Communication
Communication Heading link
The city is our playground. Technology is our thing. Communication is our game.
The UIC Department of Communication offers degrees oriented to research and theory about a central issue in life of the 21st century: dynamic and complex human and mediated communication. We are particularly strong in the study of new media and offer a BA, MA, and PhD—all designed to prepare students for a lifetime of learning based on the model of liberal education. Our approach is interdisciplinary and focuses on the impact of new technology on cultural practices, with emphasis on intercultural diversity, political communication, social media and social networks, mobile media, gaming and game studies, and information security and privacy. We prepare students of the present for a future that is always evolving. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also collaborates with the UIC Electronic Visualization Laboratory, the world’s pre-eminent virtual reality and high-speed networking research site.
See how other students found their fit below with this major!
Alumni Highlights Heading link
Below is a sample of how UIC alumni have applied their communication major to a professional path!
- Account Executive, WTTW/Chicago PBS
- Communication and Media Project Manager, Illinois Action for Children
- Communications and Media Relations Associate, Chicago Children’s Museum
- Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Executive Producer, WGN Radio
- Human Resources and Public Relations Manager, Lake County Housing Authority
- Integrated Media Planner, RPM Advertising
- Legislative Aide, City of Chicago
- Manager, Event Services, SmithBucklin
- Marketing Coordinator, Evolve Recycling
- Senior Academic Counselor, University of Illinois Chicago
Unique Skills and Competencies Heading link
In addition to the foundational set of skills and competencies you will acquire in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your communication major. Review the list below to learn more:
- Understand the role of communication, media, and technology in creating relationships and meaning within human societies
- Communicate effectively in multiple contexts, including digital, virtual, and augmented media; interpersonal; group; organizational; intercultural; and international
- Apply fundamental communication concepts, theories, issues, and research methods at work and in everyday life
- Synthesize communication theories to develop skills in reasoned argument and critical thinking
- Comprehend the economic, political, and sociocultural impact of communication technologies on society
- Evaluate and communicate information effectively as a responsible citizen in a variety of settings ranging from journalism, to business, to marketing, to formal academic contexts
Industry Clusters Heading link
There are many workplace settings, industries, and career areas in which you can apply your major based on your professional interests. Below is a sample list of industry clusters that other communication majors have transitioned into. What type of setting appeals to you?
- Arts, Media, and Communications
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Criminology and Law Enforcement
- Cultural and Museum Studies
- Education
- Government, International Affairs, and Public Service
- Healthcare and Wellness
- Law and Legal Services
- Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
- Research and Policy
- Social Services
- Technology
Meet Bhavini Nayi! Heading link
“COMM entails of explicating inter and intra-personal behavior in people and that has inspired me to assess the different ideologies that exist in a media driven society. A few strengths or benefits of this major consist of open communication, developed presentation skills, and the honing of one’s writing skills. COMM combines all of these strengths together in all of its classes at UIC and that has helped me become a better speaker and listener.”
Meet Jennifer Mayo! Heading link
“I want my future career to incorporate social awareness. I want to be able to do this through creative content, whether it be writing, photography, or film. I would love to be a part of a team that brings these projects to life. Communication allows me to do this because I am able to learn about political and social issues as well as the importance of visual communication in my classes.”