Communication students

English, Communication, Culture, and Arts

Amplify Your Voice, Influence Change

The Department of English, Communication, Culture, and Arts offers a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students to read carefully, think critically, and communicate persuasively in the ever-changing media landscape.

The department includes the following majors: American Studies, Communication (students will choose a concentration in Media and Journalism or Public Relations), Creative Writing, and English. English majors may also pursue study in the Secondary Education program in conjunction with the Department of Education.

Our outstanding faculty members have a wide range of experience in journalism, English, writing, media, education, and public relations. Small classes and individual relationships allow faculty to work closely with students to set them on a course for success in their studies and beyond.

You'll also have the opportunity to study abroad in Italy for three weeks through our Summer Seminar at the Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, accompanied by Communication faculty.

Students may pursue their interests in the Fine Arts outside the classroom by performing with the student theatre group Stageless Players, the improvisational comedy troupe Improv on the Rocks, and such music groups as Campus Chorus, University Singers, and Concert Band.

Minors

Additional Opportunities

The Writing Center offers one-on-one services by College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) levels I and II certified tutors. Tutors will work with students on writing and reading assignments in any course and at any stage in the writing process. Students may meet with a tutor on a regular basis, schedule an appointment when needed, or take advantage of walk-in tutoring services.

The Department's own Common Ground Review is a twice-yearly publication of well-crafted poems, short stories, and creative nonfiction. The Review welcomes submissions each spring.

Submit to the Annual Poetry Contest

College of Arts and Sciences News

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Faculty members and past recipients from left to right includeProfessors Tim Vercellotti, Alison Castellano, and Tara Grealis standing with 2026 TEA winner Nuwan De Silva

Nuwan De Silva Named 2026 Teaching Excellence Award Winner

Associate professor of chemistry Nuwan De Silva, Ph.D., , is the recipient of the 2026 Teaching Excellence Award. The award recognizes his commitment to student learning, innovative instruction, and mentorship across the University.

University News, Arts and Sciences, Faculty
Approximately 12 honors students holding rocks as part of the WNE Honors Program meditation garden

Mindfulness in Bloom: WNE Honors Project Gains National Attention

WNE Honors Students Publish in National Honors Journal Highlighting Campus Meditation Garden

University News, Arts and Sciences
A digital snowman in falling snow with a sign pointing toward Forest Park are featured over an image of the XR lab.

WNE XR Lab Brings Augmented Reality to Bright Nights in New Community Partnership 

WNE's XR Lab is bringing immersive technology to the Spirit of Springfield’s Bright Nights at Forest Park in what marks the XR Lab’s first large-scale community partnership. Visitors to Santa’s Magical Forest will be able to step into an interactive augmented-reality (AR) experience designed and developed by WNE students. 

University News, Arts and Sciences