The communication process constitutes the fabric of human society. This relational process is woven into personal, community, business, artistic, and religious life - and into the dialogue among the cultures and nations of the world.

Critical examination of this process describes, interprets, and evaluates these relationships. As faculty in the Department of Communication Arts, we seek to assist students in becoming effective, creative, and ethically responsible communicators who can understand theoretical choices and design, express, interpret, and critically evaluate oral, written, nonverbal, and electronically mediated messages. Communication, as an academic discipline, draws upon the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and the professions. The Communication Arts faculty have multidisciplinary backgrounds that enrich the academic and cultural environment of the University and the department.

The curriculum is both conceptual and applied. Courses prepare for an in-depth exploration of one or more areas of inquiry. Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered in these areas: (1) applied communication studies; (2) broadcast studies; (3) journalism; (4) public relations; and (5) theatre arts.

Additionally, we offer a minor in advertising that is jointly taught by Communication Arts and Marketing faculty. The pedagogy combines lecture, seminar, production, and performance. The intent of our program is to guide students toward academic excellence and realistic career goals. Communication Arts at Gonzaga reflect the Catholic, Jesuit character and liberal arts tradition of the Institution.

The Communication Arts Department offers a number of opportunities for Service Learning classes, internships, a class in communication and cultural diversity and opportunities for broadcasting, newspaper, magazine and theater productions. Students are also eligible for membership in Iota Rho, the Gonzaga Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Honor Society of the National Communication Association.

Note: No upper-division courses may be applied to two separate majors and/or minors within the Department of Communication Arts, with the exception of COMM 305 and COM 364.