Communication Division

Interpersonal Communication

Although the information below is excerpted from the Seaver catalogue, this is not an official binding document. To view the actual catalog visit http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/catalog/

Interpersonal Communication Major

Few encounters in life are as mysterious, wonderful and perplexing as exchanging information with another person.  Those who study interpersonal communication know this to be true, and they are dedicated through research and teaching to helping students who want to become counselors, family specialists, human services professionals and teachers.

Indeed, a Pepperdine degree in interpersonal communication equips graduates with the skills necessary to enter a variety of professions in which the ability to analyze communication patterns and propose solutions to enhance the exchange of meaning between people is vitally important.

Mission Statement

To provide students with the knowledge and skills to be effective and ethical communicators in a variety of personal and professional settings, and to prepare them for advanced study of communication in interpersonal relationships.

Student Learning Outcomes

Interpersonal communication majors will:

1. Describe and analyze the variety of important interpersonal communication theories and research (both quantitative and qualitative).
2. Explain the power of interpersonal relationships to influence people's beliefs, attitudes, values and behavior.
3. Distinguish between constructive and destructive communication in various interpersonal settings--family, dating relationships, marriage, friendships and workplace--and in situations involving diversity of gender, ethnicity, religion and culture.
4. Assess varied interpersonal communication interactions and create ethical, communication exchanges.

Interpersonal Communication Requirements