If you’re hoping to become one of tomorrow’s most recognized media names, we’ve got 20 more bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois to select from.
Ranked 19th for opportunity by the U.S. News, Illinois has a hot Midwestern market for communications grads. News Generation recognized Chicago, Champaign-Springfield-Decatur, and Peoria-Bloomington among America’s top 100 media metros. In fact, the Chicagoland has produced 87 percent of new Illinois jobs since the late 2000s. Communication degrees can translate into positions with The Chicago Daily Herald, Warner Bros, 22nd Century Media, Haymarket Books, RR Donnelley, Star Farm Productions, WICS Channel 20, and countless more.
Learn to express your creative thoughts with articulacy at these undergrad communications colleges in Illinois (S-Z) for diverse careers.
For the first 4 articles in our series, see:
- Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Illinois (A-D)
- Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Illinois (E-I)
- Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Illinois (J-M)
- Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Illinois (N-R)
Saint Xavier University
College of Arts and Sciences
Applauded by Mayor Richard M. Daley for sustainability, Saint Xavier University is the United States’ first private, Mercy higher learning institution developed in 1846 under Mother Mary Francis Warde that’s now applying Catholic values to instruct 3,949 Cougars at its Chicago, Orland Park, and Gilbert campuses. SXU is declared America’s 315th most liberal college on Niche and 580th best value in The Economist. Known for winning the 2016 ISHA College Bowl and 2013 Silver Trumpet Award, the College of Arts and Sciences awards one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois for $680 per credit.
Communication Major
Chaired by Brad Mello, PhD, SXU’s Communication Major features professional-quality recording facilities to train undergrads for developing apt public messaging in today’s digital information economy. Culminating with a senior research application project, the 120-credit B.A. degree offers three concentrations for Sports Communication, Media Communication, or Strategic Communication/PR. Students might also write for The Xavierite, broadcast on WXAC 88.3 FM, claim the Richard J. Potts Scholarship, attend Media Summer Camps, intern with Chicago Business Journal, or travel to Dublin.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Warde Center N-304
3700 W. 103rd Street
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 298-3372
mello@sxu.edu
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
College of Liberal Arts/College of Agricultural Sciences
Publishing the National Newspaper Pacemaker for General Excellence Award-winning Daily Egyptian since 1916, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public, research-oriented MVC state school organized by president Randy Dunn that’s enrolling 14,554 Salukis on its 1,136 acres in the “City of Trees.” SIU-Carbondale is crowned America’s 216th best university by the U.S. News, 140th best standout school on Niche, and 36th most adult-friendly college in Washington Monthly. The College of Liberal Arts joins the College of Agricultural Sciences for four bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois with 66 percent retention.
B.S. Degree in Communication Studies
Ranked 81st for faculty research output by the NRC Assessment, the B.S. Degree in Communication Studies is chaired by Dr. Jonathan Gray to nurture the tools undergrads need to effectively convey information in various interaction contexts. The 43-credit major requires picking specializations from Intercultural Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Performance Studies, Persuasion, or Public Relations. Students can also intern at Fleishman-Hillard, earn the Paul Hibbs Memorial Scholarship, compete for Saluki Debate, join the PRSSA, study abroad in France, and perform in the Marion Kleinau Theatre.
Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) Program
Featuring a 14:1 student-professor ratio, SIU’s Communication Disorders and Sciences (CDS) Program is directed by Carl R. Flowers, RhD, to provide preparatory bachelor’s education in speech-language pathology that covers the basics of oral, swallowing, and linguistic disabilities, including Parkinson’s. The Rehabilitation Institute melds courses like articulation and traumatic brain injury with fieldwork for a 120-credit B.S. degree. Other opportunities include practicing in the on-campus Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, contributing to Project 12 Ways, joining the NSSLHA Chapter, and traveling to Australia.
Agricultural Communications B.S. Specialization
Headed by Dr. Karen Jones since 2014, SIU-Carbondale operates the 2,000-acre University Farm to award a B.S. in Agricultural Systems that can be specialized in Agricultural Communications for learning to craft media messages in the farming industry. Accepting $40 applications until May 1st yearly, the 120-credit degree spans courses from journalism and radio-television to forestry and crop science. Majors could also intern with Monsanto, research in the on-site Illinois Soybean Center, attend the Farm Progress Show, and join the Horticulture Association.
Communication Design BFA Specialization
Billing an median net price of $15,595 yearly, the Communication Design BFA Specialization stands out among bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois for NASAD accreditation that certifies high-quality artistic training for creating meaningful 2-D and 3-D visual messages. Integrating a portfolio review, the 120-credit degree uses the cutting-edge Pulliam Design Wing for studio courses like graphic design and printmaking. Undergrads may also intern with Harman International, get inspired by the Visiting Artist Program, attend Art Over Easy, and join the Rickert-Ziebold Award Competition.
