Communication and Engineering
The Communication and Engineering program at Northwestern University offers an integrated five-year curriculum that bridges the analytical precision of engineering with the strategic, human-centered focus of communication studies. Designed for students interested in understanding how complex systems intersect with social interaction, media technologies, and organizational structures, the program equips graduates with the ability to design solutions that are both technically sound and communicatively effective. Students explore core topics in electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering while simultaneously developing expertise in rhetoric, persuasion, media theory, and interpersonal dynamics. This multidisciplinary approach fosters a rare combination of technical fluency and communication intelligence, preparing students to thrive in industries where collaboration between technical and non-technical teams is essential.
From the first year, students are immersed in dual training that encourages them to think critically about how people engage with technology and how communication systems impact engineering processes. Faculty from both the School of Communication and the McCormick School of Engineering guide students through a blend of theory, application, and design-based learning. Whether working on user interface design, public-facing scientific communication, or systems that require ethical consideration and stakeholder collaboration, students develop the tools to work across disciplinary boundaries. By graduation, students possess strong technical competencies, design thinking skills, and a nuanced understanding of human behavior and communication, giving them a competitive edge in modern, innovation-driven environments.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Communication and Engineering
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- Duration: 5 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Communication Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Communication and Engineering Principles
• Introduction to Communication Theory
• Calculus I & II
• Fundamentals of Engineering Design
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Year 2 – Core Systems and Media Understanding
• Circuits and Systems or Mechanics
• Media and Technology Studies
• Data Structures and Programming
• Rhetoric and Digital Discourse
Year 3 – Applied Design and Communication Strategies
• Signals and Systems or Thermodynamics
• Organizational Communication and Leadership
• Human-Centered Design
• Project-Based Engineering Lab
Year 4 – Integration and Specialized Study
• Engineering Ethics and Communication
• Electives in Communication Technologies or Computational Media
• Interdisciplinary Research Methods
• Junior Design or Studio-Based Project
Year 5 – Capstone, Innovation, and Professional Practice
• Senior Design Project (Collaborative Team)
• Seminar in Strategic Communication and Technology
• Independent Research or Industry Internship
• Portfolio and Professional Development Workshop
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Communication and Engineering program are uniquely positioned to lead in roles that demand both technical competence and human-centered insight. Many enter industries such as technology consulting, product development, user experience (UX) design, technical project management, and digital communication strategy, where their ability to translate complex information into accessible, actionable formats is highly valued. Others work in media innovation, telecommunications, software development, or engineering communications, shaping how teams collaborate and how products interface with users. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in engineering, communication sciences, human-computer interaction, or business administration. With their blend of practical engineering skills and strategic communication expertise, graduates are well-equipped to address the multifaceted challenges of today's interconnected world and bring value to organizations seeking leaders who can think critically, design effectively, and communicate with clarity and purpose.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a future-focused education that responds to the growing demand for professionals who can operate at the intersection of technology and communication. At Northwestern, students gain access to the combined resources of two world-renowned schools, allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration, expert mentorship, and hands-on project development. The curriculum is designed to balance analytical rigor with creative thinking, enabling students to develop as both engineers and communicators. With opportunities for industry internships, research projects, and co-curricular innovation labs, students experience real-world applications throughout their academic journey. The program fosters technical excellence, interpersonal adaptability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, making it the ideal choice for students who want to shape how technology is designed, implemented, and understood in a rapidly evolving society.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
