Twelve HLC-accredited colleges have launched bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska to plant the seeds for fruitful media careers in the “Cornhusker State.” Nebraska spans 430 miles of the Midwest with a booming $114 billion economy ranked fourth by Forbes. Placed 17th for GDP growth on the U.S. News & World Report, Nebraska has the 74th and 168th largest media markets in Omaha and Lincoln respectively. Communications grads excel at outlets like The Heartland Messenger, Red Rebel Media, KUCV 91.1FM, Lights On Nebraska Productions, KLKN Channel 8, and Capital City Courier. Nebraska has 11 Fortune 1000 companies, including Cabela’s, Green Plains, Valmont Industries, Werner Enterprises, and Mutual of Omaha, that need good communicators too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Nebraska’s media sector supports 10,980 workers with median pay of $43,390. Use the following list of undergraduate communications colleges in Nebraska as your dictionary to look up meaningful bachelor’s.
See our ranking of the Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs.
Bellevue University
College of Arts & Sciences
Bestowed the 2011 CLO Bronze Excellence in Social Learning Award, Bellevue University is an independent, nonprofit NAIA teaching institution worth $28 million that was founded near Offutt Air Force Base in June 1965 and developed to train over 50,000 Bruins from 50 states in 80 degrees. Bellevue was named America’s 153rd best online undergrad college by the U.S. News & World Report, 507th top student life school on Niche, and 642nd best university in Washington Monthly. The College of Arts & Sciences reports a 31:1 student-faculty ratio for two bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska ranked 377th nationally for ROI on College Factual.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Offered at nine Bellevue locations and online, the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies accepts $50 applications anytime from undergrads with minimum 2.0 GPAs seeking specialized training on discourse. The 36-credit, flexible major advised by Dr. Renea Gernant builds on the Kirkpatrick Signature Series in two tracks: Mass Media or Organizational & Strategic Communication. Other opportunities include performing in Criss Auditorium, pledging Lambda Pi Eta, joining Student Veterans Organization, interning at Lincoln Journal, and declaring Pre-Law.
Online Bachelor of Science in Communication
Directed by Dr. Kate Joeckel, Bellevue’s Online Bachelor of Science in Communication lets cohorts accelerate through generalist, performance-based study of effective storytelling strategies. The 40-credit, HLC-accredited major bills $415 per credit for Blackboard courses like Design Thinking, American Vision, and Intercultural Collaboration with a virtual public relations practicum. Students can also minor in Graphic Design, add the Executive Coaching Certificate, transfer from Southeast Community College, earn the BRUIN Scholarship, and travel to Guangzhou.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Riley Tech Center 303
1000 Gavin Road S.
Bellevue, NE 68005
(402) 557-7515
kate.joeckel@bellevue.edu
Chadron State College
School of Liberal Arts
Stocking over 250,000 volumes in Reta E. King Library, Chadron State College is a public, open-enrollment RMAC member founded in 1911 under Governor Chester H. Aldrich that’s attracting 3,000 Eagles to 52 majors at its 114-hectare Pine Ridge campus on the National Register of Historic Places. CSC was declared America’s 453rd most liberal college on Niche, 124th top baccalaureate institution in Washington Monthly, and 23rd best school by Military Times. The School of Liberal Arts also ranked 637th on College Factual for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska charging $239 per credit.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts
Maintaining a 19:1 student-professor ratio, Chadron’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts produces effective voices for articulate, meaningful talk that enhances societal connections. The 54-credit major overseen by Dr. Shafiq Rahman, a Mus-Ud-Khan Gold Medal winner, offers three specializations in Public Relations, Interpersonal Communication, and Journalism. Majors may also publish The Eagle, engage in the Conflict Resolution Center, intern at KCSR 610AM, join Media Activism Club, attend The Big Event, venture to Havana, and earn Kemper Scholarships.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Old Admin Building 217
1000 Main Street
Chadron, NE 69337
(308) 432-6327
srahman@csc.edu
Concordia University Nebraska
English, Communication & Theatre Arts Department
Hosting the Heartland DCE Conference each May, Concordia University Nebraska is an independent, coed Lutheran branch founded in 1894 by J. George Walker that’s dedicated to Ephesians 4:12 when teaching 1,684 undergrad Bulldogs at its 22-building campus near Plum Creek. CUNE was chosen America’s 19th safest college by Cappex, 200th best buck in Washington Monthly, and 219th best public relations school on College Factual. The 2016 Women’s Choice Award winner houses two bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska with 84 percent retention in the English, Communications & Theatre Arts Department.
