Prospective Students
STATE your passion here at Illinois State University. The School of Communication provides its students with a variety of majors and sequences to help students focus on their specific passion. With approximately 900 majors, the School of Communication is one of the largest units in the College of Arts and Sciences. The School of Communication offers students small classes with plenty of individual attention from highly qualified teachers. Students can also get unique hands-on experiences by getting involved in the many Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) provided in the School of Communication. With a student run newspaper, radio station, TV station and PR firm, there are plenty of opportunities for students to become involved and craft the skills needed to be successful in the professional world.
The School of Communication’s legacy is more than 150 years old, stemming from the founding of the Forensics Union two days after ISU’s founding. Over its history, the School of Communication has built a tradition of excellence in teaching, research and service. Continue reading to learn more about the School of Communication’s recent accomplishments and offerings.
Preview/Passages School of Communication Presentation (Quick Time Movie)
Points of Pride (PDF)
Communication Careers Obtained by Alumni (PDF)
Attributes of Communication Students (PDF)
Undergraduate Programs
The School of Communication offers a wide variety of majors/sequences for students to find the best fit for their interests and career goals. Our four primary majors include Communication Studies, Journalism, Mass Media and Public Relations. Visit the School of Communication Undergraduate Programs website for detailed information about each major/sequence. For more information about applying to Illinois State University, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Communication Curriculum
Each Communication major/sequence has its own unique curriculum and requirements. For more information about the specific courses required for each Communication major/sequence, visit the School of Communication Major Planning Tools website.
Faculty Profiles
Get to know the School of Communication faculty! The faculty in the School of Communication have hands-on experience in their specialization outside of academia. This allows them to provide a unique perspective to students entering the communication field. Click here for individual faculty profiles.
Advising
You will find personalized attention from your academic advisors throughout your sophomore, junior, and senior years in the School of Communication. Whether you have questions about your class schedule, registering for next semester, planning your academic and career goals, or you simply need help finding campus resources, your advising needs will be met by friendly and professional staff. For more information on advising in the School of Communication, click here.
Get Involved
Look into joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) or Co-Curricular Professional and Service Organization. The RSOs offered in the School of Communication provide students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience, network with faculty and professionals in their field, and develop valuable career and leadership skills. Click here to learn more about student organizations.
Field Experiences (Internships)
Field Experiences (better known as internships) are opportunities for students to build their portfolios, enrich their skills, and network with professionals, all while earning academic credit. The majority of Communication students complete at least one internship before graduation. The School of Communication offers hundreds of internship opportunities that students can earn, and internships can be completed during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Click here to learn more about the School of Communication Field Experiences program.
Study Abroad
Study abroad programs provide students with the opportunity to learn about another culture and gain valuable intercultural communication skills, while traveling and earning course credit. ISU offers a wide variety of programs, including three programs specific to communication majors. Click here for information on the School of Communication International Studies programs or visit the Office of International Studies and Programs website for more information about study abroad programs.
Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities available through the School of Communication, the College of Arts and Sciences, and ISU to assist students with their college expenses. Click here for more information on Communication scholarships and how to apply. You can also check out ISU’s Scholarship Finder through the Financial Aid Office.
Transfer Students
Students transferring to Illinois State University from a community college or other 4-year institution have particular needs, requirements and considerations. Visit the School of Communication Transfer Student website for information specific to incoming transfer students. For more information about applying to ISU as a transfer student, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Master’s Degree Programs
The School of Communication Master’s Degree Program provides a distinctive academic experience that educates students in convergent disciplinary knowledge, diverse theoretical frameworks and research methods appropriate to the advanced study of communication. Visit the Master’s Degree Program website for more detailed information.