Overview

A major in human communication at Trinity emphasizes the study of human communication as a humane, artistic discipline grounded in personal choice and contextual dynamics. Students study the history, theories, and research of communication, analyzing communication problems and solutions in interpersonal, small-group, organizational, rhetorical, and intercultural contexts.

Fast Facts
  • Nationally recognized debate program
  • Students work closely with faculty on research projects
  • Professional internships prepare for real world
  • Students present at leading academic conferences
Group of students meeting around a desk with their laptops open

 


What You'll Study

A balance of theory, analysis, and application


Faculty

Channeling their expertise

Human communication faculty go beyond teaching theory in the classroom—they help students develop their whole selves, from coaching the debate team to mentoring a research project.

Andrew Hansen
Andrew Hansen, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Associate Professor
Stacey Connelly
Stacey Connelly, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
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Kyle Gillette, Ph.D.
Special Adviser to the Provost for Expression and Civil Discourse, and Professor of Human Communication & Theatre
Headshot of Kellie Grengs 2021
Kellie Grengs, M.F.A.
Senior Lecturer/Costume Designer
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William Jensen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Debate
Rachel Joseph
Rachel Joseph, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
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L. Andrew Lopez, M.F.A.
Senior Lecturer, Technical Director/Lighting Designer
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Martha Peñaranda
Assistant Professor
Headshot of Roberto Prestigiacomo
Roberto Prestigiacomo, M.F.A.
Associate Professor
Nathan Stith
Nathan Stith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Erin M. Sumner, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
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Kathleen Vernon
Visiting Assistant Professor & Assistant Director of Debate

Student Opportunities

Step up to the podium

Scholarships

Students can be awarded Baker Duncan Fine Arts scholarships that recognize exceptional student talent in debate.

Research Opportunities

Participating in undergraduate research alongside expert faculty, students frequently make presentations at regional and national conferences.

Service-Learning

Students expand on what they learn in the classroom by participating in professional internships and competing in forensics events.

Student Organizations

Trinity’s nationally recognized debate program participates in Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) National Debate Tournament (NDT) policy...

Student Awards and Recognition

Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Undergraduate Honor Society


When You Graduate

Raise Your Voice

A major in communication prepares graduates to send the right message, regardless of the industry or graduate program they pursue after Trinity. Communication is ever-changing, and Trinity graduates possess the critical thinking skills and experience to apply the most persuasive and effective communication methods to shine in any field.

 

Careers

Good communication is essential in any path of life, regardless of field. Graduates may pursue advanced degrees in the study of communication or move into a specific profession such as education, law, religious ministry, or medicine. Others have used their degree to enter the business field in human resources, sales, management, public relations, academia, medicine, veterinary practices, theology, and law.

Career Areas:

  • Academia
  • Administration
  • Education
  • Human resources
  • Law
  • Management
  • Medicine
  • Public relations
  • Sales
  • Speech Pathology

 

 

 


Take the next step

Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.