Discover Your Path in Communication
Earn your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication at UIS through a dynamic program designed to prepare you for thriving careers in public relations, strategic communication, interpersonal and cultural communication, and journalism and media. Or, if you would like greater flexibility, you can pursue your own path through a communication studies track.
Why Choose Our BA Program?
- Expert Faculty: Learn from diverse professionals with real-world experience
- Hands-On Learning: Internships, multimedia projects, and industry collaborations
- Flexible & Customizable: Easily double-major or add minors!
- Career Success: 95% job placement rate in newsrooms, PR firms, nonprofits, government, and multimedia production
- Online & On-Campus Options: Same degree, same faculty—study in the format that works for you
- Accelerated MA Programs: Up to 12 undergraduate credits can be applied to the MA in Public Affairs Reporting - complete both degrees in 5 years
Specializations
- Interpersonal & Cultural Communication
- Journalism & Media Studies
- Strategic Communication & Public Relations
- Communication Studies
What You'll Learn
- Apply communication theory to real-world situations
- Listen, write, and speak professionally across diverse contexts
- Understand ethics in journalism, PR, and interpersonal communication
- Think critically about media and enhance media literacy
- Analyze research methods and their applications
- Recognize how diversity, power, and access impact communication
Honors Track
High-achieving students can enhance their studies through the Communication Honors Track, which offers advanced learning experiences and skill development.
Launch Your Career with a BA in Communication
Take advantage of a cutting-edge curriculum, real-world experience, and industry connections—on campus or online. Start your journey today!
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Value of a UIS Degree
UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).
Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).
98% of students receive aid
The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on you're application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Opportunities
Exploring the following career paths can help you see how your degree opens up a wide range of exciting and rewarding opportunities in various fields.
- Public Relations Strategist
- Media Production
- Human Resources
- Creative Director
- Social Media Manager
- Training & Development
- Journalist
- Political Campaign Director
- Government lobbyist
- Sports Announcer
- Communication Consultant
- Recruiter
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Event Coordinator
- Fundraiser
- Advertising/Brand Strategist
