A PNW student films in the production studio

Communication and Creative Arts

Studying communication helps you build oral, written and visual storytelling skills relevant to fields including broadcasting, graphic design, public relations, healthcare, engineering, business and leadership. You'll learn to connect with wide-ranging audiences in today's media-driven world.

Kickstart Your Career

Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, helping you master core principles and develop practical skills that make you competitive in the marketplace upon graduation.

Undergraduate


Graduate

A PNW student stands outdoors in a Black Student Union hoodie

All the faculty members I’ve worked with truly are working for you. They want you to be able to do what you want to do.

David Bolton, Communication, ‘24

Sonny Santana

I met a lot of great people who turned out to be some of my best friends, and to actually run a live television show that airs on Lakeshore PBS is really, really valuable.

Sonny Santana, ’21, Communications: Broadcasting

Image of PNW Communications student Bradley Knight.

My group members have become more than friends...they’re family and I feel like we could accomplish anything we work on together.

Unique Opportunities

Students in the Communication and Creative Arts Department can expand their social and professional networks. Join the Film and Broadcast club, write for The Pioneer, network at social and professional events and join the Phi Beta chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication Honor Society.

A student sits at a desk during class. Their hands are resting on the desk and holding a pen.

Student Organizations

Joining the Film and Broadcast club or The Pioneer student newspaper is a great way to apply what you learn, build your network and enhance your resume. During your junior year, strive to be inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, Phi Beta chapter, the National Communication Association’s honor society.

A student sits on a table in front of a class. They are holding papers in one hand and a pen in the other.

Roundtable Perspective

COM 43400: Practicum in Media Communication provides students with hands-on experience working on The Roundtable Perspective, a student-run television program that airs on Lakeshore Public Media.

Professional photo of Cathy Gillotti outdoors

Meet the Faculty

Explore and learn more about the faculty and staff in the Communication and Creative Arts Department.

News and Announcements

A lion sculpture outdoors on Purdue University Northwest's Hammond campus.

Purdue University Northwest Students Earn Fall 2025 Dean’s List Honors

The Purdue University Northwest fall 2025 Dean’s List recognizes 1,877 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

PNW Dean Richard Severe

Purdue Northwest CHESS Connections: Fall 2025 Edition

Discover stories that highlight our outstanding students and alumni and stay connected with the CHESS community.

A lion statue on the PNW Westville campus

Purdue University Northwest students earn spring 2025 Dean’s List honors

The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) 2025 spring semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,746 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

Upcoming Communication and Creative Arts Events

Mar 05

Spring 2026 Career Expo

The Spring 2026 career fair is being held for students and alumni of Purdue University Northwest that are seeking full time employment and internships across all industries and academic majors.

Mar 16

Spring Break – No Classes but Campus Offices are Open

Enjoy your Spring Break! Classes resume Monday, March 23.

Mar 23

Fall 2026 Priority Registration Begins

Register for classes during Priority Registration to get the best selection of class days and times!

Apr 10

Last Day to Drop a Full-Term Spring 2026 Course

The last day to drop a Full-Term Spring 2026 Course is Friday, April 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.