Special Programs and Opportunities

 FACULTY-STUDENT COLLABORATIONS

Since 2005, the Communication Department has consistently sent students to to participate in the prestigious National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Students have also presented their research at other prestigious venues and co-published with faculty members.

Many students pursue independent or collaborative research with faculty. View individual faculty member pages to find out more information about their areas of study or visit our page on faculty-student collaborations to learn more about the research and creative projects our students have participated in.

INTERNSHIPS

As a communication major, you’ll graduate with real-world experience through our internship program. If you’re interested completing the COMM 399 internship requirement while off-campus, contact our internship director, Prof. Rob Pocock, or visit our offices to get approval.

Learn more about Communication Internships 

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COMMUNICATION MAJORS

Communication Legacy May Term Scholarship
This student scholarship is given in honor of faculty who retired after distinguished careers in the Hope College Department of Communication. Faculty members’ dedication to teaching, research and scholarship has impacted the lives of countless students, and this scholarship celebrates that impact. Students who are eligibile for the scholarship:

• Must be a declared communication major
• Must be accepted for a communication department-sponsored May Term
• Should have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major
• Should demonstrate leadership in the department and on campus
• Should demonstrate financial need

Rob Pocock ’77 Endowed Scholarship in Communication
Established in 2025 by Steve VanKuiken ’85, this merit-based scholarship honors the lasting influence of Mr. P on his students and their careers. It recognizes a communication major who  demonstrates excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Awarded by the communication faculty at the beginning of the student’s junior year, it may be renewed for the senior year at the discretion of the faculty based on continued achievement.

LAMBDA PI ETA NATIONAL COMMUNICATION HONOR SOCIETY

Lambda Pi Eta is the national honor society for communication majors. It was established in 1985 by the Speech Communication Association (now the National Communication Association). Hope College was one of the first Lambda Pi Eta student chapters in the country. In 1989, we inaugurated the first Alpha Delta chapter of LPH. Qualified students will be invited for membership. Contact LPH faculty advisor, Dr. Patrick Gentile, for more information.

AWARDS

Ackerman Coles Award for Scholarship in Communication Studies

Awarded to the student who has demonstrated continuing interest and excellence in communication studies. 

Theodore L. Nielsen Award

An award given in honor of retired communication professor, Ted Nielsen, to the student who represents the best news and feature practice and judgment. 

A.A. Raven Prize in Communication

Awarded to the student who best demonstrates excellence in communication through leadership and/or the effective presentation of issues of public significance. 

M. Harold Mikle Prize for Communication

Awarded annually to the graduating senior(s) whose record reflects academic excellence, superior skills as a presentational speaker and extensive all-college leadership accomplishments.  This award is intended for, but not limited to, students who have majored in communication or who have participated in campus or intercollegiate communication activities. 

Lambda Pi Eta Award

Awarded to the senior communication major who has the highest grade point average in the discipline.

NCA Junior Award

Awarded to a junior communication major who has demonstrated excellence in communication studies and an interest in continuing communication research and/or graduate study.

STUDY ABROAD

At Hope, we encourage all of our students to take advantage of off-campus study opportunities; this is especially true for communication majors.

Summer programs led by communication department faculty to the Japan and Hawaii offer hands-on instruction in cross-cultural communication. And, during the academic year, there are several opportunities to spend a semester off-campus here in the U.S. The Chicago Semester, Washington Honors Semester in D.C. and the New York Arts Program each offer unique opportunities for communication students. 

Visit the Center for Global Engagement to learn more about off-campus study and to begin the application process.

STUDENT MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS

You can further develop your media production and writing skills by getting involved with The Anchor, Hope’s student newspaper; WTHS Radio, the student-run radio station; and Opus, the student literary magazine.

HOPE-WMU 4+1 ACCELERATED GRADUATE DEGREE

Hope College Department of Communication and Western Michigan University School of Communication have formed a partnership to offer students an accelerated pathway to a graduate degree. Hope COMM students can earn a master's degree in communication in as few as 5 years!

Learn more