Communications Degree

The communications program at Western Illinois 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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Western Illinois University

1431 N. Claremont, Chicago, IL

Western Illinois University provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Macomb, IL and publically funded. Around thirteen thousand students enroll at Western Illinois University per year.

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

• Security And Protective Services
• Liberal Arts And Sciences
• Education
• Communications And Journalism
• Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the school. Most students at Western Illinois University scored in a range of 18 - 23 on the ACT. 66% of applicants are accepted to Western Illinois University, of which 31% choose to enroll.

Tuition & fees at WIU are different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs close to $11,000 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $15,000 for the year. On-campus housing is available for students, and generally costs around $5,700 per year. Some students at Western Illinois University may qualify for financial aid, which is generally provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.

The mascot for Western Illinois University is the "Leathernecks", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Football (NCAA Division I-AA)

Contact information, tuition information, programs, and much more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.wiu.edu.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Illinois 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).