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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.

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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.

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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.

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Meet the Faculty

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

News and Announcements

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.

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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.

Terrell Sucre stands outside in commencement regalia

Purdue University Northwest graduates urged to confidently embrace change as they pursue their dreams

Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) 2025 graduates have poured countless hours into their persistent journeys to earn their degrees. On May 10, the culmination of over 850 candidates’ hard work was celebrated during PNW’s 2025 Commencement.

Upcoming Communication and Creative Arts Events

Oct 13

Fall Break

PNW will observe Fall Break on Monday and Tuesday, October 13 and 14, 2025.

Oct 27

Spring 2026 Priority Registration Begins

Priority Registration for Spring 2026 begins October 27. Register promptly for the best selection of course days and times.

Nov 14

Last Day to Drop a Full-Term Fall 2025 Course

The last day to drop a Full-Term Fall 2025 Course is Friday, November 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

Nov 26

Thanksgiving Break – No Classes

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no classes from Thursday, November 27 through Saturday, November 29.