Northern Illinois University
Department of Communication
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Practicum refers to a course of study in which you apply your learned skills or knowledge – you put them into practice. In other words, it is a project or duty where you apply your skills and learning.

NIU Catalog Description

COMS 407 Practicum (1-3). Experience in the cocurricular forensics and individual events programs, the classroom, organizational settings, research activities and the media. May be taken for or repeated to a maximum of three semester hours. Majors, minors and approved others only. S/U grading.

Typically, you would approach a communication department instructor/professor whom you know and would want to work with. Inquire if they could offer COMS 407 credit or if they need certain work done. There is a large variety of what this could be.

• Teaching assistant – help an instructor with their course(s)
• Research assistant – help professors gather research
• Forensics – coaching, tutoring, assistance related to the Forensics program
• Event planning
• Lab attendant – monitor media labs in the department, assist students
• Production assistant – if available, assist a professor on a media project
• Other

How to Add COMS 407 Credit

1. Contact the instructor to discuss the credit. If they agree to offer you practicum credit, then proceed to step 2.
2. Complete the 407 Permission Form.
3. You and the instructor must sign the permission form.
4. Bring the signed and completed form to Ferald Bryan, Ph.D. at fbryan@niu.edu or in Watson 216 or Olivia Monteiro, omonteiro@niu.edu in Watson Hall 217.
   • They will later add you to the credit.
   • Note: it is your responsibility to resolve any issues that may prevent enrollment, including holds on your account or needing overload permission from your academic college.

Monitor MyNIU to make sure you are enrolled in the 407 credit for that semester. If you experience any issues, please contact:

Ferald Bryan, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Studies
fbryan@niu.edu
Watson 216

Olivia Monteiro
Academic Advisor
omonteiro@niu.edu
Watson Hall 217