Communication
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
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Program Intro
Every human endeavor is enriched by our communication skills and knowledge. This program develops your leadership, critical thinking, writing, public speaking and presentation skills, using traditional, broadcasting and digital media. You’ll hone your use of these methods and use them to solve real-world problems.
Department of Communication and Creative Arts
In this program, you’ll engage in individual and group projects, opinion research and message development. Small classes are led by faculty with strong academic and professional experience.
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
Discover the complex, varied ways we engage with each other and express ourselves to the world. Our curriculum includes training in writing, broadcasting, theory, research methods, digital media and persuasive techniques.
Kick off your journey with foundational classes in speech, debate and digital media.
Sample Courses
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
- COM 20400 – Critical Perspectives on Communication
- COM 21400 – Comparative Theories of Interpersonal Communication
Explore topics fundamental to professional communications, like PR, advertising 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
- COM 30900 – Visual Communication
- COM 31800 – Principles of Persuasion
- COM 32500 – Interviewing
Enhance your skills with advanced communications courses that delve into psychology and aesthetics while you prepare for a dynamic career.
Sample Courses
- COM 37000 – Writing for the Media
- COM 43400 – Practicum in Media Communication
- COM 46500 – Visual Aesthetics in Television & Film
Highlights
Graduates with a communication degree are prepared for rewarding careers ranging from broadcasting and advertising to public relations and marketing. The communication and leadership skills our students develop are also relevant to every other field, including medicine, engineering and business.
Outcomes
This program builds essential leadership and interviewing skills, as well as the confidence to communicate in a number of media.
Scholarships
Communication students can apply for:
For more information, contact interim chair Neil Nemeth..
Career Paths
Communication grads go on to careers in fields like:
- Public and Civic 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
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
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.
Professor of Communication
Dunn’s current role as a Professor of Communication is to teach a variety of courses for the Department of Communication & Creative Arts, both undergraduate and graduate.
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.
