North Central College - Naperville, IL
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Speech Communication

Why choose speech communication at North Central College?

Speech communication majors specialize in verbal messages in face-to-face settings, whether it is one-on-one or one-to-many. The speech communication major at North Central College will prepare you for graduate school as well as for careers in law, business, high school teaching, higher education and other disciplines that require excellent oral and written communication skills. You may also choose to join our renowned forensics and debate team, ranked No. 1 in the country among schools of similar size for the past 25 years.

You can also:

  • Attend regional and national speech competitions, where many North Central students have earned top finalist honors.
  • Receive individualized coaching when you join our nationally ranked speech and debate team.
  • Apply for scholarships in speech communication.
  • Become a DJ at WONC-FM 89.1, North Central’s award-winning radio station, or complete video projects through Cardinal Video.
  • Participate in study abroad programs or shorter D-Term trips.
  • Present research at local and national undergraduate conferences.

News

2012 forensic team members
Forensics team members claim national attention
North Central College’s forensics team has traveled and competed nationwide and placed among the top teams and competitors in the country.
North Central College student reads at Chicago’s Citywide Poetry Festival
North Central College student Emily Schmidt participated in the 13th annual Citywide Undergraduate Poetry Festival in Chicago.
Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams to address North Central College Commencement
Aaron Williams, director of the Peace Corps, will deliver the address June 9 at the 147th Commencement ceremony of North Central College.
more news

News

Internships

  • Production/Reporter, NCTV Naperville Community Television, Naperville
  • Intern, NCTV Naperville Community Television, Naperville
  • Morning news reporter, Fox News Chicago WFLD TV, Chicago
  • Production assistant, ESPN 1000, Chicago
  • Marketing and promotions intern, Emmis Communications, Chicago
  • Sport intern, NCTV Naperville Community Television, Naperville
  • Production copywriting intern, WBIG, Aurora, IL
  • Morning show producer, NextMedia Radio, Crest Hill, IL
  • Promotions intern, CBS Radio Inc, Chicago
  • Intern, WXRT-FM, Chicago
  • General morning show intern, WGN, Chicago

Careers

Recent graduates in speech communication include:

  • Management consulting
  • Marketing project
  • Financial client service associate

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in speech communication have been accepted at:

  • Western Michigan University
  • University of Illinois

Feature

Nicole Autry

Speech Communication

Nicole found everything she was looking for at North Central College, and more. “Location definitely played a role and I was interested in college-level forensics. Walking around campus, I sensed an energy, a vibe that was just contagious.”

A College Scholar, Nicole conducted research on the FBI’s definition of rape and the impact on reporting of accurate crime statistics. She presented her findings at two research conferences and her study formed the basis for her award-winning persuasive speech at forensics competitions. At a national individual events tournament, she placed seventh nationally and was one of 14 students to receive an All-American award for excellence in forensics, academics and community service.

“I really value the relationships I’ve formed with my professors, who have pushed me to achieve a higher standard. My experiences on the forensics team have been truly memorable, not just the competitive success I attained, but the long-lasting relationships I've formed.” 

Feature

Kacy Abeln

Speech communication major

Kacy found her life’s work through her passion for speech and forensics. She joined the forensics team, competing in both individual events and debate team. A State of Illinois finalist in impromptu speaking in 2010, she qualified to compete at the National Individual Events Championship Tournament in all of her events.

While at North Central, Kacy also found time to research school bullying and the rhetoric of wedding photography. “Academically, North Central offers opportunities to try just about everything,” she says. “The academic challenges, mixed with the vast number of extra-curricular activities, create very well-rounded students.”

Kacy is now working on a master’s in communication at Northern Illinois University. As the recipient of an assistantship, she teaches in the classroom and coaches the university's competitive forensics and debate team. “I hope to become a speech coach and professor one day,” she says.

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