Communication

Bachelor of Arts

Create. Perform. Inspire.

What can you do with a Communication degree? The options are limitless! Clarke’s communication program empowers students to navigate the world of media—from independent film and journalism, to podcasting, web, and social media.

As a communication major, you will gain a fundamental understanding of how law and ethics shape the media landscape alongside audience preferences, and how you can tell a compelling story that engages, informs, and inspires. You will have the opportunity to work with the tools of trade, such as high-end cameras, sound equipment, editing software, AI enabled tools, and more. You’ll hone your skills through project-based learning, from independent presentations to team-produced videos and concepts. Throughout your studies, you’ll experience a unique blend of film production, podcasting and journalism, strategic media, and competitive debate. With hands-on projects like The Clarke Crux & Crux Talks Podcast, Mock Trials, and film festival submissions, graduates leave with a portfolio that opens doors in media, performance, and communication careers.

Communication program graduates have gone on to excel in roles as producers, videographers, brand managers, media relations specialists, event planners, social media managers, and more. Now it’s your turn!

Clarke University Senior Communication Major student working on capstone project in radio room.

Clarke University Communication Degree students working on a project in the Atrium

Practical Applications Across Platforms

From classroom to set and beyond, you’ll step directly into the entertainment world, learning alongside the professionals who shape it—award-winning casting directors, working actors, visionary producers and directors, celebrated writers, inventive filmmakers and cinematographers, and the creative forces behind commercials and media campaigns.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, you will learn how to navigate, manage, and participate in the dynamic flow of information. You’ll put your skills into practice through classroom projects, campus media outlets like The Clarke Crux and Tenth Muse Literary Magazine, the Communication Club, and internships at area organizations.

Each year, you’ll also gain exclusive access to the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, connecting with some of the most innovative voices in independent film and expanding their professional network on a global stage.

Learning in Action

Here’s a sample of some of the courses you will take as a Communication major:

Communication and Emerging Technologies: Explore how emerging technologies transform communication and learn to craft professional messages across evolving media platforms.

Argumentation & Debate: Develop persuasive reasoning and public speaking skills through debates, oral arguments, and Mock Trial preparation.

Visual Literacy: Study how images in film, television, and digital media tell stories and influence audiences.

Instructor Chrissy Bartels works with students in the Communication Lab.

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Program Details

Our communication degree program prepares students for an ever-changing media environment, develops students’ ability to adapt, and empowers students to advocate for themselves, for others, and for products, ideas, and actions.

Communication Program Outcomes:

Encounter the bleeding edge of media studies by learning to leverage emerging communication technologies informed by historical knowledge.

Become strong advocates by crafting compelling arguments and developing persuasive presentations.

Produce professional-quality podcasts, news stories, communication campaigns, and research projects.

Challenge cultural and political assumptions that perpetuate injustice and inhibit freedom.

Practice critical analysis of written, spoken, and visual messages to better identify and solve problems while having fun discussions about topics like popular culture or political discourse.

Immerse yourself in the art and impact of film and television by mastering visual storytelling, media analysis, and screen production for today’s audiences.

Admission to Clarke University

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.

Program in Pictures

Meet Our Faculty

When our communications major graduates speak about the Clarke moments that helped shape them, there’s always a professor in the story. That’s because being a faculty member at Clarke University requires a deep passion for educating, encouraging, and empowering students. Here, your professors will know your name. They will push you to develop your full potential, and then they’ll ask for more. And, they’ll be right there to congratulate you when you exceed even your own expectations. Often, it’s a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

View Our Faculty & Staff

Chrissy Bartels

Assistant Professor of Communication

Media literacy. Communication matters. There really is just one incorrect comma placement between world peace and total annihilation. We owe it to the world to learn how to communicate and we owe it to ourselves to be sensitive and acutely aware of what is being communicated through mass media channels. In a global society, understanding the cultures around the world can create more harmony. We don’t have to travel to see things through the eyes of various cultures. But let’s do it anyway!

Getting ready to take notes in a Clarke University English Class

There’s more to college than going to class.

The Classroom and Beyond

The Crux

You have a voice through our student media initiative, The Crux. Write stories. Create podcasts. Make videos.

Communication Labs

Learn about the classrooms, labs, radio station, whisper rooms, and green screen space.

Internships

You’ll become immersed in real projects and work with real clients. Internships often facilitate entrance into the job market and are highly recommended for acceptance into some graduate programs.

Clubs & Organizations

Life at Clarke is living traditions, being proud, participating in the campus community, and being an active member of our greater community.

But don’t take our word for it…

Our Students & Alumni

Mimi Ottavi

Communication '20

The best part of the Communications major program at Clarke is its diversity and broadness. There’s no limit to the subjects we study – from law to media studies to rhetorical strategy. Clarke has not only prepared me for a wealth of professions, but it has also given me confidence in my skills as an interpersonal communicator.

Tucker LaBelle

Communication '22

The Clarke communication major pushes students to question and research in order to arrive at an answer that will both explain and tell a story. This major is the multi tool that will prepare students for jobs all across the world.

Jacob Schemmel

Communication'25

When Chrissy Bartels started as our new Communication professor, I decided to show her my creativity, and when I did, she knew I had potential to do amazing things in my future career, whatever that may be! Her classes are amazing, and she brings so much incredible experience and insight to what we do. Chrissy also recommended me as an intern at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. Getting behind-the-scenes knowledge has been a dream come true.

109,500

Job Openings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average of 109,500 job openings in the field of communications and media each year.

$70,300

Annual salary

The average yearly salary for Communication and Media Jobs, according to the 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Communication skills

According to the 2025 Job Outlook Survey of employers by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the number one quality for job candidates is the “ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization,” making communication graduates highly sought after.

Other Programs to Explore

English Spanish Graphic Design

Experience Clarke Communication for Yourself

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