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Offered On-Campus

Offered Online

BACHELOR OF ARTS | COMMUNICATION ARTS

Overview

The Communication Arts program encompasses multiple facets of communication, such as digital media, dramatic productions, photography, speech, and technical theatre, but the degree isn’t just about learning marketable skills. As a Communication Arts major, you will gain experience in written, visual, and oral communication as part of a well-rounded program that will teach you the importance of representing Christ in how you communicate.

Our culture is in great need of talented and tech-savvy Christians who are passionate about excellence and truth in their career fields. Our desire is to see you enjoy and excel in your communication skills as you become qualified for a career in the communications industry.

Whether your strengths lie behind the scenes or in front of a crowd, a Communication Arts degree will provide you with hands-on experience, as well as a wide range of career and ministry opportunities.

Details

Our Communication Arts students can specialize in dramatic productions, speech, technical theatre, digital media, or photography—all of which help students reach their full creative potential while receiving a well-rounded, hands-on education, all within the framework of a biblical worldview.

Students studying in these creative fields will be prepared to serve the needs of a growing presentation industry focused on creating and delivering messages for the greatest impact possible. The prevailing need today is for skilled artists who are able to collaborate across fields and clearly articulate their ideas. Communication Arts combines these skills in one cohesive major.

In addition to enjoying coursework within their chosen specialization, students enroll in a wide range of other courses, visual and oral communication courses or media and photography courses, enabling them to prepare and present ideas effectively.

Suggested Course Schedule

Semester 1

Old Testament Survey (3)
Website Design 1 (3)
Introduction to Online Communications (3)
English Composition 1 (3)
Fundamentals of Public Speaking (2)
Music Elective (2)

Total Credits: 16

Semester 2

New Testament Survey (3)
Visual Communications (3)
Introduction to Humanities (3)
English Composition 2 (3)
Communication Arts Elective (3)

Total Credits: 15

Semester 1

Digital Imaging (3)
Journalism (3)
Christian Life, Leadership, and Evangelism (3)
The Modern World (3)
Math or Science Elective (3)
Minor (3)

Total Credits: 18

Semester 2

Persuasion (2)
Baptist Heritage (3)
Communication Arts Electives (6)
Minor (3)
Open Elective (3)

Total Credits: 17

Semester 1

Communication Arts Electives (6)
Bible Doctrine 1 or 2 (3)
American Studies Elective (3)
Literature Elective (3)
Minor (3)

Total Credits: 18

Semester 2

Media Studies (3)
Bible Doctrine 1 or 2 (3)
Communication Arts Elective (3)
Humanities Elective (3)
Minor (3)

Total Credits: 15

Semester 1

Communications Senior Capstone Prep* (1)
Communication Arts Elective (3)
Bible Elective (3)
Math or Science Elective (3)
Open Elective (3)
Minor (3)

Total Credits: 15/16

Semester 2

Communications Senior Capstone
    Presentation OR Internship* (2/3)
Apologetics (2)
Bible Elective (3)
Open Elective (3)
Minor (3)

Total Credits: 13/14

*Choose either Capstone Prep/Presentation or Internship

Program Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate high-level communication skills, especially in their chosen specializied area.
  • Students will demonstrate increased levels of media literacy and active awareness of the impact media have on our lives and culture.
  • Students will be prepared to make informed, meaningful, and ethical choices as receivers of messages and professional-level producers of messengers.
  • Students will develop visual or physical products that demonstrate aesthetic quality.
  • Students will articulate the Scriptural worldview governing their works within the field of communication arts.

Amelia Graham Internship Experience

Clayton Steuerwald Internship Experience

Opportunities for Non-Majors

One of the many unique things about Maranatha is the opportunity for non-major students to be involved with individual courses and student productions on campus. Beyond these opportunities, all students also have the chance to take part in student projects as actors and crew, work on stage or audio crew, assistant direct, volunteer in makeup and costuming, or volunteer in camera operating and video editing.

At MBU, we believe that drama, digital media, and photography offer not only a versatile way to communicate and connect with our culture, but also an ongoing process of discipling a person to use their art as a stewardship of God’s gifts to them. Maranatha offers these opportunities to all students as an avenue for reflecting our Creator, reinforcing biblical truth, and presenting a Christian worldview in thought-provoking ways.

