Bachelor's Degree in Communication
Bachelor of Arts
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Communication Degree Program Overview
Every human endeavor is enriched by our communication skills and knowledge. Purdue University Northwest’s communication degree program develops your leadership, critical thinking, writing, public speaking and presentation skills. You’ll hone these skills and use them to solve real-world problems.
You will learn three skills sets across the curriculum that include visual, oral and written competencies.
Department of Communication and Creative Arts
Whether you see yourself in front of a camera, in the control room editing media content, operating cameras, designing websites, posters, infographics, working as a media influencer, being the spokesperson for a big corporation, writing press releases, becoming a journalist or advocating to change the world through your ability to persuade others, you will find yourself at home in the Department of Communication & Creative Arts at PNW.
Communication Major Curriculum
Explore the many ways we connect and express ourselves in today’s world. Our curriculum trains you in writing, broadcasting, public relations, communication theory, persuasion, digital media and visual communication design.
You’ll complete a well-rounded mix of general education, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences and communication classes. Each concentration includes a senior capstone course and opportunities for internships.
You can complete this degree at PNW’s Hammond Campus.
Kick off your journey with foundational classes in speech and rhetoric.
SAMPLE COURSES
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
- COM 20400 – Critical Perspectives on Communication
- COM 22500 – Introduction to Social Influence and Rhetoric
Explore topics fundamental to professional communication, like PR, broadcasting and journalism.
SAMPLE COURSES
- COM 25000 – Mass Communication and Society
- COM 25300 – Introduction to Public Relations
- COM 25600 – Introduction to Advertising
Gain a competitive edge with courses that distinguish you as a global, tech-savvy communicator.
SAMPLE COURSES
- AD 32800 – Visual Communication Design I
- COM 31800 – Principles of Persuasion
- COM 32500 – Interviewing: Principles and Practice
Enhance your skills with advanced, experience-based communication courses focusing on real-world practice. These courses help build your professional portfolio and prepare you for a dynamic career in the communication field.
SAMPLE COURSES
- COM 37000 – Writing for the Media
- COM 43400 – Practicum in Media Communication
- COM 32000 – Small Group Communication
Communication Degree Program Highlights
Graduates with a communication degree are prepared for rewarding careers ranging from broadcasting and advertising to public relations and graphic design. The communication and leadership skills our students develop are also relevant to every other field, including business, hospitality, engineering and human resources.
Communication Degree Program Outcomes
This program builds essential leadership and interviewing skills, as well as the confidence to communicate in a number of profit and non-profit organizations.
Communication Degree Program Career Paths
A communication degree from PNW prepares you for a number of careers in the field, including:
- Public and Civic Service
- Human Relations and Public Relations
- Social Media and Broadcasting
- Advertising and Corporate Communication
- Health and Human Services
- Graphic Designer
- Journalist
Communication Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:
- The Pioneer
- The Film and Broadcast Club
- Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society
Communication Degree Program Employers
Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:
- ESPN.com
- NASA
- Cushman and Wakefield
- MasterChef
- America’s Got Talent
- Big Ten Network
- Weather Channel
- Windy City Live
Communication Degree Program Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking a degree in communication may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:
- Edwin F. and Elsie L. Buck Scholarship
- John R. Troyer Communication Scholarship
- The Stephen Hough Memorial Scholarship
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.
The communication department at PNW is a place with a lot of opportunities, whether it’s experiential learning courses, clubs to be involved in or friends to meet around the department.
Meet the Faculty
Professor, Media Studies | Director, Center for Global Studies
Lee Artz, a former steelworker and machinist, is Professor of Media Studies at Purdue University Northwest.
Department Chair, Communication & Creative Arts
Catherine Gillotti is a professor of Communication and the Department Chair for PNW’s Department of Communication and Creative Arts.
Continuing Lecturer, Communication and Creative Arts
Erin Okamoto Protsman teaches a variety of classes in the communication field.
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Social Media
Rhon Teruelle is an Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Social Media in the Department of Communication and Creative Arts. His teaching and scholarship focus on critical communication studies.
Associate Professor of Communication
Professor Wilbur is an Associate Professor of Communication. He also serves as the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative and Graduate Director.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Communication at PNW
Purdue University Northwest’s communication major prepares you for a variety of careers by advancing your skills in writing, broadcasting, problem-solving, digital media and visual communication design.
To see how a Bachelor’s Degree in communication from PNW opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership, take the next step today!
