Recognized for two top 100 media markets in Chicago and Springfield, the “Land of Lincoln” has many bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois with regional accreditation for quality, transferable education. Communications majors flock to Illinois’ $775 billion economy that ranks 12th for quality of life on Forbes. Illinois has digital media firms like RPM, Joone Studios, IFB Design, and Ravage Media. Studying communications would also translate well to the Chicago Sun Times, WBBM-TV, WHPK 88.5 FM, Huffington Post, and affiliates.
The BLS reports that Illinois currently has 69,360 media-related jobs, so let’s begin reviewing the undergrad communications colleges in Illinois for future success.
Augustana College
Communication Studies Department
Created in 1860 by the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod, Augustana College is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution that’s endowed for $115.9 million under President Steven C. Bahls to instruct 2,500 Augies from its 115 hilly acres in Rock Island near Moline. Augustana is ranked America’s 25th free application school on Niche, 70th best value by the USNWR, and 61st top university for low-income students in The New York Times. The Communication Studies Department teaches two bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois with a spectacular 95 percent grad school acceptance rate.
Major in Communication Studies
Chaired by Dr. Sharon M. Varallo, Augustana’s Major in Communication Studies lets B.A. students develop the eloquence and interpersonal skills to answer questions intelligently for effective information sharing. After two gateway courses, the 28-credit major offers two specializations in Multimedia Journalism or Mass Communication. Undergrads might also intern with Walt Disney World, write for The Observer, broadcast live on WAUG Radio, study abroad in Malaysia, and volunteer with the Children’s Art Project.
Major in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Estimated to cost $40,908 yearly, the Major in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Augustana is Illinois’ sole bachelor’s option for gathering the clinical preparation for accredited speech-language pathology programs. Along with practicing at the on-campus Speech Services Clinic, the 33-credit major requires internships at agencies like North Shore Pediatric Therapy, Saint Louis ENT Clinic, and EB Pediatric Resources. Students can also fundraise with the Royal Ball Run, teach English in Bangkok, attend the ASHA Convention, and conduct thesis research in the Betsey Brodahl Building.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Old Main 210
639 38th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 794-7387
SharonVarallo@augustana.edu
Aurora University
Dunham School of Business and Public Policy
Enrolling 5,500 Spartans with 77 percent acceptance, Aurora University is a private, nonsectarian liberal arts school directed by President Rebecca L. Sherrick on a $39.1 million endowment in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference with 40 Chicagoland acres near the Fox River. Aurora is ranked America’s 376th best private college on Forbes and 659th most liberal college on Niche. Presently charging annual tuition of $22,080, the Dunham School of Business and Public Policy grants one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio.
BA in Communication and Media
Tracing humanities back to Aristotle, Aurora’s BA in Communication and Media is chaired by Toby J. Arquette, PhD, with doctoral-level faculty to teach the speaking, presentation, and writing skills needed for crafting messages on today’s media landscapes. The 40-credit major lets undergrads specialize in Speech Communication, Public Relations, Digital Media Production, Multimedia Journalism, Critical Media Studies, or Graphic Design. Students could also compete on the Debate Team, join the AMA Chapter, pledge Lambda Pi Eta, edit Spartan Media, and intern with the Chicago Bulls.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Dunham Hall 231
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 844-5614
tarquett@aurora.edu
Benedictine University
College of Liberal Arts
Affiliated with media alums like Michael D’Angelo, Carrie Johnson, and Mario Parker, Benedictine University has grown since its 1887 founding as St. Procopius College to become a top-tier private, nonprofit Catholic institution with 3,347 undergrad Eagles on its 108-acre NAICU campus in Lisle. Benedictine is ranked America’s 136th best standout college on Niche, 223rd top university by the USNWR, and 211th best research hub in Forbes. The College of Liberal Arts confers 24 majors, including one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois, with 88 percent job placement for $33,900 annually full-time.
Communication Arts Major (B.A.)
Publishing the COMM Arts Chronicle, the Communication Arts Major (B.A.) at Benedictine builds students’ artistic portfolios with sophisticated writing and broadcasting experiences to enter the media industry. Available with an optional Sports Journalism Concentration, the 120-credit program chaired by Dr. Peter Seeley will blend courses from American cinema to news reporting. Majors might also intern with Telemundo, contribute to The Candor, take courses at the Mesa Branch, and perform on the Jazz Ensemble at Komechak Art Gallery.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Kindlon Hall 270
5700 College Rd.
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 829-6274
pseely@ben.edu
Blackburn College
Literature, Writing, and Communications Department
Named for Rev. Gideon Blackburn in 1837, Blackburn College is a private, nonprofit Presbyterian liberal arts institute that’s charging a net yearly price of $14,593 from 590 Beavers studying atop its 80-acre prairie campus in Carlinville, Macoupin County’s seat in Greater St. Louis. Blackburn is ranked America’s 17th best baccalaureate college in Washington Monthly and 455th hardest college to get into on Niche. The Literature, Writing, and Communications Department houses five majors with a median mid-career salary of $67,100 on PayScale and 93 percent placement.
