Discover Your Path in Communication
Earn your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication at UIS through a dynamic program designed to prepare you for thriving careers in public relations, strategic communication, interpersonal and cultural communication, and journalism and media. Or, if you would like greater flexibility, you can pursue your own path through a communication studies track.
Why Choose Our BA Program?
- Expert Faculty: Learn from diverse professionals with real-world experience
- Hands-On Learning: Internships, multimedia projects, and industry collaborations
- Flexible & Customizable: Easily double-major or add minors!
- Career Success: 95% job placement rate in newsrooms, PR firms, nonprofits, government, and multimedia production
- Online & On-Campus Options: Same degree, same faculty—study in the format that works for you
- Accelerated MA Programs: Up to 12 undergraduate credits can be applied to the MA in Public Affairs Reporting - complete both degrees in 5 years
Specializations
- Interpersonal & Cultural Communication
- Journalism & Media Studies
- Strategic Communication & Public Relations
- Communication Studies
What You'll Learn
- Apply communication theory to real-world situations
- Listen, write, and speak professionally across diverse contexts
- Understand ethics in journalism, PR, and interpersonal communication
- Think critically about media and enhance media literacy
- Analyze research methods and their applications
- Recognize how diversity, power, and access impact communication
Honors Track
High-achieving students can enhance their studies through the Communication Honors Track, which offers advanced learning experiences and skill development.
Launch Your Career with a BA in Communication
Take advantage of a cutting-edge curriculum, real-world experience, and industry connections—on campus or online. Start your journey today!
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
On-campus
$40,140*
Online
$46,320*
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those
Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$78,580
Wage Range
$47,590 – $143,720
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training
Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other
All media and communication equipment workers not listed separately.
Public Relations Specialists
Bright OutlookPromote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Median Annual Wage
$74,750
Wage Range
$44,110 – $135,150
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other co
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
Median Annual Wage
$63,890
Wage Range
$44,240 – $96,730
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by s
Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.
Median Annual Wage
$48,430
Wage Range
$34,770 – $71,470
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
All media and communication workers not listed separately.
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