Communications Degree

The communications program at Concordia University Chicago prepares the student to enter the fields of advertising, marketing, organizational communication, public relations, publishing, human resources, law, criminal justice, politics, public administration, and more. The program focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Program courses include: intercultural communication, speaking and listening, verbal and nonverbal interaction, rhetorical theory and criticism, argumentation and persuasion, technologically mediated communication, and popular culture. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer communications degrees.

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Concordia University Chicago

600 South Michigan, Chicago, IL

Concordia University, located in River Forest, Illinois, began its history in 1855 when Lutheran Ministers Friedrich Johann Carl Lochner and Philipp Fleischmann began and independent Lutheran seminary in Milwaukee. Two years later, the schools control was given to the Lutheran Church, which proceeded to move the school to Fort Wayne, Indiana. The school moved again, this time St. Louis, followed by Springfield, Illinois, then back to Fort Wayne. The school received a stable home, and considers its founding year 1864, when the school settles in Addison, Illinois. In 1913, the school moved to its current location, and in 1979 expanded its educational offerings to become a full liberal arts institution and adopted the name Concordia University.

Academics

Concordia University Chicago offers over 100 programs of study for undergraduates and graduates. The school has achieved top rank in education in U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges list twice, once in 2006, and again in 2010. The school offers a faith based liberal arts education. The school strives to maintain academic excellence in its offerings, constantly refining and reviewing programs and courses to remain abreast of new development and keep curriculums current.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Chemistry
• Early Childhood Education
• Environmental Science
• Graphic Arts
• Psychology

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students wishing to enroll at Concordia University Chicago must have graduated high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.5, or have a GED with equivalent score. An ACT score of 19 or SAT score of 930 is also required. Involvement in extracurricular activities is also highly regarded. Student will be evaluated by the admissions committee based on the strength of the student's application, and may require additional documentation prior to making a final decision.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, work study programs, and veteran/active duty benefits. Students interested or in need of financial aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Additional assistance and information may be obtained through the school's financial aid department or through the online resources available through Concordia University Chicago's website.

Athletics

The Concordia University Chicago Cougars compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. The school participates in multiple sports for both men and women, maintaining an active athletic schedule throughout the school year.

Athletic programs:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football (Men Only)
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Softball (Women Only)
• Volleyball (Women Only)

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Concordia University Chicago offers a bachelor's degree program in communications.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

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.

Radio and Television Announcers

Description

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Public Address System and Other Announcers

Description

Make announcements over public address system at sporting or other public events. May act as master of ceremonies or disc jockey at weddings, parties, clubs, or other gathering places.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public address system and other announcers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 270
  • Average Hourly Rate: $25.77
  • Average Annual Salary: $53600

Public Relations Specialists

Description

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public relations specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 4
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.79
  • Average Annual Salary: $64040
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 280
  • Average Hourly Rate: $20.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $43540
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 260
  • Average Hourly Rate: $33.07
  • Average Annual Salary: $68780

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).