BA in Communication - Health Communication, Purdue University

West Lafayette, Indiana

48 Months

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About this course

This communication program at Purdue University in West Lafayette, offered by The Brian Lamb School of Communication, prepares students for a variety of careers including public relations, social media, broadcast media, political persuasion, and health campaigns. All students start as 'pre-communication', completing core courses before choosing from eight specialized concentrations such as Media and Mass Communication, Public Relations, Health Communication, and more. The program emphasizes real-world experience through projects, internships, and engagement with media channels like The Purdue Channel and Boiler Communication. Students can also participate in study abroad and internships in locations like London, Singapore, and Italy, enhancing their global communication skills. The major is designed to be completed in just three years, providing a cost-effective and timely path to entering the workforce or graduate studies.

Why this course is highly recommended

One of the program’s biggest strengths is its emphasis on practical experience and global exposure. Students get the chance to work on real-world projects through student agencies, media channels, and collaborations with nonprofits. The international opportunities offered in cities like Sydney, Copenhagen, and Singapore provide unique cultural insights and global communication skills. The flexible curriculum, combined with the option to complete the degree in three years, makes it a cost-effective route to early career entry. The program’s close ties with media outlets, nonprofits, and political organizations also enhance employability and professional growth.

Specialisation

Students can choose from eight different concentrations within the program. These include Media and Mass Communication, Public Relations and Strategic Communication, General Communication, Business Communication, Health Communication, Communication of Science and Technology, Interpersonal Communication, and Political and Civic Communication. Each concentration allows students to tailor their coursework and experiences to match their career goals, whether that’s content creation, strategic advising, health campaigns, or political communication. The program offers both theoretical and practical learning, with opportunities to work on real campaigns and engage with industry professionals.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

17.56L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Students must first complete a set of core courses as pre-communication students and achieve a GPA of at least 2.67 to advance to the upper-level major. Transfer students need a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must meet Purdue’s overall transfer criteria along with major-specific requirements. The program is designed to be completed in three years for motivated students, offering a streamlined path toward graduation, career start, or further studies.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

DUOLINGO

110

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates from this program find opportunities in diverse fields such as sales, public relations, reporting, marketing, management, advertising, and lobbying. Careers can include roles in higher education, social services, ministry, law, and related areas like business management and marketing, public service, and social sciences. The program equips students with skills for media production, strategic communication, and campaign management, opening doors to careers in media organizations, governmental agencies, nonprofits, and corporate communications.

FAQs

Can I complete the major in less than four years?

Yes, students can complete the communication major with any of the eight concentrations in just three years, making it a fast-track option for entering the workforce or graduate school.

What kind of practical experience will I gain?

Students get hands-on experience by working for The Purdue Channel, Boiler Communication, and collaborating with nonprofits, along with opportunities through internships and student organizations.