No matter your major, strong communication skills are key to success in any industry. The Communication Studies minor helps you develop critical thinking, interpersonal communication and media literacy—making you a stronger communicator in both professional and personal settings.
Why Choose a Communication Studies Minor?
- Enhance Any Major: Gain valuable skills in writing, speaking, and media analysis
- Flexible Course Options: Customize your minor to fit your interests and career goals
- Career-Ready Skills: Employers value effective communicators in every field
Customize Your Coursework
Students can tailor their minor by selecting courses in interpersonal communication, media, and strategic communication. Whether you're interested in public speaking, media literacy, digital storytelling or leadership, this minor gives you the skills to stand out.
Take the Next Step
Boost your resume and develop skills that will benefit you in any career path.
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
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.
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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.
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers prima
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$85,020
Wage Range
$52,070 – $160,420
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Post-doctoral training
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a c
Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$77,270
Wage Range
$44,900 – $134,890
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
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
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$80,260
Wage Range
$49,140 – $139,580
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Post-doctoral training
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in was
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Median Annual Wage
$101,920
Wage Range
$59,330 – $200,230
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Doctoral degree
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Annual Wage
$103,170
Wage Range
$59,700 – $203,190
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training
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