Communication Studies at NIU
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Learn to harness the power of language.

Words can sway voters and consumers, explain diverse perspectives and much more. Using effective communication strategies can help you reach your personal and professional goals. The skills you'll gain as a communication studies major will benefit you in a variety of careers, from those focused on creative expression to the top of the corporate ladder.

My major is communication studies with an emphasis on media studies as well as a minor in journalism. I decided on this path because media studies is a broad discipline that enables me to explore all sorts of skillsets and paths.

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What Can I Do With a Communication Studies Degree From NIU?

Our graduates launch careers in many settings in roles that highlight their leadership skills and ability to fluently communicate with a range of audiences.

Top skills reported by alumni:

  • Customer service
  • Leadership
  • Social media
  • Marketing
  • Strategic planning
  • Team-building

Top fields alumni work in:

  • Information technology
  • Finance
  • Health care
  • Hospitality
  • Transportation and logistics

Other Programs to Consider

Career Potential for NIU Communication Studies Majors

Average mid-career salary:

$82,420

Top employers include:

  • Allstate
  • Baird & Warner
  • Aldi USA
  • Amazon
  • CDW
  • JP Morgan Chase & Co.
  • Walgreens

Job titles include: 

  • Account executive
  • General manager
  • Marketing director
  • Operations manager
  • Talent acquisition manager
  • Vice president

Source: Steppingblocks, 2023

What to Expect as a Communication Studies Major at NIU

You’ll investigate written, spoken, visual and digital messages from historical, critical and social science points of view. You’ll also learn how to create such messaging for artistic and business purposes. You can focus on one of the following emphases or explore all three:

  • Advocacy and public communication
  • Media studies
  • Organizational/corporate communication

Explore communication studies courses.

How We’ll Help You Succeed

Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.

Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).

Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.

With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.

Apply to NIU

First-year Students
(Freshman)

High School GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ACT/SAT SCORES

Not considered.

We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.

First-Year Application

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First-Year Application

Add us to your common app list

Transfer Students

ALL COLLEGES GPA

2.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ALL COLLEGES GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship
.

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

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