Get Your Bachelor of Arts in Communication Near Chicago

Quick Facts

General Education Requirements:
37 – 41 hours
Core Courses: 21 hours
Concentration Requirements:
20 – 22 hours
Communication Electives: 8 – 12 hours
Total: 120 hours

Full Program Requirements

Organizations seek employees who can communicate across a limitless and evolving range of platforms in today’s highly connected societies. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Governors State, students gain the knowledge and skills to communicate with a variety of audiences through advertising, media, public relations, and one-on-one conversations. These assets drive organizational success and human relations, as well as improve conflict management. With the tools you’ll receive through our program, you’ll hone your critical thinking and communication skills to deliver clear, responsible, and helpful messages in both your professional and personal communication.

Communication Studies

Communication studies involve all forms of communication. The most common include mass communication and interpersonal communication, through both written and spoken words. Whether you’re a passionate speaker or looking to build your confidence speaking to an audience, a degree in communication provides a crucial set of skills for many professionals. Interpersonal skills are crucial for human resources professionals, employee training, and other one-on-one or small group activities. Navigate your career path with confidence thanks to the clear spoken and written skills you’ll foster at Governors State.

There is a wide range of jobs and salaries available to successful students of the BA in Communication program at GovState. Here are just a few examples of career paths and median salaries a student with a BA in communication may pursue upon successful graduation:

• Marketing Coordinator: $38,853 per year
• Social Media Manager: $50,632 per year
• Managing Editor: $51,843 per year
• Public Relations Specialist:$63,734 per year
• Digital Strategist: $64,517 per year
• Human Resources Manager: $77,733 per year

If you aren’t sure where your passions fit in the field of communication, pursue a broad education that equips you for various positions in a variety of industries like:

• Teaching
• Customer Service
• Social Media
• Journalism
• Photography
• Advertising
• Consulting

• Promotions
• Human Resources and Training
• Media Management
• Media Writing
• Public Affairs
• Public Relations
• Sales
• Digital Marketing

In Governors State’s BA in Communication program, students may choose a concentration in human communication or strategic communication to specialize in their professional area of interest.

Human Communication Concentration

Human communication skills are vital to organizations at every level, from the individual employee to the public. You will practice the theory and application of communicating with a wide range of audiences as you learn to influence and stabilize conditions by cultivating common ground. These skills are useful for event planners, human resources, campaign directors, communication analysts, brand managers, promotions managers, nonprofit managers, health care management, and sales.

Strategic Communication Concentration

Effective communication on a large scale requires a strategic plan to create a cohesive message. Professionals in advertising, digital marketing, journalism, media, and public relations use many platforms to reach an intended audience. You will work with the latest technology and platforms to be prepared for what’s next.

Successful completion of the BA in Communication program at Governors State can also open the door to graduate school opportunities, such as the Communication, Media, and Performance (CMP) program at Governors State. To learn about our grad program, please visit the CMP program page.

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Admission Requirements

For a quick and easy admission process, please refer to the list below to make sure you meet the Communication program's requirements for admittance:

• A non-refundable $25 application fee

• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities

Admission Deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round, but get your application in early to maximize your eligibility for financial aid types that may have limited total funds.

Questions?

For any questions regarding the admissions process, please contact the Office of Admissions at admission@govst.edu or 708-534-4490.

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Curriculum

To view information on the Communication program's curriculum, such as course offerings and degree requirements, please visit the Communication program's catalog.

View Program Catalog

Student Involvement and Success

Our student involvement and success builds on a proud history of engagement with our local community. With the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Program, we strive to create a memorable experience for our students. This experience includes small class sizes, faculty mentorships, and in close proximity to leading communication businesses in Chicago. Explore the recent awards and internships our students have received as examples of the possibilities we can offer you as a communications student. Recently, students in GovState’s American Advertising Federation (AAF) student chapter received fourth place in their division at the National Student Advertising Competition. Communication students have secured internships with companies like Speedway Corporation, CBD Marketing, Milner Broadcasting Partners, the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, and the Governors State University Foundation, just to name a few.

Forensics Team

Showcase and develop your communication skills with GovState’s Forensics Team! Students will have the opportunity to draft and present argumentative works, or even poetry, at conferences and competitions. To learn more about the Forensics Team, please contact Professor Eddie Gamboa at egamboa@govst.edu for details.

Faculty Experts

Learn more about our Communication program's faculty members via the faculty directory.

View Faculty Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does tuition cost?

You can use our tuition estimator to figure out how much tuition may cost for your degree/course plans.

What financial aid is available to help me pay tuition?

There is more than one way to fund your education. You can learn about the different types of financial aid or you can learn about the various scholarships available. If you have any other financial aid concerns, you can visit the Financial Aid Office’s webpage to learn about the services they offer.

On average, how long does it take to complete the program?

The Communication program can be completed in 4 years with a full-time class schedule of fall and spring semesters every academic year.

Can I switch between a part-time and full-time class schedule?

Yes, you can switch between a part-time and full-time class schedule between semesters. However, during a single semester, you cannot change your class schedule beyond the last drop date, so be aware of those times so you can drop a class if you need to and avoid being charged.

When are classes held?

Classes typically run from the end of August to early December for the fall semesters, end of January to early May for spring semesters, and mid-May to July or mid-August depending on your chosen classes. Communication program physical courses can start as early as 9 a.m. for general education or start as late as 7:30 p.m. depending on course offerings and your class schedule.

When will I know if I’ve been accepted into GSU?

Students should expect an admission decision within 3 - 5 business days.

If I want to transfer to GSU, what do I need to know?

To find out about transfer admission requirements and transfer information for some specific institutions, you can check out our transfer guides.

Contact Us

Have additional questions about the program? Reach out to us!

Advising

To find contact information for the advisor of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences Advising webpage.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Lara Stache

Full Professor of Communication Studies

708-235-2847

lstache@govst.edu

Office Location: E2564

Ready to Apply?

Begin your first step towards accomplishing your academic, professional, and personal goals by applying today!

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Communication, Bachelor of Arts