Speech Communication Education
Trevecca’s Bachelor of Arts in speech communication education is an interdisciplinary program that provides you with the foundation needed to become an effective and engaging speech communication and forensics teacher in grades 6-12. The program culminates with student teaching experience in local and diverse classroom settings.
Program Benefits
- Gain valuable student teaching experience.
- Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
- Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
- Take advantage of incredible job opportunities available in the diverse Nashville market.
What to Expect
Trevecca’s Bachelor of Arts in speech communication education is perfect for you if you want to pursue a career that combines your love of communication with your desire to inspire and teach. This interdisciplinary program offers the best of our communication studies department and our NCATE-accredited School of Education, giving you a strong and well-balanced foundation to become a successful teacher.
Our challenging and engaging coursework specifically prepares you to teach public speaking and/or forensics (competitive speech) in grades 6-12. In addition to a broad base of coursework, you’ll gain valuable student teaching experience. You’ll have opportunities to observe and teach in local classrooms in diverse school settings to enhance your learning and prepare you for success. You can also choose to enroll in our fifth-year master’s program and complete a year-long internship.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your speech communication education degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Read MoreCareer Opportunities
With your degree from Trevecca, you’ll be well-prepared to continue on to graduate studies or teach speech and forensics in grades 6-12. Because most schools don’t offer full-time teaching roles for speech alone, graduates are encouraged to obtain additional certification in other disciplines such as English, history, social sciences or theatre. Any additional certifications graduates receive will increase their qualification for full-time teaching positions.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*
Life, Calling, and Purpose
INT 1100
English Composition I
ENG 1020
Emphasizes the recursive writing process through appropriate determination of subject, audience, purpose, and style, with correct usage of grammar, punctuation, and logical organization. Students will use appropriate technologies for writing and learning.
English Composition II: Critical Reading, Writing, and Thinking
ENG 1080
Emphasizes intellectual and analytical reasoning through reading and writing assignments. Includes instruction in library and research technologies and the writing of a research project.
Speech Communication
COM 1010
A study of the principles and practices of effective human communication, with emphasis placed on public speaking. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and skill development necessary for effective speech. Listening skills are included in the study.
Financial Stewardship
BUS 2010
Provides the student with a basic understanding of his or her economic environment and the basic principles and tools of personal financial management. Emphasis will be placed on personal financial planning, including budgeting, managing personal debt, insurance, taxes, investments, and real estate. When possible, topics will be analyzed and discussed from a Christian perspective.
Introduction to Health and Wellness
HPE 1500
Designed to assist the student in their understanding and development of a healthy lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on the components and behaviors that promote lifelong, positive outcomes in the five dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual. Includes a fitness laboratory component. Fee charged.
Interpersonal Communication
COM 2010
A study of two-person (dyadic) communication. Topics include: human communication theory, verbal and nonverbal codes, development of self-concept, perception, impression formation, and relationship development. Preferred prerequisite for all courses leading to an Interpersonal Communication major.
General Psychology
PSY 2010
General introduction to major areas of psychology with emphasis on the psychological bases for understanding human behavior. A recommended prerequisite to other psychology courses except PSY 2175.
Issues in Science
SCI 2600
An introduction to themes in the natural sciences that have significantly impacted our world. Among the themes discussed are relativity, modern cosmology, evolutionary thought, biotechnology, advances in modern medicine, biodiversity, and the use of natural resources. Scientific discoveries will be approached with both a historical perspective and a consideration of current and future applications. Interactions of scientific thought and the Christian worldview are considered. Lecture.
World Literature
ENG 2000
Designed to engage students in dialogue with a variety of Western and Non-Western world literature, past and present. ENG 2000 is a recommended prerequisite for all upper-level literature courses.
Introduction to Biblical Faith
REL 2000
An introduction to Biblical faith and literature designed to help the student acquire a knowledge of the basic content of Scripture as well as be able to employ basic Bible study skills.
Christian Tradition
REL 3000
An introduction to theology as it has developed in the history of the church with a view to understanding the relation between faith and life. Special attention is given to understanding the doctrine of holiness.
Christian Life and Ministry
REL 4000
An integration of Christian spirituality, life, and ministry. Through a wide variety of readings and experiences, care is given to evaluate the spiritual structure of the student and to understand spiritual gifts, disciplines, and what it means for each individual to be a constructive influence in the Church and society.
Fine Arts
MUS 1500
Designed to give students a historical perspective of music, art, sculpture, and architecture from ancient times to modern times.
Principles of Intercultural Communication
COM 2025
A study of how culture affects communication behavior and intercultural relationships. This course provides a broad theoretical and contextual base that emphasizes intercultural communication competency as it relates to Western and non-Western cultures.
