The core professional degree for a communication career An undergraduate Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies provides students with a general background in communication theory and technology with an opportunity to engage in studying a specific area of communication (Interpersonal Communication and Journalism/Media) and apply this knowledge to address specific social problems. The broad-based Communication department offers students the opportunity to specialize in journalism/media studies or interpersonal communication and to explore media technology, public relations, intercultural communication, photography and radio and video production.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify, explain, develop, deliver and engage in respectful and ethical communication in both interpersonal and mass media environments.
  • Comprehend a variety of ethical issues such as social justice, anti-racist multi-culturalism, privacy, fake news, stereotyping, hate speech and artificial intelligence in order to embrace diversity and inclusion in their personal, professional and social lives.
  • Be able to create and inspect communication for both interpersonal and mediated messages through critical analysis.

Quick Facts

Format
Online, On-campus
Duration
4 years
Credit Hours
120

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

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
May 15, 2025

Start Date:
August 22, 2025

Apply Today!

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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

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UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).

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Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).

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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.

< High School
$26,800
High School
$36,600
Bachelor's
$68,300
Master's
$87,200
Doctorate
$105,600

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.

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Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024

Courses & Catalog Information

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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.

  • Advocate
  • Brand Assistant
  • Circulation Coordinator
  • Deejay/Radio Host
  • Columnist
  • Digital Illustrator
  • Copy Editor
  • Community Service Coordinator
  • Editorial Clerical Staff
  • Employer Relations Coordinator
  • Freelance Speech Writer
  • Advertising Assistant
  • Employment Interviewer
  • Graphic Artist/Designer
  • Assistant Casting Agent
  • Advertising Assistant
  • Media Planner
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Lobbyist
  • Placement Specialist
  • Technical Writer
  • Events Coordinator
  • Research Assistant
  • Promotion Coordinator
  • Production Staff
  • Community Action
  • Commentator
  • Assistant Media Buyer
  • Coordinator of Consumer Affairs
  • Creative Writer
  • Digital Photographer
  • Clerk Typist
  • Effects Coordinator
  • Community Relations Coordinator
  • Lyricist
  • Announcer
  • Concept Art Designer
  • Artist/Designer
  • Greeting Card Writer
  • Film Editor
  • Guest Services Coordinator
  • Image Specialist
  • News Reporter
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Page-Layout Technician
  • Press Agent Trainee
  • Traffic Reporter
  • Story Analyst
  • Recruiter
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Sales Representative
  • Print Production Coordinator
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