Let’s finish our journey across the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to locate the last 12 schools awarding bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota. Along Lake Superior, Minnesota has built a $333 billion economy that’s ranked 22nd for growth prospects by Forbes. The 5.52 million inhabitants enjoy the nation’s #2 best quality of life according to the U.S. News & World Report. Known for its political engagement, Minnesota stays well-informed with the 15th biggest media market in Minnesota-Saint Paul. Communications grads work for various outlets, such as the Star Tribune, WCCO-TV, ProVid Films, Minnesota Public Radio, Pioneer Press, Milkweed Editions, and Haworth Media. Fortune 500 companies like Supervalu, CHS, Target, Thrivent, and Hormel Foods also create Minnesota jobs for the linguistically talented. Find the right training for your professional goals by continuing through these undergraduate communications colleges in Minnesota (O-Z).
First, see: Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Minnesota (A-N)
St. Cloud State University
College of Liberal Arts
Home to the Center for Intercultural Dialogue, St. Cloud State University is a public, coed NSIC member and Simon Award recipient founded in 1869 that’s budgeting $236 million to inspire 15,092 Huskies in 260 programs at its 100-acre campus on the Mississippi River. SCSU was crowned America’s 10th best education school by PayScale, 206th top public college on Forbes, and 77th best value in Washington Monthly. The College of Liberal Arts bills $8,113 in-state and $16,346 out-of-state yearly for three bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota ranked 222nd by College Factual.
Communication Studies Major
Chaired by Dr. Jeff Ringer with a 20:1 student-professor ratio, SCSU’s Communication Studies Major trains undergrads to carefully choose apt language and tone for conveying knowledge in professional situations. The 40-credit B.A. major has in-person and online courses for four tracks: Intercultural Communication, Leadership & Organizational Communication, Persuasion & Advocacy, and Relational Communication. Students may also compete on the Forensics/Speech Team, pledge Lambda Pi Eta, earn the Mollie Young Award, travel to Sweden, publish University Chronicle, and broadcast on KVSC 88.1FM.
Communication Arts and Literature (Teaching) Major
Accredited by the NCATE, the Communication Arts and Literature (Teaching) Major has a 96 percent employment rate for certifying St. Cloud State students to effectively deliver English and language lessons for grades 5-12. The 60-credit B.A. major overseen by Dr. Judy Dorn utilizes the Teacher Quality Enhancement Center for courses like Academic Writing and Educational Psychology. Other opportunities include student teaching at Kennedy Community School, editing Kaleidoscope, tutoring in The Write Place, joining TESLA Club, and continuing for the M.A. in English Studies.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Major
Running the Speech-Language & Hearing Clinic since 1948, SCSU grants the Communication Sciences and Disorders Major for undergrads to begin studying how disorders affect people’s ability to talk, listen, and swallow. Headed by Dr. Rebecca Nelson Crowell, the 52-credit B.S. major meets ASHA standards by mixing courses like Speech Anatomy, Deaf Education, and Language Assessment with practicum. Majors might intern at CentraCare Health, join the NSSLHA Chapter, add the Autism Certificate, serve in Chile, mentor at Scrubs Camp, and research in Human Performance Lab too.
Accreditation:
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Riverview Hall 117B
720 Fourth Avenue S.
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 308-2216
cmst@stcloudstate.edu
Saint John’s University
Communication Department
Publishing The Record since 1888, Saint John’s University is the private, men’s Catholic counterpart to the College of Saint Benedict that’s endowed for $152 million to educate 1,716 Johnnies in 37 majors at the 2,500-acre, Brutalist-style campus in Stearns County. SJU was named America’s 85th best liberal arts college by the U.S. News & World Report, 89th top value in Money magazine, and 96th most-loved school on Forbes. Also ranked 125th nationally on College Factual, the Communication Department stands out among bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota for the highest four-year graduation rate of 72 percent.
