WLC student presenting research poster

Communication Major

 Effective communicators create powerful and ethical media for our consumption, tell compelling stories, and engage in positive relationships. As a student in our communication major, you’ll learn how to build on the speaking, media, and writing skills you already have, while discovering how to pair these skills with various media channels, relationships, and professional settings.

Every aspect of your personal and professional life involves communication. As a communication major, you’ll learn, integrate, and apply communication theory while also developing your professional portfolio. You’ll participate in relevant, experiential learning projects individually and as part of a team.

Our communication major enables you to select areas of emphasis, including:

Communication Studies

Explore different approaches to leadership, leadership traits, communication styles, conflict resolution strategies, and non-verbal communication. This track provides a breadth of study in a variety of communication areas, allowing you to explore who you are and understand more about yourself while building diverse skills for the workplace.

Public Relations

The media landscape is rapidly changing, and there is a need for public relations professionals who can communicate persuasively and effectively across a variety of traditional and digital media. This track allows you to customize a blend of art, business, and communication courses to ensure you’re ready for your career.

Business Communication

Gain the skills necessary to effectively communicate in a business setting. This track provides a variety of business and communication courses to ensure that you’re able to properly convey your ideas, lead a team, and navigate complex business topics with ease.

Media and Journalism Studies

Explore the social, cultural, economic, ethical, and political impact of mass media, social media, and journalism, while gaining skills in mass communication and news reporting. You’ll apply critical thinking to issues faced by those in the field of mass communication and explore the link between mass media and American society.

Immersive learning and internship opportunities

As a communication major, you’ll learn, integrate, and apply communication theory while also developing your professional portfolio. You’ll participate in relevant, experiential learning projects individually and as part of a team.

Through internships with local businesses and service-learning experiences at nonprofit organizations, you’ll put your skills to work as you build your network of professional contacts.

In addition, you’ll demonstrate your communication competence through a semester-long integrative academic and service experience.

Businesses value soft skills - the interpersonal, communication, listening, and empathy characteristics - that allow our graduates to rise above the pack and immediately make a relational impact on an organization. We hear over and over from local businesses that our interns and graduates are among the best communicators they encounter.

Tailor your education to meet your aspirations

Our communication major and minor are easily paired with other majors and minors at WLC, allowing you the flexibility to craft a college experience that meets your career goals, while ensuring that you still graduate in four years.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll graduate from our communication program with a solid skill set that will help you succeed by:

  • Thinking critically
  • Engaging creatively
  • Listening actively
  • Writing persuasively
  • Speaking confidently
  • Leading with purpose

Our communication program is designed to be small enough to give you individualized attention from professors who are committed to your success. And, like all of our majors, the WLC communication program is rooted in a Christian worldview that encourages you to approach your work in the classroom and beyond with compassion and care. We enable you to activate your greatest potential.

Communication Advising Resources

Connect with Communication Faculty

Jessica Gehrke
Jessica Gehrke Communication Assistant Professor 414.443.8835 jessica.gehrke@wlc.edu
Aimee Lau
Aimee Lau Communication Associate Professor 414.443.8588 aimee.lau@wlc.edu
Michael Schliewe
Michael Schliewe Communication Assistant Lecturer 414.443.8840 michael.schliewe@wlc.edu