Communication Studies

Three emphases are available to students majoring in communication studies. The emphasis in advocacy and public communication is a broad-based program of study that allows students to take courses from across the field of communication. By becoming more articulate communicators and more alert critics of information and argument, students gain the leadership skills and knowledge essential in a variety of business and civic settings. The emphasis also provides a strong preparation for students who intend to pursue graduate and/or law school.

The emphasis in media studies combines courses in general communication with courses in mass communication theory, history, criticism, and production.

The emphasis in organizational/corporate communication combines a common core of courses in communication with courses which examine communication systems, training and consulting, advertising, as well as corporate advocacy in business, community, and governmental organizations. 

Under no circumstances will the Department of Communication accept more than 18 semester hours of transfer credit for application to the major in communication studies at NIU. Students who double major in Communication and Journalism must take JOUR 480 or COMS 455 or COMS 403. In no case will the COMS or JOUR law/ethics course count towards the same law/ethics block required for each major.

The GPA in the Communication Studies major is calculated by using all and only those Communication Studies and Journalism courses at NIU numbered 200 or higher, specifically excluding COMS 100.

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

• High School Diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted.
• Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores