Curriculum

The School is the largest academic unit at UIS, enrolling 55 percent of all students in its majors.  The School is committed to curricular interdisciplinary, experiential learning, experimentation, and a concern for student-centered learning that includes the use of technologies that aid collaboration and extend the concept of “community” beyond local and regional boundaries.  The foundation for this environment is a well-rounded curriculum in the humanities, social sciences, arts, and physical and natural sciences, including mathematics and computer science.  Students learn professional skills, but also the blend of critical thinking, scientific logic, and appreciation of the humanities that is so important in the development of personal enrichment.

Student Opportunities

Students in Communication Studies have multiple opportunities to participate in campus, state and national programs and organizations to help develop professional skills and networking of benefit before and after graduation. Some COM students are active in Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honor society, or some work with The Observer, the online media hub. Alumni remain active with the School, as well, to connect current students to a variety of contacts and professions in the city of Springfield — a vibrant small city and the state capital of Illinois. Learn about Springfield, Illinois.

Information to get you started

New Student Checklist

Important Information for New Majors

Com Student Internship Experiences

News
May 10, 2024
Throughout the Spring semester, The Observer – the UIS student news outlet – soared to new heights, engaging its readers with a dynamic array of content…
Apr 24, 2024
PAR director Jason Piscia and Class of '05 grad Amanda Vinicky talked about the week that was in state government on the April 18, 2024, episode of…
Mar 15, 2024
Five distinguished graduates of the University of Illinois Springfield’s Public Affairs Reporting program will be inducted this summer into the Bill Miller…
Feb 20, 2024
Two bills introduced at the Statehouse this month would require Big Tech companies to pay Illinois news organizations for their content, provide tax…
Jul 31, 2023
Nika Schoonover, a student in the PAR Class of 2023, photographs a rally outside of the Illinois Statehouse. (Clay Stalter/UIS) A grant from the Joyce…