The School of Communication and Media offers students the opportunity to specialize in interpersonal and cultural communication, journalism and media studies, strategic communication and public relations, or communication studies.

Courses help students improve their skills in writing, speaking, and understanding the messages of others in interpersonal, group, organizational, and mass media contexts. To accomplish these goals, the curriculum addresses the theoretical, critical, and technical/applied aspects of communication.

Academic Programs

Student Involvement

logo for the Oberserver

The Observer is UIS's editorially independent, student-run news website, covering current events on and off campus. We're always looking for new voices and perspectives to feature. If you're interested in writing for the experience and/or course credit, contact Priyanka Deo, student media director.

two members of the Speech and Debate team

The Speech and Debate Team teaches students to communicate ideas, opinions and beliefs in a meaningful and impactful way. Through extensive competition and service opportunities, competitors acquire skills needed to be successful in the classroom and in their future workplace. Contact coach Claire Gordon.

logo for Lambda Pi Eta

Lambda Pi Eta, also known as the National Communication Association, is a Communication honor society. UIS's chapter allows students to network with each other and communication professionals, as well as receive special recognition at graduation. Contact faculty advisor Dusty Day for more information.

Featured Alumni

Paris Ervin
Paris Ervin
Senior Director, Media and Public Affairs
Illinois Health and Hospital Association
B.A., Communication; MPA, Public Administration

"I proudly served as a state government communications professional for 14 years before moving into the healthcare industry working for a well-respected and influential non-profit association. Thanks to my experiences at UIS, I was able to move into more prominent leadership roles, including serving as the Chief Communication and Civic Engagement Officer for the Illinois State Treasurer.

UIS has an outstanding reputation and truly changed the trajectory of my life in the most positive ways. I will be forever grateful to UIS for a great education, memorable experiences, lasting relationships, and a successful path forward."

Amanda Vinicky
Amanda Vinicky
Correspondent, Chicago Tonight
WTTW-TV
M.A. Public Affairs Reporting

"You’ll graduate with a master’s degree in PAR, but more importantly you’ll have the confidence, clips and real-world skills to back it up. PAR propelled my career and changed my life. This isn’t a 'fetch coffee and log tape' sort of internship; it’s an opportunity to do high stakes on-the-ground reporting ... from the marble floors of the state Capitol, where there’s a story behind every corner, committee and caucus. As an intern, I got to tell those stories on radio stations across Illinois. As an intern! If you can master covering politics  – especially Illinois politics – you’ve got the foundation to cover any beat."

Support Our Students

Your gifts to the School of Communication and Media help us enhance the opportunities we can provide to our students.

FAQs

More questions? Contact us at com@uis.edu.

Do I need to take Communication undergraduate courses in a certain order?

We strongly suggest, but don’t require, you take the introductory course in your area of emphasis (COM 302 or 303) first, then courses that are prerequisites for advanced courses within your area. Next, consider the other required introductory course and other courses to complete the requirements.

What if a class I want to take is full?

You may be put on a wait list and must obtain a WPI (With Permission of Instructor) to enroll. You should probably discuss your situation with the professor teaching the course, especially if you need to take the course to graduate that semester.

As a graduate student, may I take electives outside the School of Communication and Media to count toward my degree?

Yes. You may take one course outside of Communication that will count toward your master’s degree. You will need to petition the School to do so.

When may I complete an internship if I am an undergraduate student?

We suggest you seek an internship once you have completed enough hours in the School to have the acquired skills needed in the internship. Usually, this means sometime during your senior year. You many find a listing of possible placements at the Experiential & Service-Learning office.

May I transfer courses from other universities to count toward my Communication degree?

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS may petition the School of Communication and Media to transfer upper-division hours earned at another university or lower-division hours taken after achieving upper-division status at another university. You may petition these hours for general elective credit or toward Communication course requirements. If you are seeking to count your work from another school toward specific credits in the Communication major, you need to provide a copy of the catalog describing the course at the other school and/or a course syllabus along with your petition.

Generally, you may not transfer hours if you are a GRADUATE STUDENT, although you may petition the UIS School of Communication and Media to try. In rare instances, the School has allowed a limited number of graduate credits to transfer.

In general, the UIS School of Communication and Media never allows a course from another university to replace a School-required course (COM 302 or 303 for undergraduates and COM 504 and 506 for graduate students).

Student petition forms are available on the UIS Registration Office’s Online Forms page.

News
Jun 04, 2020
UIS Associate Professor of Communication Kathy Novak, Ph.D., was only a few weeks into  her COM 407 Photojournalism and Photo Documentary Class when…