The communication area offers a variety of coursework for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution or better understand their communication patterns. Students planning to receive a bachelor of arts degree in this area need to review carefully the degree requirements of the college or university to which they plan to transfer. Speech communication courses are available to students under any degree or certificate plan as either fulfilling the human condition or communication general education requirements, or as electives.

This program allows students to explore the field of communication as the basis for their associate of arts degree. The core provides students the basic coursework in the field while allowing them the flexibility to tailor their program to their individual needs. Students must successfully complete core courses with a “C-” or better to meet program requirements. Students who are planning to transfer to a four-year program may need to have additional hours beyond the program requirements at Northwest College in order to transfer in as a junior. These students should consult with their advisor and the appropriate four-year college catalog.

Northwest has a nationally recognized forensics squad which represents the college at tournaments throughout the western United States. Forensics is a form of rhetorical scholarship which involves various dimensions: debate, public address, and the interpretation of literature. Forensics serves as a curricular and co-curricular laboratory for improving students’ abilities in research, analysis, and oral communication. Typically, forensics activities are conducted in a competitive environment to motivate students and accelerate the learning process. In addition to the competitive speaking program, the Northwest forensics squad performs on campus as well as in the community and works with high school programs throughout the state.