Communication: Communication and Media Studies
Bachelor of Arts
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Program Intro
As a Communication and Media Studies student, you will investigate communication as it occurs in your real life—from interpersonal and group communication to persuasion, culture, and media entertainment. Courses provide insights and practical guides for understanding and practicing communication across all areas of social life.
Department of Communication and Creative Arts
You’ll benefit from small classes led by faculty with strong academic and professional experience. Students engage in individual and group projects, opinion research and message development.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with business clients in the community, as well as an active and involved alumni base throughout the Chicagoland area.
Curriculum Overview
The Communication and Media Studies program includes introductory courses in interpersonal communication and persuasion before moving to further investigations of popular culture to media framing of news and entertainment. Special topics will be offered regularly to address other interests, such as social media, television, film, and international communication.
Start with a foundation in communication essentials like speech, media and culture.
Sample Courses
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
- COM 20400 – Critical Perspectives on Communication
- COM 25000 – Mass Communication and Society
Develop your expertise with courses that explore theory, politics and globalization.
Sample Courses
- COM 21400 – Comparative Theories of Interpersonal Communication
- COM 30900 – Visual Communication
- COM 31800 – Principles of Persuasion
Dive deeper into this specialization with advanced studies in media and persuasion. You can also complete an internship in year three.
Sample Courses
- COM 32000 – Small Group Communication
- COM 34900 – Media and Culture
- COM 37000 – Writing for the Media
Complete your training with special topics in interpersonal communication, organizational communication or mass communication.
Sample Courses
- COM 32400 – Introduction to Organizational Communication
- COM 39000 – Special Topics in Communication
- COM 46300 – Mass Media Criticism
Highlights
This program combines communication theory and research with practical projects that emphasize critical thinking and writing. You’ll gain versatile communication skills that can be applied to a variety of careers and settings.
Outcomes
In this program, you’ll develop skills that set you apart in the fields of communication and media. You might become an influencer in media, politics, health or marketing. Regardless of your path, you will learn to create and share messages that traverse geographical and social divides.
Scholarships
Communication students can apply for:
For more information, contact Interim Department Chair Neil Nemeth.
Beyond the Classroom
We encourage students to join student groups like the Union for Democratic Communication.
Career Paths
Communication grads go on to careers in fields like:
- Public and Civil Service
- Human Relations and Public Relations
- Social Media and Broadcasting
- Advertising and Corporate Communication
Employers
Our program’s value is best demonstrated through the employers our graduates have worked for:
- ESPN.com
- Weather Channel
- Windy City Live
- Service Employees International Union (new)
Meet the Faculty
Professor, Media Studies
Lee Artz is a professor of media studies and the director of the department of communications. He is also the Center for Global Studies representative and serves on the faculty senate editorial boards of capitalism, communication, critique and democratic communique.
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, CHESS
Catherine Gillotti is an associate professor of Communication and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies for the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS).
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’s research and teaching focus on critical communication studies.
Associate Professor of Communication
Dr. Wilbur is an Associate Professor of Communication and of Health Studies, He also serves as a Faculty Fellow in Student Affairs, and is the faculty advisor for the PNW Theatre Company.
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
