Communication FAQs

How can I develop my interest in Journalism? 

Students interested in pursuing a career in Journalism have several options. The Journalism Certificate provides an overall educational experience designed to prepare students for graduate school or entry-level positions. Students also can pursue Journalism through the Media Studies concentration of the Communication Major, which includes courses in Journalism (COMM 215), Media Performance (COMM 242) and Writing for Media (COMM 343). Internships (COMM 496) develop field-specific training in newspaper writing and editing, magazine publication, marketing and public relations, advertising agencies, television studios, web design and corporate communications. Occasional department lectures, site visits, classes and chapels feature guests with journalistic backgrounds.

The Record, a student-produced, weekly campus newspaper, provides opportunities in news writing, feature writing, sports writing, editing, photography, graphic design, layout and copywriting. For more information, please visit The Record's web siteemail The Record or contact Tim Morgan.

For more opportunities in Journalism, consider the Washington Journalism  Consortium Program. This is an excellent off-campus experience that provides course credits toward Wheaton’s Journalism Certificate.

Where is the Communication Department Office? 

The Communication Department offices are located on the second floor of Billy Graham Hall. To reach the offices, take the stairs or elevator located to the right of the entrance to Barrows Auditorium. On reaching the second floor the offices are on the left before reaching the graduate school commons.

How do I declare a Major in Communication?

Some students are already definite in the major they want to study when they enter college, but most students declare their major at the Spring advising sessions of their Freshman Year.  It is beneficial to indicate your interest in studying Communication on your application prior to arrival at Wheaton in order to be paired with an advisor from the Communication Department.  Students may declare a major at any time by completing a major change application form, and submitting it to their Department Office Coordinator, with the approval of their current advisor.  For more information about Major declaration and change, visit Wheaton's Office of the Registrar.