Program Overview

Program Overview

The Communication Studies BA program is designed to equip students with a broad range of communication skills, enabling them to navigate complex communication environments and craft meaningful messages in their personal relationships, professional environments, and the public at large.

Combined Degree Programs

Students pursuing a BA in Communication Studies have the opportunity to apply for the combined bachelor's + master's degree program, which allows them to complete coursework at an accelerated pace, saving time and money. High-achieving first-year students can also choose to complete the combined bachelor's + juris doctor (JD) program, earning a bachelor's degree and law degree in a total of six years.

Career Tracks

Students who major in Communication Studies can organize their coursework around a range of different fields and industries. These short sequences of courses help students focus on topic areas that interest them, providing a flexible set of transferable skills, exposure to a variety of career options, and preparation for a changing work environment.

Career Outcomes

93% of Communication Studies graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation. Communication Studies graduates have held positions at various organizations, including:

• Nonprofits
• Health care organizations
• Law firms
• Educational institutions
• Startups
• Corporations
  • Examples of organizations that have employed Communication Studies graduates include:
    • Addison Group
    • Building Tomorrow
    • Presence Health
    • Facets Multi-Media
    • Adelman & Gettleman Ltd
    • Chicago Bears
    • Mission Propelle
    • Murray State University
    • University of Nebraska at Omaha
    • Heartland Alliance
    • RadioMD
    • Headspace Inc.
    • Greater Milwaukee Committee
    • National-Louis University
    • Softchoice
    • Scripps College
    • Chicago Children's Museum
    • PrizeLogic
    • Gordon Food Service

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for Communication Studies practitioners include:

• Management Consultant
• Broadcast Producer
• Marketing Coordinator
• Business Development Coordinator
• Marketing Lead
• Buyer
• Media Relations Specialist
• Communication Analyst
• Morning Show Co-Host
• Communication Coach
• Communication Specialist
• Non-profit Program Manager
• Content Manager
• Office Manager
• Corporate Communications Coordinator
• Customer Relationship Manager
• Production Assistant
• Digital Marketing Strategist
• Project Manager
• Editor
• Recruiter (HR)
• Event Coordinator
• Executive Assistant
• Sales Coordinator
• Higher Education Admissions Officer
• Social Media Specialist
• Human Resources Manager
• Supply Chain Project Manager
• Information Coordinator