Communication Studies Major
Presently priced at $40,690 annually, CUNE’s Communication Studies Major grants a Bachelor of Arts and lifelong human relations skills to successfully integrate into versatile careers. The 38-credit, generalist major led by Dr. Erica Lamm with a 15:1 student-professor ratio includes Seward courses like Small Group Theory, Media Literacy, and Foundations in Writing. Undergrads could compete on the Forensics Team, spend two weeks in London, join Pi Kappa Delta, edit The Sower, perform with Curtain Club, and minor in American Sign Language too.
Business Communication Major
Awarded IACBE accreditation, the Business Communication Major boasts 98 percent job placement by training Concordia Nebraska undergrads to send sophisticated corporate messaging to consumers. The 60-credit B.S. major headed by Dr. Andrew Langewisch admits students with an average 3.49 GPA into courses like Integrated Marketing, Public Relations, and Broadcast Journalism. Other opportunities include running the 10:31 Coffee Shop, interning at Koch Industries, publishing Tower, joining Student Senate, attending Speech Camp, and traveling to LA.
Accreditation
International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Jesse Hall 205
800 N. Columbia Avenue
Seward, NE 68434
(402) 643-7478
Erica.Lamm@cune.edu
Creighton University
College of Arts and Sciences
Operating the Werner Institute for Conflict Resolution since 2005, Creighton University is an independent, coed Catholic Big East member founded by Ignatian priest Roman Shaffel that recently put $108 million into its 53-hectare Jefferson Square campus to better serve 4,204 undergrad Bluejays. Creighton was lauded America’s 442nd best value in Money magazine, 111th best-loved college on Forbes, and 235th top faculty by the CWUR. The College of Arts and Sciences currently bills $53,452 annually for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs ranked 159th nationally on Niche with 71 percent acceptance.
Communication Studies (Bachelor of Arts)
Accepting $40 applications until March 1st, Creighton’s Communication Studies (Bachelor of Arts) suits freshmen driven toward public-facing careers for conveying mindful messages. The 36-credit major managed by Dr. Marty Birkholt bases its three emphases for Rhetoric & Public Culture, Organizational Communication, and Interpersonal Communication in Jesuit ethics. Students could also join the Oratorical Society, engage in Project Homeless Connect, intern at Gavilon, publish The Creightonian, broadcast on BLUJ Radio, and earn the Eloquentia Perfecta Award.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Hitchcock Center 3rd Floor
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
(402) 280-2524
MartyBirkholt@creighton.edu
Doane University
School of Arts and Sciences
Home to the Rapp Media Center, Doane University is an independent, Protestant liberal arts GPAC member founded by Frederick Francis Alley in 1872 that’s endowed for $111.7 million to employ 83 full-time faculty who teach 1,069 Tigers in 44 majors at the 38-building Saline County campus. Doane was deemed America’s 394th best college by The Wall Street Journal, 273rd top small university on Niche, and 281st most satisfactory school in Forbes. The College of Arts and Sciences partners with the College of Professional Studies to award three bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska that ranked 248th nationally on College Factual.
Media Communications Major
Coordinated by Prof. David Swartzlander, the Media Communications Major retains 73 percent of its Doane freshmen committed to conveying knowledge across digital, print, and visual channels. The 49-credit, practical B.A. major currently costs $31,450 annually full-time with courses like Creative Nonfiction, Web Design, and Television Studies. Other opportunities include running The Doane Line, entering the Hansen Leadership Program, joining Spanish Club, enjoying Isis Theatre productions, interning at NBC News, and volunteering with Greenheart Exchange.
Organizational Communication Major
Designed for adults, Doane’s Organizational Communication Major has 35 years of experience building the liberal arts platform for utilizing strong messaging methods in business settings. The self-designed major transfers up to 90 credits before accelerated, eight-week courses like Consumer Behavior, Social Psychology, and Advertising in Grand Island or Lincoln. Regional campus undergrads can continue for an MBA, add the XSeries Certificate, earn the Janice Hadfield LIVE Scholarship, access Perkins Library digitally, intern at Sandhills Publishing, and read 1014 Magazine.
Strategic Communication Major
Exclusively in Crete, the Strategic Communication Major selectively admits 72 percent of Doane applicants with an average 23 ACT score to examine the rhetorical theories behind the art of public speaking. The 48-credit B.S. major advised by Prof. Nathaniel Wilson transcends fields with courses like Audio Production, News Reporting, and Content Marketing. Students might also take the Three-Year Graduation track, travel to Sydney, intern at Scripps Howard Foundation, publish Xanadu, deejay for KDNE 91.9FM, and attend the National College Media Convention.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Gaylord Building 105
1014 Boswell Avenue
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-8269
david.swartzlander@doane.edu
Hastings College
Communication Studies Department
Granted the NCA Outstanding Lambda Pi Eta Chapter Award in 2012 and 2015, Hastings College is an independent, nonprofit Presbyterian GPAC member endowed for $59.8 million that’s enrolling 1,150 Broncos in 60 majors at the 40-building Adams County campus. Hastings was crowned America’s 371st best value on Niche, 464th top university by Times Higher Education, and 188th best liberal arts college in Forbes. The Communication Studies Department features 96 percent job placement at Sojern, SEI Archway, Cardinal Group Management, Hastings Tribune, and others after another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska.