Accreditation
• National Association for Schools of Arts and Design (NASAD)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Communications Building 2240
1263 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
(613) 453-2291
cmstdept@siu.edu
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
College of Arts and Sciences
Affiliated with media alums like Bill Plaschke and Paige St. John, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville was established in 1957 as a public, state-funded master’s college and host of the Mississippi River Festival that’s now training 14,142 Cougars atop its 2,660-acre Madison County campus in Family Circle’s third best town. SIUE is designated America’s 233rd top public school on Niche, 21st safest college by The Daily Beast, and 40th best university in Washington Monthly. The College of Arts and Sciences has 50+ majors from politics to biology that provide the 75th best Midwestern buck according to the U.S. News.
Applied Communication Studies (BA,BS)
Publishing The Edwardsville Intelligencer, the Applied Communication Studies (BA,BS) is an interdisciplinary SIUE major with 94 percent job placement that’s training undergrads to scrutinize, explain, and better human interactions in its cutting-edge Speech Center. The 120-credit curriculum injects a mandatory, 150-hour internship into customized tracks for Corporate and Organizational Communication, Interpersonal Communication, or Public Relations. Students could also study abroad in Budapest, participate in the URCA Program, join OCSA Club, receive the Mary Blackburn Scholarship, and broadcast on WSIE-FM 88.7.
Mass Communications (BA,BS)
Presently priced at $11,008 per year, Edwardsville’s Mass Communications (BA,BS) is chaired by Dr. Gary R. Hicks as one of the highly selective ACEJMC-accredited bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois focused on the latest media industry changes. The 120-credit degree requires a minimum 2.2 GPA in four emphases: Advertising, Print/Electronic Journalism, Television/Radio, and Corporate/Institutional Media. Majors may also intern with the St. Louis Cardinals, report from the KMOV-TV Studio, practice in the Avid Nonlinear Editing Lab, edit The Alestle, and join Ad Club.
Accreditation
• Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Dunham Hall 1040
1 Hairpin Drive
Edwardsville, IL 62026
(618) 650-2242
ghicks@siue.edu
Trinity Christian College
Arts & Humanities Division
Noted for its 44,000-square-foot Art and Communication Center (ARCC) unveiled in 2008, Trinity Christian College enrolls 1,033 traditional undergrad Trolls atop its 130-acre campus surrounding Ozinga Chapel in Cook County’s Palos Heights as a private, nonprofit Reformed Christian IAPCHE member. Trinity is ranked America’s 365th best Common App school on Niche, 434th best university by Times Higher Education, and 64th top Christ-centered college in Faith on View. The Arts & Humanities Division has rolling admission into three bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois for current annual full-time tuition of $28,675.
B.A. in Communication Arts
As the 80th best baccalaureate college in Washington Monthly, Trinity confers a B.A. in Communication Arts with 88 percent acceptance to teach undergrads how to speak and listen with integrity for vast career opportunities. Chaired by Dr. Craig Mattson, the 30-43 credit major has a Christian core before concentrations in Communication Studies, Film Studies, Media, or Theatre. Students might also join the Religious Communication Association, study at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, perform at the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre, and declare Honors.
B.A. in Business Communication
Partnered with the ACBSP-accredited Business Division, Trinity’s B.A. in Business Communication seeks to develop engaged media practitioners who have the public speaking skills to share information on behalf of organizations. Maintaining an 11:1 student-professor ratio, the 42-credit major builds on core courses of communicative theory with a required minor like Marketing or Finance. Undergrads could also intern at Navistar International, attend the U.Pitch Competition, join the Student Design Organization, volunteer with Service Outreach Corps, and earn the Josephine Davids Scholarship.
B.A. in Health Communication
Starting with the First-Year Framing Your Future Forum, the B.A. in Health Communication lets Trinity undergrads with an average SAT score of 1100 learn the strategies for providing effective public discourse that promotes healthy lifestyle choices. Unlocking the CHES Exam, the 43-credit major injects courses like biomedical terminology, community health, nutrition, and nursing. Majors can also declare Pre-Med, intern with Lurie Children’s Hospital, take the Chicago Semester, join the Society for Health Communication, and stay fit in the DeVos Recreation Complex.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
6601 W. College Drive
Palo Heights, IL 60463
(708) 239-4881
craig.mattson@trnty.edu
Trinity International University
Communication & Marketing Department
Started as the Swedish Bible Institute in 1897, Trinity International University is a private, nonprofit EFCA seminary led by president David S. Dockery that’s produced biblical scholars like Ravi Zacharias, Paul Copan, and Lincoln Hurst from its 111-acre, CCCU-member main campus in Deerfield. TIU is declared America’s 20th best theological school in Sharefaith Magazine, 268th most conservative college on Niche, and 216th top university by Washington Monthly. Placed on the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, TIU has a Communication & Marketing Department that bills $15,100 per term to nurture skilled talkers.
