Students with a strategic Communication major at Howard Payne University gain experience in media skills, writing and presentation techniques, project management, and leadership experiences. Students find employment upon graduation in media agencies, sport and wellness, education, corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Our degree program consists of a 36 hour major in Communication Studies. Communication is listed by employers as one of the most important attributes any prospective employee might have. A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers ranked oral communication as the number one skill for which employers were looking. Other skills preferred by employers in the same survey (interpersonal skills, teamwork, written communication, leadership) also are closely related to the material taught in Howard Payne University’s major in Communication Studies. A degree in Communication Studies gives students tremendous flexibility in terms of career choices. A major or minor in Communication Studies focuses on the process of communication, and communication professionals seek to inform, educate, persuade, or facilitate communication between dyads, and small and large groups of people.
The Howard Payne University Speech and Debate Team–Student Speaker Bureau–is a group of students from all majors and disciplines at HPU who compete at intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments, host our own high school UIL speech and debate workshops, adjudicate elementary, middle and high school UIL tournaments, and emcee HPU and area public events. We are members of the National Christian College Forensics Association (NCCFA), the Texas Intercollegiate Forensics Association (TIFA), the American Forensics Association (AFA), the National Forensics Association (NFA), and the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA). The team also competes in World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) tournaments and the International Public Debate Association (IPDA).
What:
Competitive speech and debate is central to the education mission of our university–preparing students to be of service to others and functional participants in a democratic society. “Let your speech always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col. 4:6) Students compete in 11 individual events, NPDA, WUDC, and IPDA debates.
Why:
The purpose of competitive speech and debate is to improve students’ abilities by developing strong public speaking/performance skills, creating a positive team atmosphere, maintain healthy competitive Christian attitudes and respectively representing Howard Payne University. Students can obtain course credit for competitive speech activities by enrolling in COM 1111 Student Speaker Bureau: Speech and Debate.
Who:
Who can be a member? Tryouts are held each semester for any student who is in good academic standing with Howard Payne University. Students from any major are invited to audition. Auditions and acceptance onto the team are prerequisites for enrolling in COM 1111 Student Speaker Bureau: Speech and Debate. Each student on SSB receives a scholarship commensurate with experience and level of competition.
When:
When does the Speech/Debate season start? Competitions generally start in September and run through early April.
Where:
Where does the Forensics Team travel? The HPU speech and debate team attends 3-4 tournaments each semester including the Oxford Inter-Varsity Debate Tournament in Oxford, England, in the fall and the National Christian College Forensics Invitational held each spring.
Events:
Students compete in the following events:
Individual events: persuasive speaking, informative speaking, extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, poetry interpretation, prose interpretation, communication analysis, after-dinner speaking, program oral interpretation, and dramatic duo
Debate: NPDA, IPDA, WUDC
Interested? Contact Dr. Julie Welker, Director of SSB, today!
Degree Insights
Social Media & Marketing Management
Sport Communication
Corporate Communication
Government & Nonprofit Agencies
Communication & Marketing Agencies
Advocacy & Ministry
Teaching Physical
Education & Coaching
Each student will complete a required professional internship, preparing the next generation of communication leaders. Students gain hands-on experience on The Yellow Jacket student media, The Stinger Podcast, and at many local communications outlets. Academic learning experiences are available both abroad and domestically. The Student Speaker Bureau is an award-winning speech and debate team that competes in state, national, and international forensics tournaments.
Alumni Testimonial
My degree in Strategic Communication laid the foundation for understanding how to connect with people, which is at the heart of all great marketing. It taught me to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset and to craft strategies that resonate with real human experiences. In my current role at a CPG company, this bakcground helps me ensure every message we share is intentional and purpose-driven.
Haylee Maddox ’20
Scholarships
95% of HPU students receive financial aid.
We’re passionate about making your college experience financially accessible. Our dedicated Financial Aid team will work diligently with you to explore every available opportunity and help make your HPU education affordable.
Contact
Chair, Department of Communication
