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Communication

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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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

91% employed or continuing education

57% employed after graduation

34% attending graduate school

$50,051 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: PepsiCo (6), PwC (3), Alight Solutions (3) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Loyola University Chicago 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

3.8 years to degree

87% first-year retention rate

80% four-year graduation rate

81% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,992
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $36,930

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $33,344
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $57,622

International

  • Tuition: $35,872
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,150

Related Majors

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.

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