Communication, B.A.

Students in the undergraduate major in Communication, offered through the College of Arts and Sciences ,  develop a practical and theoretical understanding of the processes and impact of human and media communication. The curriculum is designed to assist students in developing their abilities to communicate effectively and ethically in written, verbal, and visual forms within shifting technological, socio-cultural, political, leadership, and economic environments. Students are prepared to exemplify professional communication practices that promote human relations as informed and engaged global citizens.

In addition to a core of communication courses, students majoring in Communication choose a sequence of courses in either strategic communication or human communication. Each sequence includes practical skills as well as the applied understanding necessary for career development. To gain real world experience, students may apply for internships in commercial and not-for-profit organizations, as well as Chicago media, or in various departments and units across the university

A concentration in strategic communication offers students a broad foundation in the theory and skills necessary for a career in a variety of fields, including, but not limited to advertising, public relations, journalism, and more. The human communication concentration explores multiple aspects of human interaction providing a foundation for students to communicate effectively and with integrity as informed and engaged global citizens. Students in any concentration are also encouraged to choose a minor, such as American Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, or Latino Studies. Graduates of the program have careers in professions such as advertising, public relations, consulting, mentoring, customer service, sales, human resources and training, media management, media writing, speechwriting, and public affairs. The Communication program offers instruction with computer and multimedia technology that is annually augmented and always contemporary, if not ahead of the curve. Students enrolled in the program prior to Fall 2019 should refer to the 2018-2019 catalog to complete their program of study.