Communications Major
Taught by PhD-level professors trained at Indiana, McGill, UIC, Missouri, and others, the Communications Major at Blackburn is another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio to study critical perspectives on mass media. The 15-course major spans topics from public speaking and publication design to electronic journalism and advertising. Other opportunities include joining the Illinois College Press Association, editing The Burnian, interning with Karmak, and claiming the Louise Allen Creative Writing Award.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Hudson Hall 303C
700 College Ave.
Carlinville, IL 62626
(217) 854-5687
naomi.crummey@blackburn.edu
Bradley University
Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts
Accredited by the HLC and 22 national agencies, Bradley University is a private, mid-sized coeducational institution of the Missouri Valley Conference that’s endowed for $270.5 million under President Gary R. Roberts to educate 5,300 Braves and employ 389 faculty atop its 84-acre Peoria campus. Bradley is ranked America’s 84th best Greek college on Niche and the Midwest’s seventh best university by the USNWR. Recognized for the 225th most grateful grads on Forbes, the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts grants one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois with 87 percent retention.
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communication
Coordinated by Professor Tony Adams, Bradley’s Bachelor of Arts/Science in Communication builds the foundation for media industry success with six concentrations: Advertising, Television Arts, Journalism, Public Relations, Sports Communication, and Organizational Communication. Presently priced at $30,844 before aid, the 42-credit major uses its 40,000-square-foot facility and Mac labs to deliver project-based courses from persuasion to rhetoric. Students could also intern with UnityPoint Methodist, join the award-winning Speech Team, write for Bradley Scout, attend PRSSA events, and study abroad in Italy.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Caterpillar Center 300B
1501 W. Bradley Ave.
Peoria, IL 61625
(309) 677-2354
tadams@bradley.edu
Chicago State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Occupying a 161-acre campus, including the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center, in Chicago’s Roseland district, Chicago State University is a public, land-grant historically Black TMCF member that’s led by President Cecil Lucy on a $5.15 million endowment to instruct 3,578 Cougars. CSU is recognized for America’s 326th best professors on Niche and Illinois’ 14th most affordable tuition by Best Value Schools. Delivering another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois, the College of Arts and Sciences follows the mottos “Think, Write, Perform,” with 21 percent admission.
B.A. in Communications, Media Arts and Theatre
Chicago State’s B.A. in Communications, Media Arts and Theatre is one of the broadest bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois that trains undergrads for vast media performance jobs with six-year guaranteed tuition at $8,820 yearly. Boasting a Multimedia Lab equipped with Adobe Creative Suite, the 120-credit degree requires an internship at companies like ABC Television, Chicago Cable Access, and WGN Radio. Majors may also join the NABJ Chapter, perform in the 350-seat Breakey Theatre, and volunteer with the Truth ‘N Trauma Project.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Douglas Hall 116
9501 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60628
(773) 995-2280
clist@csu.edu
Columbia College Chicago
School of Media Arts
Upholding the motto “Esse Quam Videri,” Columbia College Chicago is a private, nonprofit arts and media institution endowed for $142.6 million that’s directed by President Kwang-Wu Kim, DMA, to enroll 9,442 students and publish the Columbia Chronicle from its South Loop campus. Noted for the YouTube Creator Institute, CCC is ranked America’s 14th best film school by The Hollywood Reporter and 14th best college location on Niche. Presently priced at $11,820 per semester, the School of Media Arts nurtures creativity in nine majors, the Production Fund, and initiatives like Cinema Slapdown.
Communication, BA
Admitting 88 percent of applicants, Columbia’s Communication BA is one of the high-tech bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois using Cinema Notebooks to give students digital storytelling skills for meeting artistic media goals. Starting the first year, the 39-credit major chaired by Dr. Suzanne McBride will span eight semesters from media ecosystems to technical writing and organizational behavior. Undergrads could also minor in Creative Writing, intern with Chicago Fire, join the Society of Professional Journalists, and host shows on 88.1 WCRX-FM.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
33 E. Congress, Suite 201
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 369-8907
smcbride@colum.edu
Concordia University-Chicago
College of Arts/College of Business
Renamed in 2006, Concordia University-Chicago splits into four accredited colleges as a regional private, nonprofit Lutheran branch that’s spearheaded by President Rev. Daniel Gard to serve 5,286 Cougars with 100 percent financial aid upon its 16-hectare Cook County campus in River Forest. CUC is ranked America’s 312th safest college on Niche and the Midwest’s 75th best school by the U.S. News. Given the “Best for Diversity” label from Craig’s Chicago Business, the College of Business also lands in the top 10 percent on College Factual.
Communication Major
Chaired by Laura Pollom, PhD, the College of Arts’ Communication Major is one of the liberal arts-based bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois that emphasizes Christian ethics while developing awareness of societal interaction. Unlocking median earnings of $41,500, the 39-credit major has three specializations for Media, Human Communication and Culture, or Strategic Communication. Other opportunities include working on WCGR-TV, attending the Chicago Humanities Festival, interning with Labyrinth Global, writing news for The Spectator, and double majoring in Journalism.
