Communication experts are always in big demand in corporations, government, medicine and the health professions, fine arts, the law, and nonprofit organizations. The Communication Interdisciplinary Major provides students with a critical understanding of communication processes and industries as applied to another field of study. It prepares students for entry level positions as communication specialists in their choice of professional field or for graduate study.

The Communication Interdisciplinary Major combines experience-based learning of real-world practices with an emphasis on critical thinking, observation, analysis, and writing. Students may shape their course selection to concentrate in journalism, television, radio, advertising, public relations, graphic design, digital audio and video, and Web development, while also taking courses in areas such as publishing, popular culture, media and society, and free speech. Students may concentrate in more than one area. In small classes, majors benefit from close interactions with both the full-time faculty, who represent a broad range of disciplines associated with this complex field of study, and affiliate faculty with strong professional credentials.

The study of communication at Loyola is enhanced by participation in internships and co-curricular activities that include: the student newspaper; student radio station and television station; a student-run book publishing company; advertising club; public relations club; honor societies, and competitions associated with affiliated academic and professional organizations; and study abroad programs.

The Communication Interdisciplinary has a five-tier structure with student choice of courses in each tier:

Liberal Arts Core in the arts and sciences

Choose any five free elective courses, which may be General Communication Courses

Degree Total = eight terms @ five courses per term

There are several ways to combine Communication with other fields of study a Loyola, including a major with electives, a major with a minor, an interdisciplinary major, or a double major. Here is information to consider when choosing which way is best for you:

• Number of Required Courses
  As the Communication Interdisciplinary Major is combines Communication with another major, say Pschology, it has fewer Communication courses required than the Communication major. Because Interdisciplinary Majors at Loyola require nine courses in Communication plus nine courses in the other field, such as Psychology, it requires more courses overall (18) than the Communication major alone (13). However, the Interdisciplinary Major will be the best choice for students who have a a strong interest in a second field.
  
• Compatibility with Minors
  Most minors at Loyola require 6-8 courses. Communication Interdisciplinary Majors' five free electives is not enough free elective courses to pursue a Minor, unless they are able to take more than the minimum number of credits for the undergraduate degree (120). This can be accomplished by transferring AP credits upon matriculation, by taking a sixth course during a regular academic term, or by taking courses in the summer.
  
• Academic Rigor
  The normal course load of five courses per academic term is challenging for most Loyola students. They should be realistic in assessing their own ability to take more. Seek advise from your Academic Advisor.
  
• Study Abroad
  A major of Loyola students study abroad during their Junior years. The Communicaiton Department strongly encourages you to consider this option. However, keep in mind that course offerings at abroad programs might not be compatible with certain Loyola programs of study and might limit your curricular options.
  
• Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Opprtunities
  Students should consider the variety of opportunities at Loyola to enrich their Communication study, including Internships, campus media organizations, and clubs. These activities help you to hone your skills, develop your professional portfolio, and make career contacts. However, these activities require your time and energy and might limit your ability to take extra courses to fulfill an Interdisciplinary Major or a double major.