English Acquisition (FE-10)
ESL 3150
Current approaches, methodologies, techniques, and materials for teaching English language learners primarily in K-12 setting. Designed to provide theoretical and practical experience in language acquisition. Fee charged. Course includes 10 hours of field experience in ESL classrooms, which must include a 6-12 setting.
Human Growth and Cognition
PSY 2500
Explores human growth and development over the life span to understand the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels: physically, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally. Designed to provide the developmental approach to cognition in children and adolescents within the context of major learning theories. Brain research, learning modalities, and metacognition are also examined.
Introduction to the Exceptional Learner
PSY 3411
An overview of the issues related to the characteristics of the exceptional learner. Concepts of learning and classroom management in the public school are considered.
Becoming a Teacher (FE-20)
EDU 1020
Provides observation and participation in a public school. Field study is completed in the following areas: classroom observation, classroom material preparation, and classroom interactions to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions required of educators. The requirements for entering the Teacher Education Program are part of the course. Graded S-U.
Foundations of Education
EDU 1500
Surveys the historical, social, philosophical, and psychological foundations of the American school system with emphasis on an introduction to the teaching profession. Designed to be the first course taken in the teacher education program. Taken in conjunction with EDU 1020.
Secondary Curriculum and Instruction (FE-20)
EDU 2300
Focuses on effective instructional methods and curriculum models for 6-12 teachers. Common Core Standards and best practices in creating enthusiastic learning environments and writing learning plans are explored. Using data to inform instruction is addressed as part of the planning component. A 20 hour field experience is required.
Educational Tests and Measurements
EDU 3410
Examines test construction and application of evaluation principles related to K-12. Emphasis on reading, interpreting, and using data from a variety of assessments including standardized and teacher-made achievement tests. Common Core Standards will be studied in relationship to both formative and summative assessment as instructional tools.
Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas (FE-20)
EDU 3510
Investigates teaching of reading and writing in the various subject matter fields at the secondary level. Stresses skills of vocabulary building, comprehension and writing as well as skills and methods of motivating adolescents to read and write. A 20 hour field experience in a secondary school is required.
Effective Classroom Environments
EDU 3556
Focuses on the major traditional and current behavior management theorists and strategies. Prepares the candidate to use effective strategies for developing a safe but invigorating classroom climate. The creation of a Classroom Management Plan and its implementation in a classroom is included within this course. Only juniors or seniors scheduled to student teach within two semesters of taking EDU 3556 are permitted to enroll in the course.
Methods and Materials for Secondary Education (FE-30)
EDU 4230
Examines strategies, resources, and experience in middle and secondary schools. It will familiarize candidates with methods of instruction, assessment, and classroom management appropriate in these schools, as well as organizational characteristics of each. A 20-hour field experience required.
Education in an Urban Culture (FE-10)
SOC 3270
Provides an overview of the diverse educational needs, challenges, opportunities, and rewards that teachers encounter as they seek to effectively meet the needs of learners in urban schools. Students explore the history of public schools in urban areas, the characteristics of the urban child, as well as effective teaching strategies for working with students who are identified as "at risk" as well as English Second Language (ESL) students. This course addresses the competencies, tools. and instructional strategies to effectively create positive classroom environments and assist in student achievement. The course includes a 10-hour field experience for Education majors in a low socioeconomic, ethnically/racially diverse, preferably ESL school setting. Any non-Education major may complete the field experience requirement through volunteering in a number of alternative settings such as private agencies, and businesses whose primary focus is working in urban communities with children and their families identified as "at-risk." The alternative settings listed would be an acceptable environment to address the course learning outcomes. This course is an option for any student exploring choices in meeting the Intercultural Literacy requirement.
Student Teaching Seminar
EDU 4600
Focuses on the application and analysis of knowledge and teaching skills in the classroom, lesson and unit planning, classroom management, discipline models, and current professional issues. Taken in conjunction with enhanced student teaching. Permission required.
Enhanced Student Teaching Secondary School
EDU 4670
Provides the culminating fifteen-week, semester-long experience for all who are seeking a secondary license. Consists of full-day classroom observation and practice teaching in the major curricular area in two different school settings: one 7 1/2-week placement in a middle school in grades 6-8 and one 7 1/2-week placement in a secondary school in grades 9-12. Physical Education majors seeking a K-12 license will have placements in early elementary grades K-4 and middle/secondary grades 5-12. Music majors seeking a K-12 license will have placements in elementary grades K-5 and secondary grades 6-12. Graded S-U. Permission required.
edTPA Seminar
EDU 4730
A prerequisite for Enhanced Student Teaching. This course provides the candidate with experiences in preparation, procedures, implementation, and submittal of required edTPA documentation for initial licensure. Permission required. Graded S/U.