Communication Major
Presently priced at $44,990 annually, SJU’s Communication Major equips men for evaluating oral and written message design to ensure diverse audiences’ questions are answered. The 40-credit B.A./B.S. major organized by Dr. Shane Miller offers an average class size of 19 for engaging content from Media Aesthetics to Film Studies and Black Civil Rights Rhetoric. Undergrads could also practice in Studio One, deejay for KJNB Radio, join Communication Club, become Intercultural LEAD Scholars, study abroad in China, minor in Book Arts, and attend the Clemens Lecture Series.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Quad Building 445
2850 Abbey Plaza
Collegeville, MN 56321
(320) 363-3954
samiller@csbsju.edu
Saint Mary’s University
Communication Department
Housing the De La Salle Language Institute, Saint Mary’s University is a private, four-year Lasallian liberal arts MIAC school opened in 1912 that’s gifting $22.1 million in financial aid to 5,900 Cardinals enrolled in 120 programs at the Winona, Minneapolis, Rochester, and online campuses. SMUMN is proclaimed America’s 362nd best-loved university on Forbes, 201st best value in Washington Monthly, and 145th top college housing by Niche. The Communication Department currently bills $34,500 per year for another of the Catholic bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota with 77 percent retention.
Strategic Communication Major, B.A.
Accepting $25 applications until May 1st, the Strategic Communication Major B.A. admits SMUMN undergrads with an average 3.32 GPA for learning how media perception can be shaped to meet organizational objectives. The 48-credit, portfolio-based major advised by Dr. Lori Charron blends courses like Practical Grammar, Public Relations Research, and Social Analytics. Students may also intern at Pixar, pursue the 4+1 MBA, semester in London, perform in Page Theatre, publish The Cardinal, produce KSMR 92.5FM shows, and join Culture of Life Club.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Saint Mary’s Hall 322
700 Terrace Heights
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 457-1477
lcharron@smumn.edu
Southwest Minnesota State University
College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences
Registering 90+ clubs, including the Forensics Team with 1,500 trophies, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, coed MNSCU member of the Northern Sun Conference formed in 1964 that’s budgeting $57 million to train 8,285 Mustangs from 25 nations at the 87-hectare Lyon County campus. SMSU was chosen America’s 321st safest college on Niche, 310th best service institution in Washington Monthly, and 19th best school for international students by College Factual. The College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences requires a minimum 21 ACT or 990 SAT score for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota with selective 66 percent admission.
Bachelor of Arts: Communication Studies
Building on the Liberal Education Program (LEP), the Bachelor of Arts: Communication Studies at SMSU currently charges undergrads $8,619 annually to seek the solid speaking and critical thought abilities for civic engagement. The 120-credit program led by Dr. Pat Brace offers specialization pathways for Public Relations, Broadcasting & Digital Media, Literature Education, Theatre Arts, and Health Communication. Majors might also practice in the Speech Center, attend the Fine Arts Celebration, edit The Spur, join Media Club, declare Honors, and intern with Schwan’s.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Fine Arts Building 207
1501 State Street
Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 537-7103
pat.brace@smsu.edu
St. Catherine University
School of Business and Professional Studies
Hosting the Montessori for Social Justice Conference each June, St. Catherine University is a private, women’s Catholic WCC member named for the 4th-century Egyptian philosopher in 1905 that’s endowed for $128 million to serve 4,724 Wildcats at the 110-acre Highland Park campus. St. Kate was labeled America’s 142nd best standout college on Niche, 377th top university in Times Higher Education, and 272nd best value by Money magazine. The School of Business and Professional Studies has a B- Forbes grade for one of the most female-friendly bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota with 94 percent job placement.
Communication Studies Major – BA, BS
Coordinated by Dr. Margaret McCue-Enser, the 2016 Denny Writing Prize winner, St. Kate’s Communication Studies Major confers a BA or BS for undergrads needing the powers of persuasion and articulation for various career goals. The 42-credit major presently costs $38,349 yearly for collaborative courses like Speaking to Lead, Media Culture, and Organizational Communication. Students can also volunteer with RadioHere, perform at The O’Shaughnessy, attend TRW Salons, write for The Wheel, declare the Pre-OT Minor, and join Lambda Sigma Tau.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 690-6680
mamccueenser@stkate.edu
The College of St. Scholastica
School of Arts and Letters
Linked to 14,209 LinkedIn alumni like Scott Jurek, Emily Larson, and Michael Paymar, the College of St. Scholastica is a private, nonprofit Benedictine ACCU member opened in 1912 that’s endowed for $67 million to teach 4,325 Saints at the 186-acre campus on Lake Superior with Mitchell Auditorium. CSS was judged America’s 284th best small school by Niche, 257th top value on Forbes, and 409th best institution overall in Times Higher Education. The School of Arts and Letters upholds the “Dignitas” mission with 20+ majors, including one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota, that have a 15:1 student-professor ratio.
