Department of

Communication Arts & Science

 

We explore the many philosophies, theories, and practices of communication and prepare students for work in a wide range of industries and occupations.

 

Department Contact

Communication Arts and Sciences

Communication: the art and science of transmitting information from person to person. Being human is all about communication. We spend our lives communicating ideas, information, requests, needs, desires and entertainment. Those are exactly the skills we perfect in the four majors of the Department of Communication. Graduates assume leadership positions in non-profit, government and industry sectors; are employed as research analysts; or pursue graduate work in a variety of fields including research and law school. It's an art because most of what we communicate is a reflection of life: ideas, systems, desires...love. It's a science because the theories of communication manifest themselves in very concrete and technical structures: speeches, websites, press releases—even a State of the Union address. In the Communication department, we look at communication in several different ways, from reaching large numbers of people through public relations to reaching a small number of people—or even one person—through public speaking and interpersonal relationships. And we base all of what we do on serious study and research.
Majors
  • Bachelor of Science in Communication
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Communication
  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication
  • Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations

Clubs and Activities

  • Forensics—NNU's nationally-recognized speech and debate team competes in several tournaments a year, including IPDA Nationals. Students can compete in multiple individual speaking events such as oral interpretation, informative, persuasive and impromptu speaking (among others), as well as formal debate at levels ranging from novice to expert. There is an opportunity to earn academic credit for your involvement with Forensics and there are limited scholarships available. To find out more, contact Professor M. Brooke Adamson (mbadamson@nnu.edu).
  • Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)—NNU is one of only two universities in the state of Idaho to have a chapter of PRSSA. This group has the opportunity for developing their professional communication skills, exploring how what they are learning in the classroom translates to career preparation and networking with business professionals. To find out more, contact Professor M. Brooke Adamson (mbadamson@nnu.edu).
  • Lambda Pi Eta Theta Psi Chapter—NNU's Communication Honor Society of the National Communication Association. Students hold leadership positions, plan activities and serve the community. To find out more, contact Dr. Donna Allen (dmallen@nnu.edu)

Faculty

Dr. Donna M. Allen, Communication BA and BS and Health Communication BS Adviser (dmallen@nnu.edu)

Prof. M. Brooke Adamson, Public Relations Adviser (mbadamson@nnu.edu)

Undergraduate Degree Options

Communication, Bachelor of Arts
Communication, Bachelor of Science
Health Communication, Bachelor of Science
Public Relations, Bachelor of Arts

Faculty & Staff

  • brooke-adamson

    Brooke Adamson

    Assistant Professor of Communication Arts & Science and Director of Forensics

  • DAllen2021

    Donna Allen

    Professor, Department Chair