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.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours
15

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

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

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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Courses & Catalog Information

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.

Public Relations Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

Median Annual Wage $146,910
Wage Range $82,410 – $284,990
Projected Growth Bright

Public Relations Specialists

Bright Outlook

Promote 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:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product o

Median Annual Wage $133,660
Wage Range $63,300 – $286,240
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

Median Annual Wage $107,230
Wage Range $65,120 – $194,900
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Coordination

Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium asso

Median Annual Wage $69,990
Wage Range $41,010 – $139,680
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate
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2026-08-24
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