resources
Education
Professional Speaking
Radio Production
Political Advisor
Organizational Assessment and Improvement
Management
Sales
Event Planning
Mediation
Marketing
Public Relations
Entertainment Promotion
Human Resource Management
College Recruiting
Broadcast Journalism
Field Reporting
Film Production and Direction

Program Details

The major in Communication is an interdisciplinary curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. It seeks to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the nature of human communication, the symbolic systems by which it functions, the environments in which it occurs, and its impact on society. Employing critical and empirical approaches, the major draws its resources from the social sciences, humanities, and the fine arts.

For a complete view of courses and descriptions, please click here.

SDC offers several concentrations within the communication degree:

JOURNALISM

This concentration provides students with the foundational skills needed for news reporting and broadcast journalism. Working with seasoned professionals from the journalism field, students gain interviewing, reporting, writing, editing, and production experience that prepares them for contributing positive and meaningful story content to a culture inundated by trivia and negative news.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

This concentration provides students with a deeper understanding of the challenges and demands of interpersonal communication. By learning to navigate both the theoretical and practical constructs of relational dynamics, students are equipped to provide support and interpersonal healing to the challenges within their personal and professional relationships.

FILM AND MEDIA

In this concentration, students have the opportunity to learn from film and media professionals on screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, marketing, distribution, and advanced storytelling techniques. Additionally, students can become drone certified, providing them with the skills and clearance needed to utilize unmanned air systems for film, television, web, and commercial productions.

Check out our department FB group.

Faculty

Lisa Dunne, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Communication

B.A., Thomas Edison State College
M.A., Regent University
M.A., Fielding Graduate University
Ph.D., Fielding Graduate University
Dean of Social Sciences
Department Chair, Communication

For the last 18 years, Dr. Dunne has taught at the college and university levels in the fields of communication and psychology. Dr. Dunne is the author of several books, including Emerge: Cracking the Cocoon of Media Socialization, SHIFT: Creating Cultural Change, Numb, co-authored with Pastor Francis Anfuso, and Relating through the Lifespan. Her most recent release is The Multigenerational Marketplace, a primer on creating workplace cultures of value and engagement.

Marc Hutchins
Instructor, Film & Media Studies

B.S., University of Florida
M.F.A., Full Sail University

Marc Hutchins is an award-winning director and the founder of Alexander Films, a full-service production company specializing in narrative storytelling. He currently has two feature films streaming and two in international distribution. His recent releases include the police drama Crossing Streets and a romantic comedy Where Are You, Bobby Browning? In his role at SDC, Hutchins oversees the film and media degree in the Department of Communication, training students in directing, producing, lighting, cinematography, marketing, distribution, and advanced storytelling techniques.

Other Faculty

Other faculty who contribute to our department are:

Renee Kohn, Journalism and Interpersonal Communication
Colin McDonald, Communication Law
Karla Rivera, Journalism
Philip Van Saun, Crisis Communication and Ethics

Alumni Success

“Being well-written and well-spoken are two of the most important qualities to have in the work world, and the Communication department at SDC gave me the tools and instruction I needed to strengthen both areas. Not only that, the underlying foundation of a biblical worldview showed me the importance of building healthy relationships to increase effective communication in our interactions with others. The smaller class sizes made for a great learning environment in which everyone knew and supported each other, wanting everyone to succeed. The department head, Dr. Lisa Dunne, knew each student by name, and she cared for and encouraged us in such a way that success was inevitable! I am forever grateful for the friendships and connections I made during my time at SDC.” — Dominique Omari Watkins, 2017

“The communication department has developed much more than my knowledge in the art of communication and my ability to practice it. I learned about the importance and necessity of community and proper mentorship. Having smaller class sizes provides a natural format for discussion-based learning where you are able to personally engage with your professor and hear from the perspective of each of your classmates, giving you an overall balanced and deeper understanding of each topic addressed.” — Chandler Corzine, 2016

“If ever a cliché rang true in my life it would be, ‘With great freedom, comes great responsibility.’ And growing into a young adult who has formed, and continues to form, her personal convictions, is exactly what my four years at San Diego Christian have taught me…SDC was a huge stepping-stone in teaching me about myself and who I truly want to be in life. I have had the opportunity to develop both the work and life skills I need in order to continue growing.”— Veronica Martinez, 2015

“During my time at SDC, I became very involved in the school and local ministry. I competed as captain of the speech and debate team, was the Communication Teaching Assistant, and served as president of Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for communication majors…Since graduating from SDC, I have been working at Pratt and Whitney as a Material Program Manager. Additionally, I am currently interning for Avion Consulting, and researching for an upcoming book on leadership. I am currently studying for the GMAT and plan to pursue an MBA.” — David Diaso, 2014

“The study and practice of law demands an ability to articulate clearly and concisely, both in the written and spoken word. An accomplished advocate is able to recognize truth, organize thoughts, and present those thoughts in a persuasive manner. I have full confidence that no other life experience prepared me as well for the practice of law than my time in speech and debate as a communication major at San Diego Christian College. This activity forced me to articulate my thoughts, to find my voice, and to recognize truth from fiction. Because of this, I am a more capable advocate.” — Colin McDonald, 2009

“Studying communication at SDC gave me the preparation I needed to be successful in my graduate studies by equipping me with the tools to effectively communicate my thoughts and ideas, while also teaching me how to develop and utilize critical thinking skills. My professors inspired and motivated me to strive for excellence, preparing me to feel competent in interacting with the world around me while connecting the Gospel to everything I do.” — Esther Pulcipher, 2005

COURSE CATALOG