Communication is one of the most popular majors among college students nationwide—and for good reason! Many people seek a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication because of the major’s utility, as well as the various unique paths it can take them after graduation. Communication at the University of Illinois stands out for its innovative curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, and access to leading faculty and industry professionals. 

With a degree in communication, you can work in practically any industry and any part of the world. If you're a curious person seeking better ways to connect with others or if you’re looking for a major that will help you grow while providing a solid foundation for a dynamic career, the undergraduate program for communication at the University of Illinois is for you.

Is Communication right for you?

Communication is a great major for those:

  • preparing for careers in fields involving effective communication and message analysis—such as public relations, government, law, business management, marketing, sales, health care, project management, human resources, corporate communication, consulting, social media and digital technology, and political communication and campaigns.
  • preparing for graduate work in areas such as communication, media studies, public policy, or public health
  • preparing for advanced study in law, medicine, business, or human resources
Students in class

Majoring in Communication

As a Communication major, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of communication in all aspects of public and private life. This includes valuable skills for the workplace, one's private life, and the diverse range of interactions people have in their communities and beyond.

Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge of public advocacy and debate, as well as the critical capacity to evaluate the face-to-face and mediated political and cultural information upon which we all depend. They also achieve a sophisticated understanding of the political and social importance of communication in all aspects of public and private life, from political campaigns and health care to cultural norms, personal interactions, and experiences along lines of race, class, gender, and/or sexual identity.

Communication Coursework

The skills you will gain while pursuing your BA in communication at the University of Illinois will enhance your ability to engage with those around you, personally and professionally. Communication major classes give you skills that set you up for lifelong success. Through engaging classes spanning diverse areas such as communication and culture, interpersonal communication, public discourse, and more, you'll discover how to:

  • Communicate ideas clearly
  • Prioritize equity and inclusion in messaging and policies
  • Make a persuasive argument, in a respectful way
  • Evaluate research and data to drive decisions
  • Collaborate effectively in a team setting
  • Master conflict resolution skills
  • Better comprehend the viewpoints of others
  • Consider various perspectives, such as cultural and historical, when analyzing information

Because the major in communication emphasizes deep understanding of communication processes, students will be ready to change and adapt their skills throughout their academic and professional careers, even as the specific tools of communication evolve.
 

Customization and Specialization

As a communication major, you can tailor your studies to your passions and career goals. Whether your interests include studying how communication works on an intimate level within relationships or at large through public policy, you will take specialized classes that will equip you with skills and insights that will help you excel in your chosen field. 

You also will study communication across various platforms, both digital and offline, and from the written to spoken word. Through these specializations, you will learn how to convey ideas and will critically assess some of the most influential theories of communication.
 

Real-World Experience Through Internships

Students can gain invaluable experience through hands-on internship opportunities. These internships don't just complement your academic learning; they immerse you in real-world challenges, where you'll apply your communication skills to drive results under the mentorship of our distinguished faculty. 

The Department of Communication at UIUC offers teaching and career internship opportunities for undergraduate communication majors. These programs are designed to help students gain real work experience in professional settings or assist faculty members in the classroom, providing a practical application of their studies. Interns can earn academic credit for their participation, enhancing their educational journey with valuable hands-on experience. These internships also provide extensive networking opportunities, significantly enhancing employability upon graduation.

Learn more about internships
student speaking with recruiter

Careers in Communication

After earning a bachelor’s degree, communication students are not just well-prepared for the workforce; they are poised to lead, innovate, inspire, and excel in their chosen fields. 

A degree in communication opens doors to a variety of private and public sector careers, because employers as well as advanced degree programs want people who can communicate well. A degree in communication indicates that you can speak, write, and think critically about others' messages as well as your own.

Our graduates work in a variety of fields such as public relations, government, marketing, sales, and human resources. Students planning for law school, medical school, or graduate school find our curriculum beneficial in preparing them for entry exams and postgraduate coursework.

Preparing for a Diverse Career Landscape

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in communication go on to pursue various professions across diverse industries. Our graduates work in a variety of fields such as public relations, government, law, business management, marketing, sales, health care, project management, human resources, corporate communication, consulting, social media and digital technology, and politics. Students planning for law school, medical school, or graduate school find our curriculum beneficial in preparing them for entry exams and postgraduate coursework.

With courses covering organizations, public policy, teams, healthcare, culture, technology, relationships, social movements, and more, our curriculum ensures students are well-prepared to make impactful contributions throughout their entire careers. A major in communication helps students gain critical skills like leadership and problem-solving, making our graduates highly sought after in every industry.

Communication Degree FAQs

Still have questions about our communication bachelor degree? Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive about the BA in communication curriculum.

Why study the liberal arts, and communication in particular?

When you study the liberal arts, you’ll get to ask—and learn how to answer—critical questions about the human experience. Liberal arts majors dive into many subjects, setting up a solid base for countless future paths. 

A bachelor’s degree in communication in particular opens a world of opportunities. Ideal for those seeking a liberal arts education, this degree prepares students for communication-focused professions and beyond. With a communication bachelor’s degree, you'll learn how to tackle communication issues, enhance communication systems, and so much more. You’ll also gain essential skills in crafting persuasive messages, empowering you to deliver any message with clarity and impact.

How will studying communication help after college?

Communication skills are in high demand in virtually every industry. You will learn how to communicate effectively while examining the theories and principles that underpin effective communication in various contexts, making a BA in communication invaluable regardless of your path. Even if you do not major in communication, you can pursue a minor in communication and gain useful skills that will help throughout your career.

How long does it take to get a communication degree?

Our BA in communication is a four-year program, though some students may take a little shorter or longer. Connect with an advisor to discuss specifics for your own journey! 

Can I specialize my bachelor’s degree in communication?

Yes! Communication at Illinois is a student-centered degree where students can specialize or concentrate in specific areas, including Communication and Culture, Communication and Health, Communication and Organizations, Interpersonal Communication, Mediated Communication & Technology, and Rhetoric & Public Discourse. 

Get Your Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at the University of Illinois

The ability to communicate effectively is required across all industries, making a Bachelor of Communication degree one of the most useful degrees you can have!

In every sector—from technology and business to healthcare and the arts—the ability to craft clear, compelling messages and to evaluate the messages of others is indispensable. UIUC’s bachelor’s degree in communication will equip you with critical skills, ensuring you are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of modern communication environments. By choosing this program, you are investing in yourself by gaining valuable skills that are crucial for the contemporary workforce.

Begin your journey towards earning a communication degree from UIUC today and set the foundation for mastering the art of effective communication.