Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The program teaches how to analyse and craft messages to engage target audiences and achieve intended outcomes. Topic areas explicitly mentioned in the program include public relations, organizational communication, persuasion, branding and reputation management, crisis communication planning, social media management and analytics, media law and ethics, content strategy, and basic video production and editing. Across courses students build public speaking, presentation, interpersonal and intercultural communication, and professional writing skills. Listed course codes in the program include COM-115, COM-110, COM-209, COM-227, COM-233, COM-280, COM-321, COM-326, COM-329, COM-340, COM-352, COM-366, COM-370, COM-479 and COM-480; the full course catalog contains descriptions and prerequisites.

Entry requirements

Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or a GED. Admission requires original transcripts from all prior college or university study at institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA. Students must have completed at least 60 transferable credit hours from an appropriately accredited institution. Transfer credit must carry a minimum grade of C and be approved by the Division of Liberal Arts; students are required to complete at least 30 hours of IWU core curriculum. Graduation requires 120 semester hours, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and a GPA of 2.25 or higher in required COM courses.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level to mid-level roles that rely on communication strategy and execution. The program lists potential careers such as publication editor, public relations specialist, marketing professional and sales representative, and indicates applicability across a range of industries including nonprofit and faith-based work, corporate internal communications, and community engagement.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Financial aid options noted include grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits and employer reimbursement. IWU provides an estimated cost framework and a financial aid web page; students can request cost sheets from an enrollment counselor. The program page also references a published credit-rate example (43 credit hours at $405 per credit hour) and states that tuition rates remain constant while students remain continuously enrolled in the same program. Applicable fees for resources and services and any charges for prerequisites or required electives are assessed in addition to listed tuition.