Communication Major
Coordinated by Dr. Kristin Lindholm, TIU’s Communication Major grants a B.A. for undergrads seeking the eloquent vocabulary, media knowledge, and interpersonal skills to relay impactful messages on diverse platforms. Exclusively in Deerfield, the 45-credit major offers four concentrations: Communication for Ministry, Contemporary Media Studies, Relational Communication, or Business Communication. Students may also kickstart the 4+1 Master of Divinity, intern at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, review literature in Rolfing Library, join the Emerging Leaders Program, or double major in Social and Interactive Media.
English/Communication Major
Boasting faculty with Christianity Today Book Awards, the English/Communication Major at Trinity International’s Deerfield campus lays a Biblical-based humanities foundation for students to build the reading, writing, and speaking skills demanded by employers. With 66 percent admission, the 53-credit major develops professional portfolios in courses from poetry to desktop publishing and Renaissance literature. Undergrads could also pursue the Three-Year Option, travel to the Washington Journalism Center, write for The Trillium, take the Oxford Scholars’ Semester, and perform theatre productions like The Crucible.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
2065 Half Day Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 317-7169
klindhol@tiu.edu
University of Illinois at Chicago
Communication Department
Hosting 200+ student clubs like Lambda Pi Eta, the University of Illinois at Chicago is a public, diverse Hispanic-serving institution founded in 1965 that’s running 15 colleges overseen by Provost Susan Poser for 29,048 Flames near UIC-Halsted Station. UIC is designated America’s 193rd best Common App college on Niche, 96th best value in Money Magazine, and 78th top university by the CWUR. Home to the Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Journalism, the Communication Department is a top-50 global research leader offering doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois with a mean annual ROI of 7.7 percent on PayScale.
BA with a Major in Communication
Headed by Dr. Zizi Papacharissi, the BA with a Major in Communication offers Chicago’s media market as a living laboratory for undergrads to survey human communicative methods for their own responsible, ethical interactions. With tracks for Speech or Journalism, the 36-credit, flexible major infuses UIC courses like digital media technologies and technical writing. Students could also attend the Honors College, write for Red Shoes Review, intern at the Gene Siskel Film Center, venture abroad to Greece, and join the Communication Society.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
BSB Building 1140
1007 W. Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 996-3188
zizi@uic.edu
University of Illinois at Springfield
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Boasting Pulitzer Prize-winning alums Kathy Best and Mitch Pugh, the University of Illinois at Springfield is a young public, regional liberal arts-based branch acquired by Governor Jim Edgar in 1995 that’s serving 2,959 undergrad Prairie Stars on its 746-acre intellectually rich campus near the Lincoln Presidential Library. UIS is recognized for America’s 356th best professors on Niche, 28th best college town in Forbes, and 17th top online education by College Choice. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has placed grads at WAND-NBC, WQNA 88.3 FM, Illinois Times, and others after another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication
Affiliated with the Illinois Broadcasters’ Association, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication is directed by Dr. Amie Kincaid to support UIS undergrads wishing to better understand the fundamentals of interpersonal and mass-mediated speech. For $21,362 yearly, the 125-credit degree includes courses like visual storytelling and feature writing with an optional Theatre Minor. Students could also broadcast on STAR One, pledge Lambda Pi Eta, write for The Journal, intern at Ketchum Public Relations, and attend the Communication Collaboration Conference.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
University Hall 3010
One University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-6790
com@uis.edu
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
College of Media/College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Collecting over 24 million items in North America’s second-largest library system, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a flagship public, space-grant BTAA member led by Chancellor Robert J. Jones that’s publishing The Daily Illini to inform 44,087 learners on its 6,370-acre Champaign County campus. UIUC is named America’s 48th best college by Times Higher Education, 25th top university on Plexuss, and 40th coolest school in Sierra Magazine. The College of Media also ranked 34th nationally on Niche for two bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois with 94 percent career placement.
B.A. Major in Communication
Featuring a mean section size of 28, the B.A. Major in Communication is chaired by Dr. John P. Caughlin with tenured faculty to engage UIUC students in critical analysis of media for refining their speaking skills across domains. The 37-credit major has seven approved emphases: Health Communication, Organizational Communication, Public Rhetoric, Mediated Communication, Interpersonal Communication, or Media Culture. Undergrads might also join Lambda Pi Eta, intern with The News-Gazette, study overseas in Japan, and take Grand Challenge Learning courses.
