Communication Degree
One of the most widely sought skills in organizations today is the ability to communicate
effectively. Research reveals that a mastery of critical reasoning, organization and
public speaking contributes to successful job performance. We offer majors that recognize
communication as the basis for interactions among all human beings. With a degree
in communications you’ll develop skills focused in the following areas:
- Problem-solving
- Organizational strategy
- Listening
- Rhetorical sensitivity
- Public speaking
Why a B.A. Degree in Communication?
One of the most widely sought skills in organizations today is the ability to communicate
effectively. McKendree’s bachelor’s degree program in Communication equips you with
skills in problem solving, public speaking, forming professional and personal relationships,
and communicating across cultures. This highly adaptable degree program gives you
the people skills and business know-how to stand out in your career of choice.
About the Communication Major
Housed within the Division of Humanities, the B.A. in Communication is designed for
students who enjoy working with others to achieve a common goal. Whether written,
nonverbal, or the spoken word, effective communication is key to establishing productive
relationships, finding your own strengths, and utilizing the talents of those around
you for the benefit of all.
A minor in Communication is also available.
Why McKendree?
McKendree University provides you with interactive learning opportunities through
our small class sizes, experienced faculty, and unique internship experiences that
move you beyond the classroom. We are committed to your success in the degree programs
we offer, the internships and extracurricular activities that will set you apart,
and the college experience you’ll get here. Just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis,
Missouri, McKendree University is located in historic Lebanon, Illinois, and affords
students a host of enriching cultural, career, and entertainment opportunities.
Program Highlights
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Coursework provides a broad foundation for interacting with people in a host of career fields
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Exciting internship opportunities give you on-the-job experience before you graduate
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Related clubs and honor societies allow you to meet others and enhance your resume through a variety of scholarly opportunities
Internship Opportunities
Our students have interned with a number of local companies, including:
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Alive Magazine
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American Red Cross
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Anderson Hospital
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Chan Corporation
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Clear Channel Radio
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Infinity Broadcasting
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Regions Bank
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St. Louis Blues
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Wells Fargo
Employment Opportunities
Communication graduates are highly skilled in fields such as business, law, education,
finance, training and development, social services, and religion.
Our alumni work in the following jobs in such companies as:
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Agracel, Inc., Human Resources
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Amcore Bank, Director of Marketing
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American Red Cross, Executive Director
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Arbonne Independent Consultant, Region Vice President
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Bank of America, Corporate Recruiter
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois, President and CEO
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Bitrode Corporation, Marketing Coordinator
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BKD, LLP, Senior Consultant
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Centrue Bank, VP/Regional Business Development Officer
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Chester Herald, Newspaper Reporter
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Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Disabilityworks Resource Coordinator
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Don Hedrick Packaging Co., Vice President
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Drury Hotels, Director of Performance Improvement
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Eastern Illinois University, Asst. Director of Student Life
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Enterprise Holdings Foundation, HR Specialist/Training and Development Specialist
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Fleishman Hillard, Senior Vice President and Global Co-Chair
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Fontbonne University, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
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Hylton Performing Arts Center, George Mason University, Development Assistant
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Indiana University Southeast, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies
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Lawinger, Delong & Associates, Associate Lawyer
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Los Angeles Rams, Director - External Football Affairs at LA Rams
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National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias, Director of Marketing & Communications
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Ohio University, Assistant professor of lighting design
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Patriot Coal Corporation, Senior Analyst
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Salton, Inc., Risk Management
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St. Louis Brewers Guild, Director
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St. Louis Community Credit Union, Vice President, Community Development
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St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Director of Communication
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The Studio, Performing Arts Director/Instructor
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Washington University, Sports Information Director
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World Wide Technology, Supply Chain Coordinator
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Country Companies, Claim Specialist
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Creative Kids, Inc., Director
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DITCO, Contract Specialist at DISA
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Emerson Electric Co., Digital Marketing Specialist
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Georgia Regent University, Asst. Professor
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Hub Group, Highway Solutions Specialist
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Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Aftercare/Parole Supervisor
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Lincoln Land Community College, Director of Financial Aid
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PAI of Missouri, Community Specialist
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RehabCare Group, Community Relations Coordinator
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St. Clair County, Assistant States Attorney
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USTRANSCOM/ TCAQ-R, Contract Specialist
Interesting Courses
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Gender and Communication
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Intercultural Communication
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Health Communication
Club Information / Honor Societies
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Speech and Debate Team - McKendree’s nationally-ranked Speech and Debate teams provide communication majors with the unique opportunity to develop their argumentative abilities and compete with other skilled undergraduate debaters.
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The McKendree Review - Hone your interviewing and writing skills by joining the student newspaper, The McKendree Review.
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McK Radio - Get firsthand radio broadcasting experience through the university’s own student-run radio station.
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Lambda Pi Eta (National Speech Communication Honor Society)
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Pi Kappa Delta (National Speech and Debate Honor Society)
Social Media
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Communication, Public Relations and Speech (Facebook Group)
Related Programs
Your Student Success Support Team
Key Faculty
Associate Professor
Carnegie Hall 102
(618) 537-6888
remurphy@mckendree.edu
Associate Professor
Carnegie Hall 114
(618) 537-6889
slfrank@mckendree.edu
