Undergraduate Programs
COM 110
The basic Communication Course at Illinois State University is entitled Communication as Critical Inquiry (COM 110). This course is an integral part of the general education program at ISU. It is one of the courses students must take during their first year. The purpose of the course is to improve students’ abilities to express themselves and to listen to others in a variety of communication settings.
Communication Studies
Communication Studies students discover the many strategies of how to effectively communicate with different groups of people in varying situations. Communication Studies offers three sequences within the major including, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational and Leadership Communication and Political Communication. Each sequence allows students to narrow down their field of practice within the broader spectrum of Communication Studies.
Journalism
Journalism is changing rapidly, with stories moving across a range of mediums, from newspaper and magazine to the internet and social media. As a result students must learn to gather and write informative and entertaining stories and learn how to work with audio and video clips and online tools. Students in this major choose from three sequences, Broadcast Journalism, News Editorial, and Visual Communication. Each sequence allows students to focus on their passion while learning a variety of writing styles for different mediums.
Mass Media
The Mass Media program offers students the opportunity to study the developing communication of the 21st century. This program is designed for students who are interested in studying the theory and practice of the media, especially radio, television, and the internet. The major offers four sequences including, Media Management, Promotion and Sales; Television Production; Radio; and Interactive Media.
Public Relations
The Public Relations program prepares students to research, plan, execute, and evaluate communication between an organization and its publics, monitor the organization’s environment, and counsel management on policies and programs. Students will see how Public Relations complement advertising and marketing, and will understand the importance of managing organizations’ images and reputations in the 21st century.
Learn more about Public Relations
Teacher Ed
Illinois State’s Communication Education program provides you with the opportunity to purse a professional career in teaching oral communication, journalism, and media. This undergraduate program leads to certification to teach high school English Language Arts with a focus on oral communication and speech. Explore this program further by visiting the Communication Education page or by contacting the program director, Mr. Douglas Jennings at dkjenni@ilstu.edu
International Studies
Earn Communication credits by taking German classes in Salzburg, Austria, studying at a business school in Paris, France, or studying broadcasting and mass communication at the Dong Ah College of Broadcasting located near Ansung City, south of Seoul, South Korea.