»About the School of Communication

We often hear that communication is a "soft skill," but there is nothing soft about it. Ethically and persuasively, communication is among the most sought-after professional competencies across industries (Harvard Study, U.S. Dept. of Labor, NIH). Whether you plan to enter the media, corporate, nonprofit, health, or public sector, your training here will prepare you to analyze information, build relationships, and create strategic solutions in a fast-changing world. 

In addition to our exciting undergraduate programs in Global Communication and World Languages, Strategic Communication, and Communication Studies, the School of Communication is also home to numerous ancillary academic programs such as the Or Initiative (Chaired by Dr. Vikki Katz) which is dedicated to developing evidence-based alternatives to how young people (dis)engage with each other over contentious and complex issues. Similarly, the School of Communication houses Chapman University’s Presidential Studies Program (Chaired by Dr. Luke Nichter) which looks to promote a better understanding of both the American presidency as a political institution and those who have (and will) hold the office as part of a broader dialogue related to civic engagement. Lastly, our internationally recognized program in Chapman Radio (advised by Dr. Travis Bartosh), which has been recognized as a top 10 college radio station and has garnered numerous awards from the Intercollegiate Broadcast System, serves as a student run, hands-on, learn lab for all Chapman students. 

The Chapman University School of Communication is also home to several renowned scholars whose prolific research agendas have led to them being chosen to serve as Editors for some of our fields’ most prestigious and active journals. Currently, Dr.s Rebecca Tukachinsky Forster, Hannah Ball, Sara LaBelle, and Jennifer Bevan are serving as either Editors or Associate Editors of Psychology and Popular Media, Communication Quarterly, Communication Research Reports, and the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships respectively. Moreover, Dr.s Bevan, Katz, and Keith Weber have previously served as Editors of Communication Reports, Journal of Children and Media, and Communication Research Reports respectively.

All of this and more live in the exciting School of Communication at Chapman University. Faculty and students are engaged in groundbreaking research and leadership positions across campus and our field. Whether it is checking out Dr. Gabriel Li’s research on the current state of politics or Dr. Mark Hopson’s roles as the Director of Africana Studies and as a mentor in the NCA Pipeline Program. If you are interested in studying abroad with Dr. Labelle, discussing graduate school options with Dr. Tess Buckley, or potential career paths with our new Director of Employer Engagement Matthew Prince; whether it be our seminal program for first-generation students (Trailblazers), our honor society (Lambda Phi Eta), or our engaged Student Advisory Board, there is something for every type of student to become involved in with the School of Communication.     

The School of Communication plays a central role in the Chapman experience. We invite you to explore all we offer, whether on our website, in our classrooms, or through the many events and programs we host. Reach out to our faculty and staff to learn more about how you can get involved. 

We welcome you to our community to help you discover your voice and path forward.