Students work on video in a classroom.

Advising Information

All Communication, Media and Theatre (CMT) majors and minors are assigned a primary academic advisor who can answer all advising questions. It is important that you meet with your advisor early and often. If you do not know who your academic advisor is, contact the CMT Department at cmt@neiu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I declare a CMT major or one of the minors offered by CMT?

Come to the CMT Department office (Room FA 240) and fill out a major (or minor) declaration form, or email cmt@neiu.edu. You will then be assigned an advisor in the CMT Department. Your advisor will work with you during your time as a CMT major or minor.

When should I take CMTC 305: Writing in Communication, Media and Theatre (WIP)?

It is best to take CMTC 305 as soon as possible. The course offers an overview of writing, and a theoretical overview of communication, media and theatre. As such, the sooner you take the course, the better prepared you will be in later, upper-division courses.

How and when should I apply for graduation?

First, print out a graduation application or pick one up from Enrollment Management Services in Room D 101. Then, set up a time to meet with your major (and if applicable, minor) advisor(s). If you expect to graduate in May, the deadline to submit the graduation application is the previous September; if you expect to graduate in August, the deadline is usually in January; if you expect to graduate in December, the deadline is usually in May. For example, if you expect to graduate in August 2023, the deadline to submit your graduation application is Jan. 18, 2023. If you expect to graduate in December 2023, the deadline to submit your graduation application is May 16, 2023. See graduation filing deadlines.

I completed my general education courses and my major requirements. Am I ready to graduate?

Not necessarily. The University has additional requirements you need to fulfill in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. View Northeastern Illinois University’s graduation requirements.

Why can I register for some classes and not others?

There may be a few reasons. First, make sure you have completed the prerequisites to the class. If you have fulfilled the prerequisites, then see if the class is full. If the class if full, contact the instructor to see if they will authorize you to take the course or will put you on a waitlist.

What if I change my mind about a CMT major or minor?

If you change your mind, you need to either undeclare your major/minor or change your major/minor via a new declaration form in the CMT Department office (Room FA 240) or email cmt@neiu.edu.

What if my question is not answered here?

Your advisor can help to answer any questions not listed here, or email cmt@neiu.edu.

Internship Information

What are the requirements for an internship?

You must be a junior or senior with cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above and CMT GPA of 3.0 or above. You also must have completed two 300-level classes, earning an A or B in both, by the first day of your internship. You must also have a third 300-level course either graded or in-progress by the first day of your internship. For three class credit hours, you will work 10 hours a week at your internship.

How do I find an internship?

You are expected to find your own internship. Many organizations list internship opportunities under the “About Us” or “Career” sections of their websites. A popular website for communication and media-related internships is the Society of Professional Journalist’s Chicago Headline Club. You can find some great theatre internships at Chicago Artists Resource, and the NEIU offices of Student Counseling Services and Career Development have listings as well. Your faculty advisor may also be a valuable resource.

How do I apply?

Download and print an application form or pick one up from your faculty advisor or the CMT Department. We will request a current resume, a statement of purpose, and a sample of your work that can demonstrate your ability to succeed in this internship.

CMT Internship Application

What is the deadline for applying?

The application deadline for fall internships is Sept. 1. The application deadline for spring internships is Dec. 1. For summer internships, contact Edie Rubinowitz at e-rubinowitz@neiu.edu during the spring semester.

Is it a competitive process?

Receiving course credit for internships is competitive and not guaranteed—it is contingent upon your GPA, previous coursework, how well you articulate the purpose of/desire for an internship, and how relevant the internship is to the CMT curriculum. Limited spots are available as faculty members who are assigned intern supervision may only work with up to two interns per semester.

How am I graded?

You will be required to keep a weekly journal of your experiences, reporting on your challenges and successes. In addition, your site supervisor is required to provide a midterm and final evaluation of your work. You will also hand in a final written report (and examples, if applicable) to your faculty supervisor.

Can an internship lead to a job?

Yes. You may not finish with your internship with a job offer, but internships often provide valuable connections and have opened doors for some students. Internships demonstrate experience and ability to work in a professional environment to potential employers. A reference or letter of recommendation from an internship supervisor is impressive. Your internship experience may also help you decide what type of specific work interests you (or doesn’t). For example, a CMT student with a summer internship at NBC-Chicago was hired as a freelance producer within a few weeks of the end of her internship.

Where have students interned in the past?

Students have interned at a great variety of places in Chicago. Here are a few examples:

Communication Media Theatre
48th Ward Alderman Office Answers Media The Comedy Bar
Community Renewal Society Chicago Public Media Light Opera Works
Fairygodmother Foundation Chicago Tribune Metropolis Theatre
Chicago Festival Association DNA Info Northlight Theatre
Ensemble Español Hoy Piven Theatre
NEIU Public Relations Office NBC / Telemundo Raven Theatre
Illinois Safe School Alliance Univision Redmoon Theatre
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin's Office WGN Second City
World Relief Chicago WTTW Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Shedd Aquarium The Music Garage Albany Park Community Center

Do you have any specific tips for applying for an internship?

Start early. Figure out what you are interested in and what you might like to try. Talk to friends, family and professors. Scan the “About Us” page on websites of places you may be interested in and visit the Office of Student Counseling and Career Services (Room B 119.) Polish your resume and tailor it to the internship you want.

Will it pay?

Generally, no – at least not in the short term. Think of an internship as an investment – it can lead to a job that pays. Often, professional workplaces won’t hire someone without experience–an internship can get you out of this “Catch-22” situation (“I can’t get experience because they won’t hire anyone without experience!”). You may want to investigate the Minority Internship Program, which funds selected student interns. For more information, contact Suleyma Perez at (773) 442-5415 or in Room C 210.

What are the expectations of me at the workplace?

Expectations will vary from organization to organization. Generally, there is a range of responsibilities at any given internship from hands-on creative work like writing to office tasks like making copies. We hope the majority of your time will develop your skill set, but mundane tasks are often part of a job, and certainly part of paying your dues at the beginning of your career. All workplaces will expect you to behave professionally; be on time and dress appropriately. Learn the culture of your workplace.

What if I am a transfer student and already have 300-level CMT transfer courses?

Transfer students with 300-level CMT courses on their transcript must still take one 300-level CMT course here in the Department before being eligible for a CMT internship. Internships will not be granted in the first semester of your transfer.

CMT Scholarship Opportunities (Fall 2022)

Brommel-Adams-Bell-Jordan Scholarship ($1,200)

Eligibility:

  • Senior-level student (90+ hours completed at the time of application) OR
  • Graduate student enrolled in CMT graduate program
  • Declared major in Communication, Media and Theatre
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Preference given to students who demonstrate financial need, participate in the University Honors Program, and/or participate in other academic activities such as the NEIU Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium

Required Documentation:

Brommel-Denson-Everson-Snell Scholarship ($1,200)

Eligibility:

  • Junior-level student (60+ hours completed at the time of application) OR
  • Senior-level student (90+ hours completed at the time of application)
  • Declared major in Communication, Media and Theatre
  • Must have taken at least three Communication (CMTC) courses
  • Demonstrate potential for having a successful career in the field of Communication
  • Minimum GPA of 3.4

Required Documentation:

Brommel-Hanson-Ijams-Hayward Scholarship ($1,200)

Eligibility:

  • Junior-level student (60+ hours completed at the time of application) OR
  • Senior-level student (but will not graduate before May 2023)
  • Declared major in Communication, Media and Theatre
  • