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

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 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

Purdue University Northwest graduates walk past a lion statue wearing a graduation cap.

PNW Ranked Among 2027 Best Midwest Public Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report

Purdue University Northwest once again earned recognition as a top public regional university in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 annual Best Colleges rankings, released Tuesday, Sept. 22.

PNW students walk in front of the Bell Tower on campus.

Northwest Indiana Families Value Higher Education at Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest welcomed 1,653 newly admitted undergraduate students while recording a new record 70.8% retention rate for returning second-year students for the 2026-27 academic year.

A lion statue outdoors at Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest students earn spring 2026 Dean’s List honors

The Purdue University Northwest spring 2026 Dean’s List recognizes 1,834 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

Upcoming Communication and Creative Arts Events

Oct 26

Spring 2027 Priority Registration Begins

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

Nov 13

Last Day to Drop a Full-Term Fall 2026 Course

The last day to drop a Full-Term Fall 2026 Course is Friday, November 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

Nov 26

Thanksgiving Break – Campuses Closed

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no classes from Wednesday, November 25, through Saturday, November 28.

Dec 12

Fall 2026 Classes End

Fall 2026 Classes end on December 12. Next week are final exams! Make sure to study and enjoy your break after!