Communications
Communications students engage with critical perspectives on the history and practice of mass communication and media. Majors develop a comprehensive understanding of the theory and skills necessary for a variety of career paths while becoming proficient in media literacy—crucial for ethical citizenship in today’s society.
Work Program Opportunities
- The ’Burnian
- Sports Information
- Public Relations
- Blackburn’s writing center
- Blackburn Radio
- Institutional Research
Awards and Prizes
- Beginning Scholar Awards
- Excellence in the Major Awards
- Louise Allen Creative Writing Awards
- Student Journalism Awards
- Stoddard Prize for Literature
- Asbury Prize for Journalism
- First Year Writing Awards
Internships
Recent majors have interned with Habitat for Humanity, Karmak, the Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat, and various other regional businesses.
The ‘Burnian The ’Burnian offers tuition, paid, and volunteer opportunities for writers, editors, graphic designers, and photographers.
Professional Memberships
- Illinois College Press Association
- Associated Collegiate Press
- Lambda Pi Eta, a national Communications honor society
Career Opportunities
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Social and Interactive Media
- Marketing and Sales
- Organizational and/or Political Communications
- Journalism
- Media law
- Graduate School
Student Testimonials
“I am doing marketing which includes dealing with social media, and I can credit my Professional Writing, Media Literacy and Media & Diversity classes for my success. I learned about how consumers perceive media messages and the complexity of being clear and diverse with marketing materials. Having these tools in my marketing tackle-box enhances the chances of my messages reaching its target audience.”
Steven Jones, Class of 2014
Marketing Coordinator at All Digital Radio Network
“I had a part time job as a sports writer before I started going to Blackburn, but what I learned from the Communications and Professional Writing coursework helped me to hone my skills and eventually move into a full time position at that same paper. Then, after graduating, I was able to take my degree and get a job as the sports editor at a paper in Missouri.”
Jason Farmer, Class of 2013
Sports Editor of the Hannibal Courier-Post
Faculty Members
