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.

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

Photo of professor having a conversation with students

About the Degree

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 students how to succeed in their desired industry, and they’re equally eager to pray for students and provide emotional and spiritual guidance!

If you want a college experience where you can become the professional you are meant to be, then come to Olivet.
Two students walking through campus
Professor sitting down having a conversation with two students
Photo of Communication Building

Interested in Theatre? Check out this highlight video.

Outside the Classroom

Student presenting to fellow students

Learn by Serving

All communication degree programs at Olivet include a service learning component. The University 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 and impoverished, developmentally disabled, mentally challenged and elderly.

Photo of smiling female student

Learn by Doing

Students interested in television broadcasting produce their own programs and share them on YouTube through Access ONU, Olivet’s internal news channel. Public relations and strategic communication students manage and run their own agency, Inspired Strategies, to provide PR services to campus departments and local businesses. Shine.FM, the on-campus Christian radio station, provides radio broadcasting students with production and management experience.

Group of students collaborating

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, social media scheduling and much more.

By the Numbers

1414:1

student to faculty ratio

9696%

career outcome rate in 2019

4040K+

network of Olivet alumni

Chair, Communication Department

Heather McLaughlin

Dr. Heather 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. She also leads departmental mission trips, where students use their communication skills in real-world, cross-cultural environments.

Communication Faculty

Chicago’s Media Market

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

 

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