Three Year Degree Program

If you are interested in a unique undergraduate program that allows you to complete your bachelor’s degree in corporate communication, interpersonal communication, or public relations in a little more than three academic years then our Three Year Degree program might be for you.  Students attend classes during the Fall and Spring semesters like other students and then during the summer engage in experiences that expand student horizons such as study abroad, student research, integrative learning (internships), and online instruction.  Living together in the residence halls students develop a sense of community through a living learning community that encourages more in-depth faculty-student interaction, academic, professional, and social interactions, and unique programming. 

What are the Benefits of the Three Year Degree Program?

  • Save up to $13,000 by completing your education in a little over three years rather than four.
  • You complete your education more quickly and can seek career employment sooner.
  • You can study abroad in the three-year program and save money over a four year program without study abroad. 
  • You will have a closer and stronger relationship with the faculty who volunteer to serve as advisors and mentors. 
  • You will have unique social and educational programming.
  • Your living and learning environments are integrated.  You will live in a residence hall with other communication majors near the communication department.
  • Important experiences such as study abroad, internship, honors programs (if eligible), and student research and creative activity are built into the program.
  • No overloads are required in the program. Students take the typical 15-semester hour course load.  
  • There are no additional fees or costs associated with the program.

How is the Course Work Distributed?

Year One:

  • Fall: General education coursework
  • Spring: General education coursework
  • Summer: Online departmental major core classes

Year Two:

  • Fall: Major classes
  • Spring: Major classes
  • Summer: Select from study abroad, honors study, internship, regular classes, or independent study

Year Three:

  • Fall: Elective classes or study abroad
  • Spring: Upper level general education and electives
  • Summer: Select from internship, honors thesis, internship, regular classes, or independent study

What are the Admission Requirements?

To be eligible for the program, a student must:

  • Be an incoming Freshman
  • Be a communication major with an option in Corporate Communication, Interpersonal Communication or Public Relations
  • Have already fulfilled the EIU Foreign Language graduation requirement (2 years of a single foreign language with an average of C or better)
  • Have no high school deficiencies (Math, English, Science, Social Studies) 
  • Commit to living on campus for three years in the communication learning community

What are the Deadlines for the Program?

Review of applications begins March 1st

Interviews March 15th to 30th

Notification begins April 1st

What is the Admission Process?

Student admission is competitively based upon your profile that includes your narrative, high school grades, test scores, letters of recommendation, resume, and interview (if needed). 

To apply for the program, you must:

  1. Complete the regular application for admisson to EIU. 
  2. Complete the Department of Communication Studies Application for Three-Year Learning Living Community.
  3. Submit at least two letters of recommendation from someone who is not related to you, but can speak to your academic abilities and collegiate preparation (e.g.: coach, counselor, teacher, school staff).
  4. Submit a resume outlining work and volunteer experience.
  5. Complete a written narrative explaining the following topic areas:
    • Why do you want to be part of the three-year program and experience a learning community?
    • Why would you be a strong candidate for this accelerated program?
    • What would be your unique contribution to this program?
    • What prior experience (either academic or other) do you have to prepare you for an accelerated program?
    • This program will require students to balance academic work and extracurricular activities throughout the program (eg: volunteer work, workshops, research).  How do you plan to balance these things and maintain strong academic standing in this program?

How do I get more information?

For further information, please contact:

Leigh Bryan (Central Advisor and Instructor)

Mark Borzi (Department Chair and Professor)