B.A. Communications Major
Exclusively in Duluth, Scholastica’s B.A. Communications Major bills $34,764 per year to develop creative, digitally literate professionals who transmit culturally competent messages on contemporary channels. The 46-credit major chaired by Dr. Merry Renn Vaughan awards four distinct concentrations: Film Studies, Media Studies, Theatre Studies, and Communication Studies. Undergrads could also minor in Ojibwe, attend the SEAM Conference, contribute to The Freshwater Review, broadcast on KTCO 98.9FM, join Justice Together, spend Spring in Ireland, and enter the Saints Leadership Program.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Tower Hall 4111
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
(218) 733-2278
mvaughan@css.edu
University of Minnesota-Crookston
Liberal Arts and Education Department
Bestowed the 2001 Ubicomp Pioneer Award, the University of Minnesota-Crookston is the Red River Valley’s public, polytechnic regional branch established in 1966 that’s endowed for $16 million to support 1,800 Golden Eagles in 35 majors on 237 acres in Greater Grand Forks. UMC is crowned America’s 399th best university on Niche, 242nd top baccalaureate institution in Washington Monthly, and 23rd smartest online choice by SuperScholar. The Liberal Arts and Education Department headed by Dr. Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson awards one of the hybrid bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota for a mid-career mean salary of $76,000 on PayScale.
Communication Bachelor of Science (BS)
Currently costing $395 per credit or $10,282 annually, UMC’s Communication Bachelor of Science (BS) produces eloquent wordsmiths capable of presenting coherent information to intercultural audiences. The 63-credit, portfolio-building major is available in Crookston or online via Canvas with three emphases: Communication Studies, Writing, or Public Relations. Learners could also enter the Honors Program, perform in the Pop Choir, publish Inspired, deejay for KROX 1260AM, join Newman Club, add the Agricultural Business Certificate, and venture abroad to South Africa.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Selvig Hall 208
2900 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
(218) 281-8248
slimthom@crk.umn.edu
University of Minnesota-Duluth
College of Liberal Arts
Licensed to air KUMD 103.3FM since 1957, the University of Minnesota-Duluth is a mid-sized public, coed regional APLU branch that’s budgeting $258 million to educate 11,168 Bulldogs in 93 majors at the 244-acre Saint Louis County campus with the Tweed Museum of Art. UMD was decreed America’s 170th best public university on Forbes, 137th top value by WalletHub, and 109th best graduate school in Washington Monthly. The College of Liberal Arts was ranked 318th nationally on Niche for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota presently priced at $13,344 in-state and $18,462 out-of-state each year.
Communication B.A.
Utilizing the Mixed Media Studio, Duluth’s Communication B.A. gives undergrads the digital storytelling skills to influence public discourse and share factual knowledge in today’s social media age. The 43-credit, liberal arts-based major led by Dr. David Gore requires a minor with face-to-face courses like Mindful Communication, Rhetorical Criticism, and Argumentation. Majors may also join Communication Club, intern at Hailey Sault, research in Morocco, earn the John Ness Memorial Award, write for The Bark, double major in Journalism, and engage with the Alworth Institute.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
A.B. Anderson Hall 453
1121 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-8576
comm@d.umn.edu
University of Minnesota-Morris
Humanities Division
The University of Minnesota-Morris is a public, coed Native American-serving COPLAC member approaching its 60th year that’s endowed for $12.6 million to serve 2,000 Cougars at the 130-acre prairie campus in Stevens County. UMM was labeled America’s 141st best liberal arts college by the U.S. News & World Report, 298th top university on Forbes, and 161st best value in Kiplinger’s. The Humanities Division was ranked 202nd nationally on Niche for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota that has placed alumni at Wake Forest, Purdue, Drake, Luther Seminary, and more.