Business Communication Major
Fully ACBSP accredited, the CU-Chicago College of Business offers a Bachelor of Arts in the Business Communication Major to produce confident, ethical leaders who can effectively convey organizational news and goals to the public. Taught in Chicago or online for $30,656 yearly before aid, the 48-credit major grabs wide-ranging courses from finance to information technology to marketing. Students may also join Phi Beta Lambda, intern at Bohler Uddeholm, study abroad in Chengdu, attend the free Entrepreneur Speaker Series, and jumpstart the One-Year MBA.
Accreditation:
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
7400 Augusta St.
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 209-3594
laura.pollom@cuchicago.edu
DePaul University
College of Communication
Operating on the quarter system, DePaul University is the United States’ largest private, nonprofit Catholic CIC member led by President Dr. Gabriel Esteban that’s endowed for $420 million to instruct 15,406 undergrad Blue Demons and employing 2,750 faculty at four Chicago campuses from Lincoln Park to Naperville. DePaul is ranked America’s 135th best university in Washington Monthly and 43rd best free application college by Niche. Given 17 Illinois College Press Association Awards, the College of Communication has placed grads at Fox News, Chicago Tribune, Comcast, Rockit Ranch Productions, and more.
Communication Studies Program
Chaired by Dr. Daniel Makagon, the Communication Studies Program at DePaul delivers a B.A. for students to hone their reading, writing, and research skills for crafting effective messages in today’s information age. Offering an optional Latino Media & Communication Concentration, the 38-credit major currently bills $36,361 annually for courses from discourse analysis to environmental politics. Undergrads could also pursue the 4+1 Bachelor’s-Master’s, join Lambda Pi Eta, write for The DePaulia, contribute to the La Hora Picante initiative, and study in Vienna.
Online Communication and Media Program
Admitting only juniors, the Online Communication and Media Program at DePaul is another of the Web-based bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois using a 16:1 student-faculty ratio to train storytellers who convey information on diverse platforms. Priced at $615 per quarter credit, the 86-unit degree completion program covers the last two years with online courses from screenwriting to documentary studies. Mandating a 2.0 GPA, the Bachelor of Arts skips the Liberal Studies Program for transfers to meet media career goals faster.
Organizational Communication Program
Open for admission until February 1st yearly, DePaul’s Organizational Communication Program supports B.A. undergrads with an average SAT score of 1150 who will apply interpersonal skills in public relations, advertising, and related business disciplines. Partnered with the AACSB-accredited Driehaus College of Business, the 56-credit major ranges from employment interviewing to conflict management. Majors might also attend the Pop Culture Conference, join adVentors, gain PRSSA membership, report live for Good Day DePaul, earn the Carlos Hernandez Award, and practice in the Digital Cinema Lab.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
14 E. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 362-8600
communication@depaul.edu
Dominican University
Rosary College of Arts and Sciences
Operated by the Sinsinawa Sisters under President Donna M. Carroll, Dominican University is a private, master’s-level Catholic nonprofit that’s teaching over 50 majors to 3,900 Stars with a 30-acre River Forest campus and 300,000-book Rebecca Crown Library. Dominican is deemed America’s 81st best standout college on Niche, 209th best value by MONEY, and 359th top university in Washington Monthly. Founded in 1922, the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences houses 20 departments and the Honors Program to support critical inquiry for annual tuition at $30,760 currently.
Communication Studies B.A.
Adhering to ACEJMC standards, the Communication Studies B.A. at Dominican is chaired by John Jenks, PhD, to develop smooth speakers with the analytical skills requisite in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving media market. With an optional Film Criticism track, the 36-credit major integrates courses from game design to propaganda and intercultural communication. Undergrads might also become NCA members, run The Dominican Star, get invited into Lambda Pi Eta, select the Social Media Minor, and venture to Brussels.
Corporate Communications B.A.
Another of the Dominican bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois is the Corporate Communications B.A., which develops undergrads’ God-given gifts while building the speaking and writing skills to translate crucial business data into concise, meaningful presentations or reports. Accepting 63 percent of applicants with a mean ACT score of 22, the 33-credit Rosary major shares courses like human resources and communication law with the Brennan School of Business. Students can also enter the Accelerated MBA, intern with Kartemquin Films, study at Oxford University, and declare Pre-Law.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Fine Arts Center 331
7900 W. Division St.
River Forest, IL 60305
(703) 524-6932
jjenks@dom.edu
Even though communications ranked #4 among the most worthless majors on Complex.com, the degree actually carries tremendous weight in marketability because companies want jack-of-trades employees who can coordinate information across channels. Earning power can also rise to $107,000 and beyond. On PayScale, top-paid, in-demand communications jobs included executive producer, social media manager, public relations director, marketing officer, and advertising broadcast manager. For example, OneCareerStop is expecting a 6 percent hiring jump in PR for 2,860 jobs in Illinois by 2024. Grab your copy of the AP Stylebook to prepare for bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois.
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- Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Illinois (E-I)
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- Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Illinois (N-R)
- Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Illinois (S-Z)