Major in Communication Studies
Backed by Hastings’ “Four-Year Guarantee,” the Major in Communication Studies presently bills $30,050 annually for undergrads gathering the perfect presentation methods for informing diverse audiences. The 127-credit Bachelor of Arts chaired by Dr. Kittie Grace has five emphases: Health, Global, Legal, Organizational/Strategic, and Sports Communication. Students could also compete with Model United Nations, join the Society for Collegiate Journalists, write for The Collegian, report on KFKX 90.1FM, become Excelsior Scholars, and enter the Irish Fellows Program.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Kiewit Building 1st Floor
710 N. Turner Avenue
Hastings, NE 68901
(402) 461-7385
kgrace@hastings.edu
Nebraska Wesleyan University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Launching its $62 million “Bold Designs” campaign, Nebraska Wesleyan University is an independent, Methodist IAMSCU member of the Annapolis Group opened in 1887 that’s educating 2,100 Prairie Wolves in 106 majors with 98 percent financial aid in the capital. NWU was picked America’s 278th top private university on Forbes, 285th best value by The Economist, and 204th best liberal arts school in Washington Monthly. Also ranked 282nd nationally on Niche, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences currently rolls two bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska into one for $42,026 per year.
Communication Studies (B.A.,B.S.)
Requiring four years of high school English, Nebraska Wesleyan’s Communication Studies (B.A.,B.S.) enhances undergrads’ literacy for professional aspirations where impactful dialogue is chief. The 38-credit major headed by Dr. Patty Hawk, the 2012 Margaret Prouty Faculty Teaching Award winner, requires 100 internship hours at placements like Duncan Aviation, Swanson Russell, Prairie Schooner, and KLKN-TV. Students could also engage with the Chicago Center for Urban Life, visit Estonia, pledge Lambda Pi Eta, join Mixed Media Club, and minor in Journalism.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Smith-Curtis Hall 330F
5000 St. Paul Avenue
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 465-7554
phawk@nebrwesleyan.edu
University of Nebraska Kearney
College of Fine Arts & Humanities
Selected for two MBJA Eric Sevareid Awards in Fall 2017, the University of Nebraska Kearney is a public, civic-engaged residential branch initiated by Senator Jerome Warner that’s now budgeting $147 million to train 5,274 Lopers in 120 undergrad majors at the 48-building Buffalo County location. UNK was reviewed America’s 480th best college on Niche, 339th top value in Money magazine, and 275th best Peace Corps producer by Washington Monthly. The College of Fine Arts & Humanities reports a 20-year net ROI of $113,000 on PayScale for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska with 57 percent graduation.
Communication, B.A./B.S.
Utilizing the Mitchell Center’s Media Lab, the Communication B.A./B.S. equips Kearney students to better express their innovative thoughts in active, two-way discussions. The 33-credit major led by Dr. Benjamin Myers offers Journalism, Multimedia, Sports Communication, Advertising & Public Relations, or Organizational Communication tracks for $7,325 in-state or $14,105 out-of-state yearly. Undergrads may also attend the Digital Expressions Camp, publish The Antelope, deejay on KLPR 91.1FM, intern at River Stories Media Festival, and join the Forensics Team.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Ryan Library 146
2504 Ninth Avenue
Kearney, NE 68849
(308) 865-8441
myerswb@unk.edu
University of Nebraska Lincoln
College of Journalism and Mass Communications
Broadcasting Big Ten games on KRNU 90.3FM, the University of Nebraska Lincoln is a public, coed land-grant college and five-time NCAA Division I champion endowed for $1.47 billion to support 19,979 Cornhuskers on 42,562 total acres that include Tom Osborne Field. UNL was decreed America’s 115th best employer in Forbes, 14th most athletic college on The Princeton Review, and 467th top university by Times Higher Education. The College of Journalism and Mass Communications stands out from other bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska for focusing on sports, retaining 82.8 percent of freshmen, and ranking 212th nationally on Niche.
