Program Overview

Bachelor's Degree in Communication

The Bachelor's Degree in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is designed to develop students' leadership, critical thinking, writing, public speaking, and presentation skills. The program focuses on three skill sets across the curriculum: visual, oral, and written competencies.

Program Overview

Every human endeavor is enriched by communication skills and knowledge. The communication degree program at Purdue University Northwest prepares students to solve real-world problems by honing their skills in writing, broadcasting, public relations, communication theory, persuasion, digital media, and visual communication design.

Why Study Communication at PNW?

The Department of Communication and Creative Arts at PNW offers a comprehensive program that caters to various career aspirations, including working in front of a camera, editing media content, operating cameras, designing websites, posters, and infographics, or becoming a media influencer, spokesperson, or journalist.

Communication Major Curriculum

The curriculum trains students in writing, broadcasting, public relations, communication theory, persuasion, digital media, and visual communication design. Students complete a well-rounded mix of general education, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences, and communication classes. Each concentration includes a senior capstone course and opportunities for internships.

Yearly Breakdown

• Year One: Foundational classes in speech and rhetoric, including:
  • COM 11400 – Fundamentals of Speech Communication
  • COM 20400 – Critical Perspectives on Communication
  • COM 22500 – Introduction to Social Influence and Rhetoric
• Year Two: Exploration of topics fundamental to professional communication, such as PR, broadcasting, and journalism, including:
  • COM 25000 – Mass Communication and Society
  • COM 25300 – Introduction to Public Relations
  • COM 25600 – Introduction to Advertising
• Year Three: Courses that distinguish students as global, tech-savvy communicators, including:
  • AD 32800 – Visual Communication Design I
  • COM 31800 – Principles of Persuasion
  • COM 32500 – Interviewing: Principles and Practice
• Year Four: Advanced, experience-based communication courses focusing on real-world practice, including:
  • COM 37000 – Writing for the Media
  • COM 43400 – Practicum in Media Communication
  • COM 32000 – Small Group Communication

Communication Degree Program Highlights

Graduates with a communication degree are prepared for rewarding careers ranging from broadcasting and advertising to public relations and graphic design. The communication and leadership skills developed are also relevant to every other field, including business, hospitality, engineering, and human resources.

Communication Degree Program Outcomes

This program builds essential leadership and interviewing skills, as well as the confidence to communicate in a number of profit and non-profit organizations.

Communication Degree Program Career Paths

A communication degree from PNW prepares students for a number of careers, including:

• Public and Civic Service
• Human Relations and Public Relations
• Social Media and Broadcasting
• Advertising and Corporate Communication
• Health and Human Services
• Graphic Designer
• Journalist

Communication Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

Students have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:

• The Pioneer
• The Film and Broadcast Club
• Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society

Communication Degree Program Employers

Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:

• ESPN.com
• NASA
• Cushman and Wakefield
• MasterChef
• America's Got Talent
• Big Ten Network
• 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
• The Stephen Hough Memorial Scholarship

Meet the Faculty

The Department of Communication and Creative Arts at PNW is led by experienced faculty members, including:

• Lee Artz, Ph.D., Professor, Media Studies
• Catherine M. Gillotti, Ph.D., Department Chair, Communication & Creative Arts
• Erin Okamoto Protsman, M.A., Continuing Lecturer, Communication and Creative Arts
• Rhon Teruelle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Social Media
• Dan S. Wilbur, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication

Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Communication at PNW

Purdue University Northwest's communication major prepares students for a variety of careers by advancing their skills in writing, broadcasting, problem-solving, digital media, and visual communication design. The program is designed to open doors to numerous career opportunities, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.