Communication Studies and Practices

The Communication Studies and Practices major at Hawai’i Pacific University is a comprehensive program of study that develops the skills and confidence necessary to present ideas in various formats in a variety of situations. The Department of Communication and Media seeks to create an integrated environment for the study and production of communication and media content in both personal and commercial use. Our students study how to communicate effectively, ethically, across multiple platforms and with people from diverse backgrounds.  The program provides a rigorous curriculum in a stimulating environment that addresses the history, theories, mechanisms and techniques of communication.

Furthermore, students learn techniques and mechanisms for decoding both the ubiquitous messages of our mediated environment and other culturally specific articulations. In addition, students gain experience and skills in research, analytics and critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, speaking, and teamwork. Students will demonstrate dynamic, effective, and persuasive oral communication skills and be able to write clearly, concisely, correctly, and in an appropriate style for the communication objective. Students will be able to employ appropriate research techniques and analyze, interpret, and present data effectively, while demonstrating an appreciation of the global diversity of communication and its impact in the world.

HPU’s ideal location at the hub of the economically vibrant Pacific Rim means outstanding cooperative education, internship and career opportunities. Students have found careers and internships with a wide variety of companies and organizations both in Hawai‘i and around the globe. Students studying in Hawai‘i are uniquely posed to examine emerging and flourishing Asian markets.

Students who major in Communication Studies and Practices will:

• Demonstrate proficient academic writing skill, including careful control of Standard Written English and the ability to effectively, clearly, and persuasively communicate perspective and analysis.
• Demonstrate oral communication competency in a variety of contexts.
• Be able to both identify and articulate information needs, and to deploy the most appropriate materials and strategies to ethically address those needs
• Demonstrate skills in quantitative analyses, being able to interpret, compute, and utilize statistics.

Students who major in Communication Studies & Practices with a concentration in Communication Studies will also

• Demonstrate understanding of Communication theories and the ability to apply them to communication situations and media artifacts.

Students who major in Communication Studies & Practices with a concentration in Strategic Communication will also be able to:  

• Build integrated strategic communication programs in business, professional, and social environments, including; research and planning, rationale, and campaign implementation techniques.
• Produce a professional, entry-level Strategic Communication portfolio.
• Apply First Amendment, copyright, and contract laws in Strategic Communication situations.
• Build a foundation for lifelong learning and advanced education in Strategic Communication

• Application
• Transcripts
• Personal Statement
• $45 Application Fee
• SAT I or ACT Scores (freshman only)
• Letter of recommendation
• Resume

(Revised June 5, 2020. Disclaimer: Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment.)