Program Overview

Program Course Delivery
Communication - Major On-Campus & Online
Communication - Minor On-Campus & Online

On-Campus program details

Anywhere. Anytime. 100% Online. 

All University of Minnesota Crookston online programs are offered asynchronously, which means you learn where you want, when you want - all you need is an internet connection. You can earn a world class University of Minnesota degree, from the comfort and convenience of your own home - Talk about the best of both worlds!

Explore our communication program

Effective communication is perhaps the most important life skill, and in the workforce, it’s imperative. We have paths to guide you in exploring how we share on social media, how we understand and translate messages, and how we represent ourselves and others in the public eye. This is the place where you will work closely with engaging professors and peers to transmit and receive messages in concise, effective, and transformative ways. Communication is much like storytelling—your best story starts here.

Communication is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Communication Major

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The communication degree prepares students to be effective communicators in professional settings. Graduates are prepared for advanced study or to enter careers in general corporate management, human resources, marketing, public relations, social media, and sports information. Graduates may also hold jobs as communication consultants, communication directors, event planners, political campaign leaders, public affairs officers, public information officers, publication designers and editors, speech writers, and online and social media content managers.

The program provides transferable skills by emphasizing communication theory and practice in the creation, development, presentation, and evaluation of coherent messages. Students use communication strategies to create publications, design online resources, plan events, and manage projects. The concentration areas let students select courses to focus their professional career preparation.

After completing the program, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate proficiencies in applying theory, listening, reading, speaking, and writing in professional contexts.
  • Demonstrate technology proficiencies in computer applications and social media.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating applied communication.
  • Demonstrate proficiencies in interpersonal and group processes, conflict management, collaboration, team building, and leadership.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical behavior practiced in professional contexts.
  • Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity required for communicating in culturally diverse groups.

Communication Major Courses

Communication Minor

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The communication minor complements all University degree programs by preparing students to be effective communicators in any profession. The minor emphasizes communication theory and practice, as well as the creation, development, presentation, and evaluation of coherent messages.

The minor provides students with the flexibility to select courses that enhance their professional career preparations.

After completing the program, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate proficiencies in applying theory, listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating applied communication.
  • Demonstrate proficiencies in interpersonal and group processes, conflict management, collaboration, team building, and leadership.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical behavior practiced in the profession.
  • Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity required for communicating in culturally diverse groups.

 

Communication Minor Courses

Program Description

Meet Leah & Hannah Macias, communication majors and golden eagle athletes from West Covina, CA. The small class sizes and close knit student body made U of M Crookston the perfect fit for the Macias twins.
  • Emphasis areas:
    • Social Media
    • Communication Studies
    • Organizational Communication/Public Relations
  • Strengthen and develop the writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills you will use daily to communicate effectively with co-workers, clients, and the public.
  • Create portfolio-building materials in the classroom to use in the real world.
  • Develop strong communication skills desired by employers.
  • Find, or even create, jobs in almost any field and all sectors of the economy.

Awards and Accreditation

The University of Minnesota Crookston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Student Experiences

Image of a college student having a video call on her laptop.
A person holding up a book in the library
Two business men shaking hands.
A women smiling while glancing outside of the window.
Students at a desk studying.

Future Online Students

Many of our online students are full-time employees or full-time parents, and lots are both! So whether you’re thinking about finishing a degree, adding a second one, or taking on a brand new career path - this is YOUR time. Our online programs are designed with you in mind, and are flexible to be taken anywhere, anytime, 100% online.

Average Cost After Aid

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$13,288

Average amount of grants & scholarships received (2022-2023 data)

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$12,894

Average net price after grants & scholarships (2021-2022 data)

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$22,883

Average TOTAL student loan debt after graduation (2022-2023)

Scholarship and Funding Options

The University of Minnesota Crookston provides quick and easy access to over $1 million worth of scholarship opportunities for new and returning students!

Your Future Professors

Jacob Bell
Lecturer
Megan Bell
Associate Professor
Mark Huglen PhD
Professor
Megan Pederson
Teaching Specialist

Student Stories

Janie Tormanen writing in a book

UMN Crookston freshman has poems accepted for publication

University of Minnesota Crookston freshman, Janie Tormanen, recently received notice that three of her poems have been accepted for publication. Tormanen is a communication major and writing minor from Menahga, Minn. and plays women's basketball for the Golden Eagles.
Leah and Hannah Marcias in their softball gear laughing and smiling while giving an interview near the softball dugout

Leah and Hannah Macias - Communication Majors and Softball Players

Meet Leah & Hannah Macias, communication majors and golden eagle athletes from West Covina, CA. The small class sizes and close knit student body made U of M Crookston the perfect fit for the Macias twins.
Eleora DeMuth sitting on the Kiehle Auditorium stage

Eleora DeMuth - Ag Education and Communication Major

Eleora DeMuth, of Grand Rapids, MN, an Agricultural Education and Communication double major shares her story on why U of M Crookston was her #1 choice. Also read "DeMuth Finds Her Identity at U of M Crookston as She Etches a Career Path in Agricultural Education".