Minors and Certificates

Minor in Communication Studies (18 Credit Hours)

Students may pursue a minor in the field of communication studies by successfully completing 18 semester hours from the department’s communication studies course offerings numbered 200 or above. These hours may include a maximum of 6 hours of 200-level courses.

Because of the wide range of fields that are appropriate as areas of study, including film studies, public communication, media studies, media production and communication studies, students are encouraged to secure information about these areas from the department.

Twelve or more semester hours toward the minor in communication studies must be taken at NIU.

Visit the NIU catalog site for a complete list of courses.

Minor in Professional Communication (18 Credit Hours)

The minor in professional communication offers majors in fields other than communication studies and English the opportunity to develop communication skills that are valued in the typical workplace environment. Courses focus on the theory and practice of composition and design of both electronic and paper-based professional documents, and on the theory and practice of mediated and face to face interaction. The minor is recommended to students in both technical and non-technical fields. 

Visit the NIU catalog site for a complete list of courses.

Minor in Journalism (21-22)

Journalism minors must earn a grade of C or S or better in all required journalism courses in their minor. Journalism prerequisites are deemed to be met only by obtaining a grade of C or S or better. (It is necessary to repeat a journalism course in which a grade below C or S is earned, before taking any course for which it is a prerequisite.)

Visit the NIU catalog site for a complete list of courses.

Certificate in Digital Media Production (14 credit hours)

This certificate is designed to provide pre-professional study in digital media production including narrative, documentary, television and interactive media production arts. It is open to all NIU undergraduates. Students must maintain good academic standing in the university, achieve a minimum grade of C in each certificate course, achieve a GPA of at least 2.00 in all certificate courses and complete all certificate course work within six calendar years. Some courses may have prerequisites that are not part of the certificate curriculum. All course requirements for the certificate must be completed at NIU. With department approval, some or all of the certificate courses may be applied toward undergraduate degree requirements in the department. The Department of Communication reserves the right to limit enrollment in any of the certificate courses.

Visit the NIU catalog site for a complete list of courses and other requirements.

Certificate in Film and Television Studies (15 credit hours)

This interdisciplinary certificate is intended to provide a broad background in the area of media literacy and critical thinking. The certificate is designed to complement undergraduate course work in a variety of majors. The certificate is particularly appropriate for students preparing for, or currently working in, a variety of disciplines or careers in media production, broadcasting, public relations, marketing, advertising, visual arts, critical studies, politics and literature.

Students must maintain good academic standing in the university, achieve a minimum grade of C in each certificate course, achieve a GPA of at least 2.00 in all certificate courses and complete all certificate course work within six calendar years. Some courses may have prerequisites that are not part of the certificate curriculum. All course requirements for the certificate must be completed at NIU.

In addition to the approved elective courses listed below, any undergraduate-level special topics course focusing on film or television studies may be counted toward the certificate with the approval of the coordinator of the Film and Television Studies Certificate of Undergraduate Study. No transfer credit is allowed for the certificate. Students pursuing a certificate in Film and Television Studies should meet with the certificate director in the Department of Communication early in their academic careers. 

Visit the NIU catalog site for a complete list of courses and other requirements.

Undergraduate Advising

Laura Vazquez, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Watson Hall 213
815-753-7107
lvazquez@niu.edu 

Olivia Monteiro
Academic Advisor
Watson Hall 217
815-753-5354
omonteiro@niu.edu 

Undergraduate Advising Info