Clear messaging. Stories with heart. Audience engagement. In today’s digital landscape, communication professionals are in demand more vital than ever.

Named for one of the most trusted voices in the media, the Tim Russert Department of Communication at John Carroll University offers a hands-on, experience-rich program. With small class sizes and a highly engaged faculty, you’ll participate in vibrant discussions and get plenty of one-on-one attention.

You can even customize your communication degree by choosing a concentration that best fits your career goals. Whether you want to work in public relations, advertising, publishing, broadcasting, digital content creation, or entertainment — or want to use your communication skills in a corporate, government, or nonprofit setting — JCU will set you up for success.

Campus Media & Involvement

Write or edit for The Carroll News. Produce for JCTV. Host a show on WJCU 88.7 FM. Join the nationally recognized debate team. Get involved with student chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists or the Public Relations Society of America.

Immersive Internships & Experiences

Cleveland is one of the country’s largest communication markets. Gain real-world experience and make professional connections at major media outlets, PR firms, ad agencies, nonprofit organizations, and global brands close to campus.

Exclusive Journalism Fellowship

The NBC/John Carroll University Meet the Press Fellowship offers one graduating senior unprecedented access to the nation's longest-running public affairs program. Based in Washington, D.C., this paid nine-month experience has paved the way for many successful careers in journalism.

WJCU radio station team

Campus Media

Report, host, and produce while you are here

Write or edit for The Carroll News. Produce for JCTV. Host a show on WJCU 88.7 FM. Join the nationally recognized debate team. Get involved with student chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists or the Public Relations Society of America.

  • WJCU 88.7 , Host a show on student radio
  • Produce for JCTV , Student television
  • Meet the Press , Paid nine-month fellowship for one graduating senior in Washington, D.C.

Program Overview & Outcomes

As a communication major at John Carroll, you will build strong critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills — and you’ll also develop in-demand technical skills needed in today's digital-first world.

Communication majors will learn to:

  • Create, present, and advocate ethical messages in a variety of forms for diverse audiences
  • Analyze how audiences receive, interpret, and react to messages
  • Evaluate message effectiveness
  • Apply communication theories and perspectives to specific contexts

You will also gain specialized skills and knowledge related to your concentration area; options include Integrated Marketing Communications or Digital Media.

Curriculum: What You Will Learn

You’ll study audience, media, technology, research, ethics, and strategic communication while strengthening your writing, speaking, and production skills. Choose a concentration in Digital Media or Integrated Marketing Communication, then apply your learning through projects, electives, and a professional internship or capstone.

Studio

Where You'll Learn

Produce for JCTV and host a show on WJCU 88.7 FM.

Students with cameras at a news set in the broadcast studio

Broadcast studio

Produce for JCTV.

Your Path Forward Starts Here

Plan your future from day one. Finish faster with accelerated degrees or secure your spot with early assurance partnerships.

4 years

Bachelor of Arts

In today’s digital world, communication professionals are in high demand. JCU will prepare you for careers in media, marketing, and a range of other industries.

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Master of Science in Digital Marketing & Communication Strategy (MS)

Build expertise in digital strategy, content marketing, and data-driven communication. Combine your undergraduate foundation with graduate-level marketing skills.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Combine your JCU bachelor's degree with a master's in business administration in just one additional year.

Master of Education (MEd) – Primary P-5

Earn your teaching license and master's degree together. Graduate ready to lead your own elementary classroom with advanced credentials.

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Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—gaining advanced digital strategy skills while completing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate with financial aid applied. Enter the field ahead of your peers.

Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—building executive-level skills while completing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate with financial aid applied. An MBA for the cost of a few extra courses.

Future in Focus

Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—earning your teaching license and master's while finishing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate, and your financial aid still applies. Get into the classroom sooner.

Onward at John Carroll

Every John Carroll student moves onward

Onward is John Carroll’s promise to every student, at no extra cost: a team that knows you, a plan you build together, a guaranteed hands-on experience, and a four-year path to your career.

Transcript

Caitlyn Minney Hi, I’m Caitlyn, a communications student here at John Carroll, and with my time at WJCU, our award-winning radio station and sports information, and underneath the mentorship of Jason Sokol and Joseph Gindley has been amazing.

Caitlyn Minney I’ve been able to get two internships as a sophomore, one with a small market radio station, WLKR WKFM out in Sandusky, Ohio, where I worked with promotions and promoting the station,

Caitlyn Minney and one with the high A minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, Lake County Captains, where I worked behind the scenes to run the show for the game,

Caitlyn Minney and I’m so grateful to work with them.

  • Onward Team

    We accompany you, so you never walk alone.

    Your Academic & Career Advisor, Faculty Mentor, and Peer Navigator, starting at Orientation.

  • Onward Plan

    We plan with you, so the next step is clear, even when the future isn’t.

    Your digital home in myJCU to connect with your Team, map your courses, and find opportunities.

  • Onward Experience

    We equip you, so you’re ready to lead and lift others wherever you go.

    Guaranteed access to applied experience: an internship, research, study abroad, or a community project.

  • Onward LaunchSM

    We invest in you, so you’re already living out your true purpose by graduation.

    A four-year career development program that turns it all into what comes next.

Read Caitlyn Minney's story
 
JCU's Distinct Promise

Pathways are just the beginning.
Onward makes them happen.

From your first semester forward, Onward connects your goals with the people, experiences, and support that help you build momentum with purpose.

Watch the Story

Quincy's Story

Starting in his first semester at John Carroll, Quincy Unger '26 found a team who helped him shape his ideas, find the right opportunities, and launch his own business.

Discover Onward

Where Our Alumni Go

JCU Communication majors find career success in a variety of roles and industries.

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