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 both traditional 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, speech and debate as well as theory, research methods, digital media, persuasive techniques and media criticism.
Kick off your journey with foundational classes in speech, debate and digital media.
Sample Courses
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals of Speech
- COM 20200 – Electronic Media
- COM 21000 – Debating Public Issues
Explore topics fundamental to professional communications, like PR, advertising and journalism.
Sample Courses
- COM 25300 – Introduction to Public Relations
- COM 25500 – Introduction to News Reporting & Writing
- COM 25600 – Introduction to Advertising
Gain a competitive edge with courses that distinguish you as a global, tech-savvy communicator.
Sample Courses
- COM 30200 – Publication Design
- COM 32700 – International Communication
- COM 33400 – Journalism for Electronic Mass Media
Enhance your skills with advanced communications courses that delve into psychology and aesthetics while you prepare for a dynamic career.
Sample Courses
- COM 40200 – Dark Side of Interpersonal Communications
- COM 46500 – (Dinner & a Movie) 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 department head Tom Roach.
Career Paths
Communication grads go on to careers in fields like:
- Corporate communication
- Social media production
- Public relations
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
Associate Professor
V. Scott Smithson teaches four classes per semester, while engaging in committee work.
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Social Media
Rhon Teruelle’s research and teaching focus on critical communication studies.
Continuing Lecturer, Communication and Creative Arts
Erin Okamoto Protsman teaches a variety of classes in the communication field.
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
