Communication

Communication is an art and a science. Developing communication skills is vitally important for students as they seek to live their lives in service to others. Effective communicators have the opportunity to shape individuals and society. 

At Olivet, students gain effective communication within the framework of Christian principles. Students grow personally, professionally and academically by putting what they learn into practice.

Today’s leaders live and work in a global environment. At Olivet, communication students focus on the bigger picture — where you began, where you are, where you’re going and how you can make a difference. A global perspective is foundational to everything students do.

A well-rounded, liberal arts education is the first step to a successful career. In addition to completing coursework and projects, students learn to connect with faculty, staff and the local community. They gain the important skills that will help them when they’re ready to find a job. Developing confidence and character prepares them to explore new opportunities and make a difference for Christ.

By the Numbers
60
minutes from Chicago’s massive media market
15:1
student to faculty ratio
96%
career outcome rate in 2019
40K+
network of Olivet alumni

Areas of Study

Starting immediately during the freshman year, students receive instruction directly from their professors. Olivet’s professors are seasoned professionals, continuing to learn and adapt to today’s changing world of technology and communication. They are ready to teach you what you need to know to succeed. And they’re equally eager to pray with you!

As communication majors, students discover their interests, skills and talents. Professors help them decide what career they want to pursue. Training is customized and personalized for each student and his/her goals.

Communication Studies

Corporate Communication

Multimedia Communication

Public Relations and Strategic Communication

Chicago's Media Market

Tap into the world of communication in Chicago, the third largest media market in the United States. Olivet’s proximity and professional connections offer students many choices for world-class, high-caliber internships. And they have many advantages for finding a job after graduation.

Learning by Serving

All programs include a service learning component. Olivet prepares students for serving God and humanity in whatever career field they choose. Working together with their classmates, students evaluate and plan how they can use their gifts to serve the marginalized people in Kankakee County – the homeless, developmentally disabled, mentally challenged, elderly.

Meet the Faculty

Heather McLaughlin

Dr. McLaughlin joined Olivet's full-time faculty in 2014 and became chair of the department in 2020. She teaches various hands-on courses in multimedia production, including non-linear editing, multimedia storytelling, corporate video production and studio production. Dr. McLaughlin is well-versed in Adobe Creative software products, various content management systems, and proficient in the operation of HD video and still cameras. Dr. McLaughlin also leads departmental mission trips, where students use their communication skills in real-world, cross-cultural environments. 

Communication Faculty

Internships

Exciting and challenging opportunities for completing the required internship are readily available. A wide network of alumni communication professionals plus easy access to the Chicago media market provide valuable experience.

Learning by Doing

Students interested in television broadcasting produce their own programs and share them on YouTube through Access ONU. Public relations and strategic communication students manage and run their own agency, Inspired Strategies. Shine.FM provides radio broadcasting students with production and management experience.

Collaboration

Collaborating on exciting projects with clients — Olivet faculty, staff and students, as well as community organizations and leaders — expands students’ classroom studies. In working with their real-world clients, they learn about marketing, budgeting, planning, scheduling and much more.

ONU Communication Alumni Have Been Seen:
Communication with a Christian Purpose

The best way to see if Olivet is a good fit for you is to visit the campus. We offer unique, customized visit days every weekday, and special Purple & Gold days, too, where you can get up close at all things ONU.

Schedule a Visit

The Olivet Gazette

The Olivet Gazette is the official newspaper of the Associated Students of Olivet Nazarene University and a member of the Illinois College Press Association. All articles are written by Olivet students. The opinions expressed are those of each individual writer and are not necessarily held by the Associated Student Council, faculty, administration or students of Olivet Nazarene University.

Read The Olivet Gazette