Alumni Spotlight

Bridger (’17) and Hannah (Pill, ’13, ’15) Buchi
Bridger (’17) and Hannah (Pill, ’13, ’15) Buchi live in South Bend, IN. Hannah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and then with a master’s in Intercultural Studies. She currently works as a project coordinator for the audio/video team at Revive Our Hearts, the ministry of author Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. Bridger received his bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and is now employed as a field technician for Allegro, a home automation and entertainment system company. “Both my undergrad and grad school experiences at MBU taught me to evaluate cultural values, art, and belief systems based on Scripture,” Hannah says. Bridger adds, “My major, coupled with the leadership opportunities I was given as an RA and Dorm Sup, greatly challenged me to become a more effective communicator in my sphere of influence.”

Kylee Zempel (’18)

Kylee Zempel (’18) graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts: Speech and an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. Since MBU, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked at National Geographic as a travel editor. She now works as a magazine copy editor at the Washington Examiner, and freelances political commentary on the side. Kylee adds, “Current students should be always seeking ways to make themselves marketable candidates for future jobs, and to that I say: Internships, internships, internships. But also look for opportunities even on campus. Interested in journalism? Become an MBU news writer. Want to manage people and projects? Serve on student body council. Like politics? Arrange a campaign for student activism. Be strategic and think big.”

Josh Crane (’17)

Josh Crane (’17) graduated with a degree in Communication Arts: Digital Media. He is now working in Dallas, Texas, as a marketing director for Fathom Realty, a Real Estate brokerage. Josh works with another MBU graduate creating all of the broker’s corporate marketing. “On a daily basis we are brainstorming and producing tremendous amounts of graphic design, printed material, photography, videography, and social media marketing. The work keeps me very busy, but I love the creative challenge every day…I am incredibly grateful to be able to work directly under a boss, a CEO, and a business that I respect.” The brokerage is rooted in the Biblical concept that in order to become great, you must first become a servant (Matt. 20:26).

Amanda Spencer (’16)

Amanda Spencer graduated with a Communication Arts: Dramatic Productions degree in 2016. She is employed at Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson, Missouri, as a Relief Stage Technician. She says, “I get to work backstage helping with scene shifts and moving sets around. I am on the Deck Crew which is approximately 25 people, but I also work closely with over 100 people from other departments. The theatre classes in the Dramatic Productions track gave me a great overview of the different aspects of theater. I use the communication portion of my training every day. The variety of tools given in the Communication Arts Major is an incredible blend of all the types of communication that I need to be successful.”

During her time at Maranatha, Amanda had the privilege of working backstage on Stage Crew and on the athletic Event Staff. “The leaders of each department led by example. I learned about leadership, servanthood, humility, excellence, and flexibility while doing everything to the praise of His glory.”

Clayton (’19) and Tina (Kolinski’18) Steuerwald live in Hesperia, CA. Clayton graduated with a BA in Communications Arts and a minor in Business Management. He is currently training at the academy for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Tina graduated with a BS in Business Management. She is a design specialist for Geronimo Hospitality Group. Clayton says his education at MBU encouraged him to develop the skill of learning. “There will always be new software to learn, new methods of communication to adapt, and additional skills you will need to develop. But if you learn how to absorb, retain, and apply information, you will set yourself up for success.”  

Related Minors

Digital Media Communications
Dramatic Productions
Computer Network Technology
Photography
Public Speaking
TESOL

Potential Career Fields

Journalist
Multimedia specialist
Photographer
Television and broadcasting
Graphic designer
Videographer
Speech Writer
Actor
Theatre worker and designer
Artistic Director
Corporate and government communicator

*Some careers and employment positions require graduate degrees, specialized training, or addtional certification and licenses.

MBU Program Faculty

Mrs. Angela Morris

College of Arts and Sciences | Chair of the Department of Humanities, Professor
Credentials:
MS Communication, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
BS Speech Education, Maranatha Baptist University
CELTA Certification, Cambridge

Mr. Stephen Robertson

College of Arts and Sciences | Associate Professor
Credentials:
MA Theatre Arts, Eastern Michigan University
BA English, Tennessee Temple University

Mrs. Hannah Mayes

College of Arts and Sciences | Instructor
Credentials:
MA Theatre, Regent University
BA Communication Arts, Maranatha Baptist University

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