The Department of Communication and Media is dedicated to preparing its students with the in-demand communication and digital media skills required for a variety of fields and workplaces. Our majors emphasize verbal, visual and written communication, decision-making, critical thinking, creativity and teamwork. In the tradition of the liberal arts, the department, in conjunction with many other resources at Elmhurst University, cultivates intellectual depth and diversity, provides a foundation for lifelong learning and encourages students to apply their knowledge outside of the classroom through practica courses and internships.

The department offers seven majors: Communication, Digital Marketing Communication, Digital Media, Audio & Video Production, Game & Animation Art, Writing for Film, TV, & Media and Multimedia Journalism. Most of the department’s courses are open to both majors and non-majors.

Goals of the Department

Graduates will be able to:

• Describe the Communication discipline and its central questions.

• Employ Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.

• Engage in Communication inquiry.

• Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.

• Apply ethical communication principles and practices.

• Articulate the connection between communication and culture.

Cocurricular and Extracurricular Programs

The Department of Communication and Media offers a variety of curricular programs to supplement and enhance students’ experience at Elmhurst. For instance, departmental practica gives students experience and insights into careers in radio and multimedia journalism. Students also gain experience by participating in student organizations, including Lambda Pi Eta Communication Studies Honor Society, the student newspaper, The Leader, and the 320-watt campus radio station, WRSE-FM.

Chair: Sarah Strom Kays

Faculty: Kristyn Jo Benedyk, John Klein, Courtney Miller, Thomas Salek, Sarah Strom Kays, Rachel M. Reznik, Deirdre Zerilli