Theories of Communication
COM 3010
Surveys the major theories of human communication. The study will focus on the origins, usefulness, and limitations of each theory for understanding communication events. This course will help prepare students to analyze and interpret human communication in all its forms (intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group transactions, organizational communication, public speaking, drama, and mass communication).
Advanced Public Speaking
COM 4000
Gives students practical experience in the preparation and presentation of the speeches that are usually required in business and the professions. Areas of instruction include speech making, oral reading of reports, and speech for radio and television.
Technology for Educators
EDU 2100
Focuses on media and specific technologies appropriate to teachers in the educational setting, both for instructional purposes and administrative tasks. Includes exposure to and use of various equipment, materials, and software, including Internet and Office. Computer-assisted instruction and management techniques are presented.
Introduction to Mass Media
COM 2210
Founded upon an historical overview of the persons and technological discoveries that contributed to the origins of mass media, this course examines the advances, roles, and impact of mass media in a changing world. The contemporary convergence, contexts, and controversies of mass media are examined within print, electronic, information, and persuasion industries.
Introduction to Film and Video Production
COM 2215/ITI 2215
An introduction to the use of digital cameras for professional or personal digital filming. Training includes introduction to camera capabilities, movement, control, lighting, sound, and scene composition. Essential editing skills also introduced.
Small Group Communication
COM 2810
Involves the study of theory and research of communication behavior in small problem-solving groups. Includes the effects of participants' personal characteristics and of situational constraints involved in small group interaction.
Voice and Articulation
COM 3170
Study of and practical experience in refining the vocal mechanism for general quality speech production. Includes intensive work with International Phonetic Alphabet and dialectology.
Argumentation and Debate
COM 2500
A study of the nature of reasoned discourse. Attention is given to the process of analyzing an issue, structuring arguments, using evidence, and handling refutation and rebuttal in oral communication. Actual classroom debate will enable speakers to practice the principles being studied.
The Rhetorical Tradition
COM 3070
Provides an introduction to the study of rhetoric and historic public address. The course focuses on the manner in which people have used discourse to influence the behavior of others and includes a broad survey of rhetorical theorists from Corax to contemporary scholars.
Forensics Practicum
COM 4210
Individualized instruction for students who participate in speech competition. Training is provided in both speech making and oral interpretation. Graded S/U.
HISTORY (CHOOSE ONE)
World Civilizations: Ancient and Medieval World
HIS 1400
A course of study from ancient times to the 1500s dealing with persistent and recurring political, social, and economic issues in history that thinking people have examined and that have shaped our contemporary world. This course covers Western and non-Western cultures. Offered every semester.
World Civilizations: Early Modern and Modern World
HIS 1450
A course of study from the 1500s to the present dealing with persistent and recurring political, social, and economic issues in history that thinking people have examined and that have shaped our contemporary world. This course covers Western and non-Western cultures. Offered every semester.
MATHEMATICS (CHOOSE ONE)
Problem Solving: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach
MAT 1080
This course is designed to promote students' understanding and appreciation of mathematics and to develop quantitative and problem solving skills. The course will further introduce students to a wide range of applications of mathematics to modern life. Topics will be selected from linear and non-linear models, logic, sets, probability, counting techniques, statistics, matrices, and game theory.
Concepts of Mathematics
MAT 1040
Considers the realm of mathematics as some of the greatest ideas of humankind-ideas comparable to the works of Shakespeare, Plato, and Michelangelo. This course will introduce students to several of these ideas, selected from topics in numerical patterns, infinity, geometry, topology, chaos, probability, and statistics. Study of these topics will not only demonstrate the beauty of mathematics but will also develop critical thinking skills. This course is designed for liberal arts majors to satisfy the general education requirement.
PHILOSOPHY (CHOOSE ONE)
Introduction to Philosophy
PHL 2010
A general introduction to the study of philosophy, both Western and non-Western. The course is organized around three domains of philosophical reflection: metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Representative philosophers from Socrates to Confucius will be used to illuminate the philosophical task. The course also includes discussion of world religions as representatives of non-Western philosophy.
Ethics
PHL 3070
A philosophical analysis of the narratives and principles that have contributed to moral and ethical norms for human action.
SCIENCE (CHOOSE ONE)
Life Science
SCI 1500
A study of biological concepts including the chemistry of life, principles of inheritance, evolutionary theories, biological organization of various organisms, and relationships between organisms and their environment. Issues related to current advances in biotechnology and medicine are also considered. The process of scientific inquiry is emphasized and practiced in both the lecture and laboratory. Fee charged.
Physical Science
SCI 1600
Designed to convey the nature of matter and methods of study in the physical sciences and to study physical science concepts; issues and values related to the well-being of individuals, society and the environment are considered. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.