Communication (BA)

The University offers a bachelor of arts (BA) in communication.

Communication majors study theory and practice in a focused set of courses designed to maximize professional development. Communication graduates are prepared for careers in multimedia fields, journalism, public relations, and human communication. The program offers excellent preparation for graduate studies.

Coursework includes a required core of communication courses, a set of elective courses, and courses in a concentration selected from the following areas:

• Cultural Communication
• Health Communication
• Journalism
• Digital and Interactive Media
• Public Relations

An important feature of the program is its emphasis on blending classroom learning with practical experience and cocurricular activities that result in exciting and challenging study. Most courses in the major feature structured team-based work that prepares students for a contemporary workplace.

• Students gain practical skills and experience by conducting independent research or producing creative projects, completing internships, and pursuing community engagement through client-based and volunteer experiences with various on-campus and community-based organizations, including television and radio stations, newspapers, not-for-profit agencies and associations. These experiences help students build a portfolio and receive professional assessment of work that may lead to employment after graduation.
• Students benefit from mid-size to smaller classes taught by award-winning faculty who have a diversity of specialties. Department faculty hold doctoral degrees, engage in research, and publish within their specializations.
• Facilities available for student research and activities include multimedia production studios, equipment support for field production, public relations production laboratory, and various instructional laboratory spaces.

Communication majors are actively involved in several student organizations, including the Public Relations Student Society of America, Sycamore Video, WISU-FM, a 13,500-watt stereo radio station, and Lambda Pi Eta, a communication honor society.

Majors are encouraged to pursue other opportunities including study abroad (ranging from summer programs to a single semester or a full academic year in over 56 countries), the University Honors Program, and certificate programs in nonprofit leadership or in professional communication.

Special Note: In addition to the communication major (listed above), the department also offers a minor in communication that includes 21 credits. The communication minor is open to all non-communication majors—and is an excellent way to increase employability and supplement skills and abilities.