B.A. in Communication and Media: Build a Real Portfolio, Not Just a Degree

Turn your voice into a career. Earn your communication and media degree with real publishing experience, podcasting and video production, a Paris writing scholarship, and the flexibility to study on campus or online for under $12,200 a year.

  • On-Campus or Online
  • Student-Published Magazine
  • Internship Included
  • Paris Writing Scholarship Available

Request More Information

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code.
Military Affiliation
Please select an option.

Clicking the “Take the First Step” button constitutes your express written consent for National Louis University to contact you

By submitting, you agree to NLU’s Privacy Policy.

Why Choose NLU for Communication and Media?

Publish Before You Graduate
Real bylines in the Communications Quarterly magazine

Leave school with a portfolio, not just coursework.

Study in Paris
The Paris Cafe Writing Scholarship for published students

An experience most programs charge extra for; here your work earns it.

$12,195/yr
First-time freshman tuition (2025-2026)

Named #1 Best Bang for the Buck in the Midwest (Washington Monthly).

$70,300
Median, media and communication workers (BLS, May 2024)

About 104,800 openings a year across the field.

Add Marketing
A 30-hour Marketing Minor option

Turn a communication degree into a dual-competency credential.

Get Started Today

Program at a Glance

How long?
4 Years
On-campus or online; accelerated for transfers
How much?
$12,195/yr
First-time freshman tuition (2025-2026 rate)
How many?
180 QH
Bachelor of Arts
What salary?
$70,300
Median, media and communication workers (BLS, May 2024)

What You'll Learn

  • Communicate effectively in writing, speech, and digital media
  • Create media content for digital and print platforms
  • Produce podcasts and short-form video
  • Build and manage social media and public relations campaigns
  • Complete a professional internship and a published portfolio
  • Work confidently across cultures and generations

Full Course List

Foundations
The craft of storytelling across communication contexts.
Media
How media has developed and how it shapes society today.
Culture
Communicating across cultures and generations in the workplace.
Writing
Writing clearly and persuasively for professional settings.
Social Media
Building and managing audiences across digital platforms.
Audio
Producing professional-quality audio and podcasts.
Video
Planning, shooting, and editing short-form video.
PR & Internship
Public relations and conflict management, plus a real-world internship.

Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent (no application fee)
  • Online application at nl.edu
  • Transfer students: generous credit acceptance for faster completion
  • Grade of C or better in all major courses and core English
  • An advisor helps you plan your track and optional Marketing Minor
Request Info
A Portfolio, Not Just a Degree

Real bylines in Communications Quarterly plus podcast and video production, so you graduate with work to show, not just a transcript.

The Paris Writing Scholarship

Published students can apply for a one-week creative writing program in Paris, a rare experience at this price point.

Built for the Digital Industry

Podcasting, video, social media, and public relations, the skills employers are hiring for now, with an optional Marketing Minor.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

104,800
Annual media and communication openings (BLS)
Public Relations Specialist
Social Media Director
Content Creator or Writer
Podcast or Video Producer
Marketing Coordinator
Editor or Journalist

NLU Communication and Media graduates enter a market that is growing across every industry, because every organization needs people who can write, present, produce, and connect. The dual-track structure, required internship, and real publication experience put graduates in positions pure classroom programs do not reach.

Media and communication workers earn a median salary of $70,300, with about 104,800 openings projected each year (BLS, May 2024). Career pathways extend from public relations and content creation to marketing, film, and journalism, across healthcare, tech, and entertainment.

Get Started Now

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor walks you through the application, financial aid, transfer credit, and the optional Marketing Minor.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee. Next start: September 21, 2026. Your advisor guides you through every step.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path into communication and media.

Take the First Step
  • On-Campus or Online
  • Student-Published Magazine
  • Internship Included
  • Paris Writing Scholarship Available

*Salary and openings: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Media and Communication Occupations, May 2024.

**Tuition and recognition: National Louis University undergraduate tuition (2025-2026); Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck (Midwest), 2023.

***Curriculum: SmartCatalog, National Louis University, Communication and Media B.A. (nl.smartcatalogiq.com, current catalog).