Communication

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What is Communication?

Communication teaches you to speak, write, and think critically about others’ messages as well as your own. As a Communication student, you will study communication across many domains. You will develop effective communication skills and learn how to teach others to improve their skills. You’ll learn how to be a critical thinker and problem solver for every situation you face. You’ll achieve knowledge of public advocacy and debate. You'll also learn about the political and social importance of communication in public and private life. If going into a field that includes a lot of collaboration sounds exciting, this major may be right for you.

Career Options

Education
Event planning
Health administration
Human resources
Law
Public affairs
Public relations
Sales

Post-Graduation Success¹

88% employed or continuing education

58% employed after graduation

30% attending graduate school

$52,835 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: CDW, RHM Staffing Solutions, Beacon Hill Staffing Group, Mindshare, United States Marine Corps, Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Adcetera, Procter & Gamble, Navistar View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, University of California, Santa Barbara, Indiana State University, Loyola University Chicago, University of Pittsburgh, University of Colorado Denver, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, Illinois College of Optometry View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

4.1 years to degree

97% returned for second year

84% graduated within 4 years

91% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

Related Majors

Advertising - COM

English - LAS

Graphic Design - FAA

Journalism - COM

Sociology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.