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Division of Communication Arts

Embark on a transformative journey in Communication Arts at our Christian liberal arts university, where creativity and diverse disciplines converge. As a communication arts student, you'll explore communication studies, journalism, theatre, film, writing, public relations, acting, directing and more through innovative interdisciplinary emphases. Through hands-on experiences, performances, and practical applications, you'll synthesize theory into real-world practice, fostering artistic, social, cultural, spiritual, and professional growth. Join us and unleash your potential as a well-rounded communicator and artist.

Featured Program

Theatre

Explore your passion for theatre in a Christian learning environment at OBU. As a theatre student, you will thrive in a collaborative atmosphere, producing a diverse range of classic and contemporary works.

Theatre Information

Preparing Students for What’s Next

The “what’s next” for our students is amazing as some have found jobs at NASA, TV stations nationwide, and performing in New York. Many have gone to work with non-profits, education, churches, production companies and many other creative careers. Our students have the opportunity to go into broadcasting, theatre arts, public relations, communications and journalism with several options existing within each of those areas. We’ve had students go to work with the Oklahoma City Thunder, multiple television network affiliates in Oklahoma City and across the country, Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson and many other notable employers.

Career Outcomes

Outstanding Labs and Equipment

The Division of Communication Arts offers innovative and inviting hands-on lab settings to craft tomorrow’s creatives.

Labs and Equipment

Olivianna Calmes

Class of 2020, Journalism

“OBU equipped me with more than just technical skills. My professors invested in my journey, inspiring me to pursue a career in the news industry and providing a valuable platform to explore various areas of broadcast TV and discover my passion for news. Since leaving Bison Hill, I have experienced significant growth and feel confident that I am exactly where God wants me to be.”

Read Olivianna’s Story

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Scholarships and Grants

Hear from the chair of the Division of Communication Arts, Ben Baxter, about how a degree from OBU will prepare you to be a future shaper.

Undergraduate Communication Arts Programs

Communication Studies

Explore the power of effective communication with a communication studies degree program at our Christian liberal arts university. Delve into various facets of communication while grounding your learning in Christian principles.

Communication Studies

Creative Media

Our creative media program provides instruction in the basics of art and design, studio art, multimedia production, filmmaking, photography and graphic design.

Creative Media

Journalism and Film

Unlock your storytelling potential with a journalism and film degree from OBU. Tailor your path by selecting between journalism and film/media production.

Journalism and Film

Sports Communication

This degree prepares you to communicate, inform, educate, and engage the wide range of audiences affiliated with sports.

Sports Communication

Strategic Communication

Strategic Communication combines the areas of marketing, public relations, advertising and social media to create a degree program that is comprehensive and relative in the current workforce.

Strategic Communication

Theatre

Enhance your passion for theatre in a Christian learning environment at OBU. As a theatre student, you will thrive in a collaborative atmosphere, producing a diverse range of classic and contemporary works.

Theatre


Related Undergraduate Programs

Theatre Education

Strengthen and combine your passions for teaching and theatre in OBU’s Christ-centered secondary theatre education program. Surround yourself with all the facets of theatre production and classroom management in an environment that encourages the integration of faith into your career as a teacher. You will be thoroughly equipped to produce and direct middle and high school productions and to effectively manage your classroom to make it a creative learning environment.

Theatre Education, Secondary

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Benjamin Baxter

Benjamin Baxter

Chair, Division of Art and Design
Chair, Division of Communication Arts
Associate Professor of Animation and Media Production

Deanna Spruiell

Deanna Spruiell

Administrative Assistant, Art and Communications

Dr. Kaylene Barbe

Dr. Kaylene Barbe

Frank W. Patterson Professor of Communications
Professor of Communication Studies

John R. Dement

John R. Dement

Associate Professor of Theatre
Director of Theatre

Holly Easttom

Holly Easttom

Assistant Professor of Journalism

Ann McNellis

Ann McNellis

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Dr. Gary Rhodes

Dr. Gary Rhodes

Professor of Media Production

C. Alex Webster

C. Alex Webster

Assistant Professor of Theatre Technology and Design

As a member of OBU's Friends of the Arts, you will enhance students' experiences by providing resources that enrich their personal growth and talents in the many fields of communication arts.

Your support provides valuable opportunities and is a direct investment in the many fine arts-related academic disciplines found on Bison Hill.

Learn More about Friends of the Arts