Health Communication

Health communication is a 36-credit major offered by the Department of Communication. This course of study is for students in health-related fields (nursing, pharmacy, etc.) for students who want to work in health-service operations (nursing homes, hospitals, etc.) and for students who want to work in health campaigns.

The Program

Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Communication must first complete all courses and requirements associated with the pre-communication preparation designation. Once all pre-communication preparation courses and requirements are met, the student completes and submits the pre-communication form, available on the department website, to the department's academic assistant. After verification of accuracy, the student is accepted into the professional program and can continue pursuing a degree in the Department of Communication.

Pre-Communication Preparation

Students must complete 21 credits of selected courses with a grade of B or higher to become a health communication major. The courses are Comm. 110; Engl. 120; Comm. 112; Comm. 114; Comm. 212; Comm. 216; Soc. 110 or PolS. 110 or Psyc. 111 or CJ 201. Pre-communication preparation courses may be retaken only once.

Health Communication Major

Students majoring in health communication may earn a B.S. degree (includes an approved minor) or a B.A. degree (includes a modern language proficiency) upon completion of all pre-communication preparation courses and requirements. A major in health communication is an applied degree aimed at providing both practitioners and future civic leaders with the knowledge they need to improve health services and public health. Students will complete an applied capstone course after completing all other required coursework.

Career Opportunities

Course work in the health communication major prepares majors for careers in hospital administration, health care promotion and assessment, media relations and non-profit service administration. The coursework emphasizes written and oral communication skills and prepares students to communicate in meaningful and effective ways.

Health Communication Minor

Many other majors offered at NDSU can be greatly enhanced by a health communication minor. The 21-credit minor includes a 12 credit core and nine credits of communication professional specialization.

Internship Program

Internships offer practical experience for health communication majors with a cumulative GPA or 3.0 or higher. Students must propose an internship, gain approval from the Internship Coordinator in the department, have an on-site evaluation and report on the internship experience. Internships can be taken for credit, and a student may have more than one. Majors have interned with hospital administrators, private agencies and firms and governmental officials, among others. Internships often lead to jobs.

Scholarships

The Department of Communication awards a number of scholarships to juniors and seniors with financial need who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential and commitment. Applications are available in February for awards in April. Visit the department website for information.

Co-Curricular Activities

NDSU has two honoraries for top students majoring in a degree program offered by the Department of Communication. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor fraternity for students involved in human communication activities. Lambda Pi Eta is a national honorary for communication majors with high grades and achievement.

High School Preparation

A well-rounded high school education with some experiences in high school music, forensics, theatre, journalism, FFA and scouting often serves as good preparation for the major in health communication. Students with interests in science and art, business and service, and publicity and promotion will find a major in health communication very compatible.

The Faculty

Faculty members in the Department of Communication are all committed teachers, researchers, scholars and practitioners. The faculty earned doctorates at the Universities of Minnesota, Indiana, Nebraska, Texas and Utah; Purdue University; and Cambridge University (England).

Contact Information

Dr. Paul Nelson, Chair
Department of Communication
North Dakota State University
Minard Hall 321
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7705
Fax: (701) 231-7784
Email: Paul.Nelson.1@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/communication/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(6/07)