About the Department

Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information or news. In the Department of Communication at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, you'll learn and experience different areas of the fast-changing world of communication to prepare you to be a professional in advertising and public relations, journalism, interactive and multimedia, sports communication or communication studies.

Because these are areas where learning is best accomplished through practice, as a student you'll experience radio and video production, will work on a real newspaper, create multimedia stories and work with area organizations and businesses to solve their unique communication challenges in creative ways.

Explore our laboratory/learning environments below with examples of our student work in KLPR 91.1 Radio, The Antelope Newspaper, and in our video production classes.

Listen to Loper Radio LiveCan't come to campus? If you prefer an entirely online experience, explore the Communication Studies Degree Program.

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Beyond the Classroom

The Communication Department offers multiple organizations, scholarships, and internships for students to be involved in. Joining or participating can help you learn new skills that will make you more experienced when searching for jobs after graduation.

Student Organizations

  • Ad/PR Club Ad/ PR Club functions as a small-scale advertising agency seeking real businesses as clients.
  • Forensics The Forensics team is the competitive speech team on campus, offering students a chance to practice their analytical skills through public speaking events and interpretation of literature.
  • Lambda Pi Eta Lambda Pi Eta is a student organization which recognizes, fosters and rewards outstanding scholastic achievement in the field of communication.
  • Students in Mass Media (SIMM) SIMM is an honorary organization for journalism/mass communication and multimedia students. Its purpose is to provide students with networking and out-of-class educational opportunities through speakers, workshops and field trips.

Other Opportunities

  • KLPR 91.1 FM Loper Radio Loper Radio is an award-winning, FCC licensed FM radio station, staffed by UNK students.
  • Antelope Newspaper The Antelope is the campus newspaper published weekly by the students in the Department of Communication.
  • Digital Expressions Media Camp This camp is for Nebraska high school students to get involved with audio and video production put on by UNK Communication department staff and students.
  • Communication Day In the Department of Communication at UNK a day is set aside annually to celebrate and showcase what we as a department have to offer to the University, Kearney and the larger community. The day is marked by presentations from faculty and students on current projects and research.

Scholarships

  • BOB & DORA JENNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP This scholarship will provide financial assistance to students majoring in Communication or Theatre.
  • BOBBIE MCKENZIE SCHOLARSHIP This scholarship will be awarded to full-time, undergraduates majoring in Journalism or Mass Communication with junior class standing and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • NEBRASKA BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION UNK SCHOLARSHIP FUND This scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students pursuing a major in Journalism and Mass Communication with an option in Broadcasting.
  • GERALD S. OSWALD SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP This scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students majoring in Speech Communication or Theatre Arts with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Matt Heimes

“I was drawn back into the performing arts , speech and theater. I decided that teaching in both areas was a great way to use my personal strengths and passions. The communication department was very much a family atmosphere – the students were closely knit and made positive connections with staff members who served as mentors during my four years there.”

Matt Heimes

Lincoln South-west High School

Oral Communications Teacher