Sports Media & Communication Major
Reaccredited by the ACEJMC in 2017, Lincoln’s Sports Media & Communication Major confers a Bachelor of Journalism for athletics enthusiasts to gain real reporting experience with game commentary. The 120-credit program administered by Prof. John Shrader integrates courses like Media Relations, Visual Communication, Data Literacy, and TV Production for $8,901 to $24,201 annually. Undergrads could enter the Bateman Competition, intern with Fox Sports, write for Star City News, exchange to Macquarie University, and join Creative Commons too.
Accreditation
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Andersen Hall 147
1400 R Street
Lincoln, NE 68588
(402) 472-3041
john.shrader@unl.edu
University of Nebraska Omaha
College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
Holding the Great Plains Jazz Festival since 1973, the University of Nebraska Omaha is a public, coed state-grant “Military Friendly” CUMU member with a $600 million regional impact that’s welcoming 15,731 Mavericks from 76 nations to Yahoo’s 15th cheapest city. UNO was determined America’s 170th best school on the Social Mobility Index, 190th top faculty in Washington Monthly, and 227th best career outcomes college by WalletHub. Gifting $300,000 in scholarships, the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media has 86 percent admission into another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska ranked 357th nationally by Niche.
Communication Studies Major
Organized by Dr. Michael Hilt, UNO’s Communication Studies Major presently costs $19,536 in-state and $29,546 out-of-state per year to elevate eloquence for creative activity. The 48-credit, flexible major splits into five emphases for Instructional Communication & Corporate Training, Intercultural Communication & Diversity, Rhetoric & Public Culture, Conflict Management & Interpersonal Communication, or Organizational Communication. Students could also practice in the Speech Center, attend the Writer’s Workshop, play Brahms on KVNO 90.7FM, publish The Gateway, and join PRSSA.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Weber Building 314
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68182
(402) 554-3857
cfam@unomaha.edu
Wayne State College
School of Arts and Humanities
Planning the Wildcat Spirit Short Film Festival every April, Wayne State College is self-proclaimed a friendly public, coed NSIC teaching school worth $158 million that’s offered four-year academics since 1963 to over 3,500 undergrads in 90 majors at the 37-building campus with Ramsey Theatre. WSC was recognized for America’s 587th best dorms on Niche, 407th highestPh.D.D completion rate in Washington Monthly, and 530th top value by The Economist. The School of Arts and Humanities charges annual costs of $15,856 in-state or $21,166 out-of-state for another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska ranked 269th by College Factual.
Communication Studies B.A., B.S.
Accepting free online applications year-round, Wayne State’s Communication Studies B.A., B.S. helps undergrads with an average 3.3 GPA persuasively relay their points of view with cultural awareness. The 36-credit major chaired by Dr. Deborah Whitt begins the freshman year with concentrations for Editing and Publishing, Electronic Media, Journalism, Speech Communication, or Theatre Arts. Learners may also work in KWSC Studio, publish The Paw, earn the Ron Holt Award, join Drama Club, intern at ConAgra, and enter the Rural Law Opportunities Program.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Humanities Hall 113C
1111 Main Street
Wayne, NE 68787
(402) 375-7395
dewhitt1@wsc.edu
York College
Department of Communication and Speech
Affiliated with the Churches of Christ since 1956, York College is a small, nonprofit NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character that’s attracting 450 Panthers from 15 nations to its 50-acre Grand Island Metro campus with the $3.5 million Bartholomew Performing Arts Center. York was applauded for America’s 185th best faculty resources on WalletHub, 313th most campus diversity by College Factual, and 229th top baccalaureate education in Washington Monthly. The Department of Communication and Speech details 90 percent job placement at Theatre 3, Concordia, Log Cabin Democrat, and more for another of the faith-based bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska.
Communication Major
Featuring a 12:1 learner-faculty ratio, York’s Communication Major nurtures expressive language competency with practical application for physical, mental, and spiritual growth. The 38-credit major directed by Prof. John Baker III splits into three tracks for Communication Speech Theory, Business Communication, and Communication Theatre that cost $19,310 annually. Students may also pledge Sigma Tau Delta, join Let’s Start Talking, review Levitt Library resources, spend five weeks in Europe, broadcast on KTMX 104.9FM, and pursue the Organizational Leadership M.A.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1125 E. Eighth Street
York, NE 68467
(402) 363-5600
jibaker@york.edu
Fellow Nebraskan Warren Buffett declared communication the #1 most important skill that raises worker value by 50 percent. Being effusive with words is essential for Cornhuskers seeking many of CNN Money’s best jobs, including engagement manager, area operations manager, tutor, content strategist, patient educator, user interface designer, and brand manager. One potential job is employee relations specialist where the 10-year job outlook grows by 7 percent and the top pay hits $95,300. Check out these bachelor’s in communications programs in Nebraska that train coherent talkers in the ninth best state for education.