Communication Studies

This program focuses on communication interaction between individuals and the impact each has on the other. The program provides a grounding in the power of communication to affect outcomes and relations across a variety of settings. Often, coursework may examine relationship development in families, social settings, and work. Typical careers include social services, human relations, interpersonal consulting, affirmative actions, sales, and counseling.

Why Study Communication Studies?

In Communication Studies, students discover the many strategies of how to effectively communicate with different groups of people in varying situations. Coverage includes person-to-person communication such as in counseling, peer advising, personnel management and other business and corporate positions. Students may also study persuasion and message construction strategies that are helpful in sales and management areas.

Speech communication is a broad degree that can lead to job opportunities in many different fields. Skills and experiences gained through co-curricular activities, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering are critical in shaping a career path. Speech communication is also good preparation for graduate school in many disciplines.

Application Information

To apply, you must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and above.

Applications are reviewed by a committee of Communication faculty members in each area. The Faculty Selection Committee base their decisions upon the following criteria:

• GPA & grade trends: a typical successful candidate is academically above average
• Quality and accuracy of Goals Essay
• Career goals are consistent with the minor
• Selection decisions will be made approximately three weeks after the deadline. A response will be sent to each student through their ISU email account

If admitted, you should schedule an appointment with your designated academic advisor.

Write a Goals Essay

Length: 2-3 pages, double spaced

Prompt: Provide a vision for your future career and explain how this minor is best equipped to help you get there. Be sure to include information about your major.

Research the minor and provide your finding of:

• Career opportunities in the field
• Necessary skills for success

Connect your goals to your findings. How will this minor help you reach your goals? What can you bring to the minor?

Tips for writing your essay:

• Make sure the minor aligns with your goals
• Discuss your academic performance as a student, including areas where you excel and areas that are challenging
• Explain relevant experiences (internships, RSOs, and COM classes)
• Make a clear connection from minor to career and demonstrate a passion
• Have multiple drafts reviewed (proofread)
• Demonstrate your best writing ability and make sure your essay does not have grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors
• Keep within the three-page limit
• Do not provide your biography or a lengthy description of the major

Submit Your Application

Choose your desired minor and complete all sections of the online application form. You can only apply for one major, sequence, or minor during each application period.

Minors can only be declared by current Illinois State students. Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Application Period

September 1 – October 1, February 1 – March 1 & May 1 – June 1

Academic Advising