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, using traditional, broadcasting and digital media. You’ll hone your use of these methods and use them to solve real-world problems.
Department of Communications 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.
Communication Major Curriculum
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.
You’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Science courses and communication courses. You’ll have a senior project that apply what you’ve learned to real-life problems and walk away with a project guaranteed to impress potential employers.
You can currently complete this degree at PNW’s Hammond campus.
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
Communication Degree Program 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.
Communication Degree Program Outcomes
This program builds essential leadership and interviewing skills, as well as the confidence to communicate in a number of media fields.
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
Communication Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:
Communication Degree Program Employers
Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:
- ESPN.com
- 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
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 is a professor of media studies and the director of the Center for Global Studies at Purdue University Northwest.
Interim Chair, Curriculum & Student Success Communication & Creative Arts
Catherine Gillotti is a professor of Communication and the Communication & Creative Arts Interim Department Chair for Curriculum & Student Success 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.
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, theory, research methods, digital media and persuasive techniques.
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!
