Communications Degree

The communications program at McKendree University 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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McKendree University

Also known as MCC, McHenry, McHenrey

8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, IL

McKendree University, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Lebanon, Illinois, the school resides in a suburban setting for students to study in. The school maintains a United Methodist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. About 3,300 students enroll at McKendree University yearly.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

• Health And Clinical Professions
• Business And Marketing Studies
• Education
• Psychology

To be considered for admissions, you may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. The most common scores among students accepted to this school are between 19 to 25 for the ACT exam, or 1230 to 1590 for the SAT exam. Roughly 70 percent of all applicant were accepted at McKendree University, with 32 percent of those admitted choosing to enroll.  Key information on admissions can be found via the school's graduate and undergraduate admissions portal.

The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $27,000 per year. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and as such students should visit the school's tuition calculator to get a better idea of their costs. Housing is available for students, and generally costs about $4,900 each year. McKendree University may offer financial aid for students who are eligible as scholarships, grants, and loans.

Athletic programs are available at McKendree University through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs offered may include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division II)
• Basketball (NCAA Division II)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division II)

Students can visit the school's mckendree.edu to view additional information.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. McKendree University 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).