Overview

The Communication Studies programme at Northern Illinois University provides a rigorous academic foundation for students eager to master the complexities of human interaction. This degree empowers learners to analyse and create impactful messages across written, spoken, visual, and digital platforms in a globalised society.

Students investigate communication through historical, critical, and social science lenses to understand how information influences diverse audiences. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring graduates are prepared for the modern workforce.

By engaging with this discipline, you will develop the ability to sway public opinion, explain complex perspectives, and achieve specific organisational goals.

Why Communication Studies at Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University serves as a vibrant hub for media and communication, housing Northern Public Radio and the Northern Star newspaper. These facilities provide students with unique hands-on learning opportunities that are rarely matched at the undergraduate level.

The institution also hosts an annual film festival, allowing students to showcase their creative work and engage with the wider artistic community. These distinctive features ensure that students gain practical experience while building a professional portfolio during their studies.

The department offers specialised pathways that allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests. You can choose to focus your studies on advocacy and public communication, media studies, or organisational and corporate communication.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Advanced Public Speaking
Rhetoric and the Media
Social Media Communication
Speech Writing
Argumentation and Debate
Advocacy and Critical Thinking
Rhetorical Theory
Freedom of Speech and Communication Ethics
Political Communication in America

Careers with Communication Studies

Graduates from this programme frequently secure roles that highlight their leadership capabilities and their ability to communicate fluently with diverse audiences. The degree prepares individuals for success in a wide variety of professional settings and industries.

Common career paths for alumni include roles such as social media managers, corporate communicators, and public relations specialists. The versatility of the degree allows graduates to work for major employers across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Top fields reported by alumni include marketing, media production, and strategic advocacy. The programme focuses on developing high-level skills in message construction and audience analysis, which are essential for reaching the top of the corporate ladder in any field.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Rhetoric and Public Issues

Rhetoric and the Media

Social Media Communication

Speech Writing

Business and Professional Communication

Argumentation and Debate

Advocacy and Critical Thinking

Group Discussion Skills

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Communication Studies View 1451 other Bachelors in Communication Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted.

Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores
A completed NIU application
Official transcripts from all high schools attended
ACT/SAT score (if applicable)
Proof of English ability

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

Local: $5,115.34 per semester National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Communication Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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