Communication Studies

This program focuses on communication interaction between individuals and the impact each has on the other. The program provides a grounding in the power of communication to affect outcomes and relations across a variety of settings. Often, coursework may examine relationship development in families, social settings, and work. Typical careers include social services, human relations, interpersonal consulting, affirmative actions, sales, and counseling.

Why Study Communication Studies?

In Communication Studies, students discover the many strategies of how to effectively communicate with different groups of people in varying situations. Coverage includes person-to-person communication such as in counseling, peer advising, personnel management and other business and corporate positions. Students may also study persuasion and message construction strategies that are helpful in sales and management areas.

Speech communication is a broad degree that can lead to job opportunities in many different fields. Skills and experiences gained through co-curricular activities, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering are critical in shaping a career path. Speech communication is also good preparation for graduate school in many disciplines.

Application Information

Students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or above will be automatically accepted into the Communication major or minor of their choice. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed weekly.
If your cumulative GPA is below a 2.5, you are still welcome to apply. You will be given the opportunity to submit a personal statement with your application asking you to reflect on this prompt:

In 250-300 words, explain the reason you would like to change your major/minor to Communication. Your personal statement should reflect formal writing and address the following topics:

• Why is this major/minor change desired?
• What career do you hope to pursue with your new major/minor?
• What will you bring to the major/minor as a student?

For students applying with a cumulative GPA below a 2.5, relevant coursework will also be taken into consideration before a decision is made (this includes coursework in COM, ENG, and other social sciences and humanities-based classes).

For all applicants, admission decisions will be communicated via campus email.

For questions related to applying to the School of Communication, please contact Julie Navickas, Director of Student Success & Recruitment at janavic@ilstu.edu.

Submit Your Application

Choose your desired minor and complete all sections of the online application form.  

Minors can only be declared by current Illinois State students. Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Application Period

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Academic Advising