Communication, Media & Rhetoric Discipline
Guaranteed to “Graduate in Four Years,” Morris’ Communication, Media & Rhetoric Discipline maintains a 12:1 learner-faculty ratio under Dr. Barbara Burke to stimulate lively conversations about the flow of shared knowledge. The 40-credit B.A. major presently bills $12,016 in-state or $14,036 out-of-state annually for courses from Visual Journalism to Presidential Speech and Corporate Identity. Undergrads might also publish the University Register, broadcast on KUMM 89.7FM, earn Multi-Ethnic Mentorship stipends, intern at Greenspring Media, join CMR Club, and add the Creative Writing minor.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Humanities Building 105B
600 E. Fourth Street
Morris, MN 56267
(320) 589-6243
burkebr@morris.umn.edu
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
College of Liberal Arts
Bestowed 14 SPJ Marks of Excellence, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public, space-grant Big Ten school and two-time Pacemaker Award winner opened in 1851 that’s budgeting $3.8 billion to instruct 52,000 Gophers in 143 majors on 1,204 “Mini Apple” acres. UMN was deemed America’s 16th best public school on Buffalo Business First, 14th best college newspaper in the Princeton Review, and 31st top university by the CWUR. Charging $14,417 in-state or $26,603 out-of-state per year, the College of Liberal Arts features an 86.3 percent retention rate for another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota positioned 70th nationally on Niche.
Communication Studies B.A.
Accepting $55 application fees until January 1st, Twin Cities’ Communication Studies B.A. utilizes social scientific methods to instill an acute understanding of how humans relay information verbally or nonverbally. The 34-credit, face-to-face major chaired by Dr. Ronald Walter Greene has three specializations: Rhetorical Studies, Critical Media Studies, or Interpersonal Communication. Students could also intern at CTV North Suburbs, engage in the Harriet Tubman Center, join Lambda Pi Eta, compete on the Debate Team, learn abroad in Greece, and become Hawkins Scholars.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Ford Hall 225
224 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-5800
comm.-tc@umn.edu
University of St. Thomas
College of Arts and Sciences
Circulating the Summit Avenue Review every April, the University of St. Thomas is a private, urban Catholic ICUSTA member founded by Archbishop John Ireland in 1885 that’s endowed for $429 million to welcome 6,199 undergrads from 65 nations to the 78-acre, Victorian-style “Capital City” campus. St. Thomas was picked America’s 108th best research institution on Forbes, 348th top university by Times Higher Education, and 80th best school in Bloomberg. The College of Arts and Sciences has 83 percent admission into one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota ranked 69th nationally by Niche.
Communication and Journalism Major
Equipped with the Media Lab’s Adobe Creative Cloud software, the Communication and Journalism Major has St. Thomas undergrads paying $40,244 yearly to study news reporting practices from a holistic approach. The 44-credit B.A. major chaired by Dr. Bruce Gleason offers specialized tracks for Creative Multimedia, Interpersonal Communication, Journalism, Persuasion & Social Influence, Advertising & PR, or Secondary Teaching. Other opportunities include working for Tommie Media, hosting KUST Radio shows, taking the Hawaii trip, earning the ThreeSixty Scholarship, and interning at Politico.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
O’Shaughnessy Center 119
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 962-5250
cojo@stthomas.edu
Winona State University
College of Liberal Arts
Participating in the CSCA 2018 Convention, Winona State University is a public, mid-sized master’s NSIC member founded in 1858 by Dr. John Ford that’s endowed for $32.8 million to teach 8,140 Warriors in 71 majors who perform 200,000+ service hours beyond the 125-acre Hiawatha Valley campus. WSU was honored America’s 384th best value in Money magazine, 306th best college location on Niche, and 266th top research institution by Washington Monthly. The College of Liberal Arts has a 59.6 percent financial aid rate for affording one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota that costs $7,377 in-state and $13,300 out-of-state annually.
Communication Studies BA Major
Chaired by Dr. Emilie Falc, WSU’s Communication Studies BA Major requires a cumulative 2.5 GPA for undergrads seeking the rhetorical acumen to face complex 21st-century media challenges with conscientious ethics. The 45-credit degree offers speech tutoring services to help complete the three options: General Communication, Leadership & Advocacy, or Organizational Communication. Majors may also edit The Winonan, review the Krueger Digital Collection, deejay on KQAL 89.5FM, intern at Snifflt, join Communication Club, earn the Gary Evans Scholarship, and visit Romania.
Accreditation:
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact:
Performing Arts Center 215
175 W. Mark Street
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 457-5233
EFalc@winona.edu
The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the 36,910 Minnesota media jobs pay an average annual wage of $53,700. In terms of highest employment level, the Twin Cities was particularly ranked sixth for graphic designers, eighth for art directors, and 10th for public relations specialists nationwide. Peruse our two sections of bachelor’s in communications programs in Minnesota to select the best B.A./B.S. for careers in your chosen spotlight niche.