The communication program provides students with an opportunity to investigate communication processes as they occur within and among individuals, groups, organizations, and societies. Students analyze the human communication process, develop communication skills,and learn how to facilitate the communication of others. Communication is one of the core national areas and IUN recognizes this need by requiring and/or providing the basic SPCH-S121 Public Speaking course across campus curriculums.  For purposes of organization and utility, courses in speech, communication, public relations, journalism, and telecommunications have been combined into a single administrative unit within the department.

The major in communication provides the student with a broad-ranged understanding of human communication processes and the ability to apply basic principles, methods, and findings of human communication behavior and research in a variety of settings. Student organizations sponsored include Indiana University Northwest Communication Association-IUNCA (communication), Public Relations Student Society of America-PRSSA (national affiliation), and WIUN (radio programming/production).  The major serves as a foundation for professional fields such as nonprofit and profit public relations, personnel, sales, and training as well as providing excellent preparation for graduate study in communication, law, the ministry, public administration, public relations, and business.

Communication (COMM), Public Relations (COMM-J), Journalism (JOUR), Speech (SPCH), and Telecommunications (TEL) courses are alpha clustered listed within separate emphasis sections.