B.S. Major in Agricultural Communications
Known for its AGCM Documentation Center with resources from 170+ nations, the B.S. Major in Agricultural Communications has been offered since 1961 for UIUC undergrads to marry technical farming expertise with skills for effective media production. Directed by Dr. Lulu Rodriguez, the 126-credit degree offers two concentrations in Advertising or Journalism and an optional Food and Environmental Systems Minor. Students may also intern with Seaside Sustainability, join the FFA Newsroom Crew, travel to Belgium, and enter the Plant Science Video Contest.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Lincoln Hall 3001
702 S. Wright Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2683
communication@illinois.edu
University of Saint Francis
College of Arts & Sciences
Occupying a 22-acre Joliet campus including the historic Rialto Square Theater, the University of Saint Francis follows the motto “Primo Unctio et Postea Speculatio” as a private, nonprofit Franciscan military-friendly school founded in 1925 as Assisi Junior College that’s now serving 1,674 baccalaureate students. USF is declared America’s 252nd best private college on Niche, 92nd best online university by the U.S. News, and 263rd top value in The Economist. The College of Arts & Sciences has students in another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois publish The Encounter and broadcast on WCSF Radio.
Communication and Media Arts Major (B.A.)
Chaired by Mr. Brien McHugh, a 2015 ReelHeart International Film Fest finalist, USF’s Communication and Media Arts Major (B.A.) broadly surveys people’s social behaviors for improving the delivery of information on emerging media outlets. Priced at $15,575 per semester, the 67-credit major has 10 concentrations: Advertising & Marketing, Audio, Data Visualization, Journalism, Media Studies, Motion Graphics, Photojournalism, Video, Visual Communication, or Web Design. Students could also work in LaVerne & Dorothy Brown Library, produce Exploring Joliet, join TV Club, and practice in the Recording Arts Lab.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
500 Wilcox Street
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 740-3422
bmchugh@stfrancis.edu
Western Illinois University
College of Fine Arts & Communication
Linked with media alums like Mark Konkol and Kenneth L. Dixon, Western Illinois University is a public, downsizing state teaching school opened by Freemasons in 1899 that’s now headed by president Jack Thomas with 53 historic Quad Cities buildings to educate 9,083 Leathernecks on the “Truth in Tuition” guarantee plan. WIU is honored as America’s 13th best for vets school in Military Times, 412th best food on Niche, and 589th top value education by Money Magazine. The College of Fine Arts & Communication houses two bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois and the 141st best speech-language pathology training according to the U.S. News.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Attracting 250+ WIU majors, the Bachelor of Arts in Communication is a popular, dynamic program for undergrads to develop fundamental knowledge on how humans interact and persuade one another. Available at the Macomb or Quad Cities locations, the 42-credit major offers customized options in Communication Studies, Social Influence, Computer-Mediated Communication, and Interpersonal Communication. Students may also pursue the Integrated Master’s, gain Lambda Pi Eta Honors, broadcast on Tri-State Public Radio, intern with Disney, and practice in the Graphic Communication Lab.
Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders
Taught by ASHA-certified faculty under Chair Peter Jorgensen, PhD, the Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders is a traditional, daytime program with WIU courses Monday through Friday for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Integrating hands-on practica in the Speech Clinic, the 45-credit major covers topics from vocal development and phonetics to audiometry and American sign language. Undergrads could also join the NSSLHA Chapter, attend the Annual Alzheimer’s Walk, intern at Bridgeway Rehabilitation Center, jump start the M.S. degree, and minor in Neuroscience.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Memorial Hall 302
One University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-1507
communication@wiu.edu
Wheaton College
Communication Department
Admitting around 600 freshmen yearly with a median GPA of 3.7, Wheaton College is a private, residential Protestant CCCU “College That Changes Lives” according to Loren Pope that’s endowed for $405 million with 80 suburban acres in Milton Township near the former Chicago Tribune owner’s estate. Wheaton is named America’s 63rd best liberal arts school by the U.S. News, 19th best college forms on Niche, and 237th top university in Times Higher Ed. The Communication Department accepts $50 applications until January 1st for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois.
Communication Major
Reporting 92 percent job placement at organizations like CNN, DreamWorks, BuzzFeed, and others, Wheaton’s Communication Major unlocks a median starting wage of $42,600 by training undergrads to apply sharpened verbal and nonverbal skills for discernible media messages. The 32-credit major integrates a Christian context into four concentrations: Theater, Rhetoric and Culture, Media Studies, or Interpersonal Communication. Majors might also add the Journalism Certificate, attend the Honors College, complete on Debate Team, channel Shakespeare at Arena Theater, and study abroad in Switzerland.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Billy Graham Center 110
500 College Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 752-5095
communication@wheaton.edu
According to LinkedIn, employers rated verbal communication as the #1 desired ability in future job candidates. Clear speaking skills are essential in all of today’s fast-growing industries, including health care, technology, professional services, tourism, construction, and education. Students in the “Land of Lincoln” who are inspired by his oratory successes like the Gettysburg Address can attend these bachelor’s in communications programs in Illinois.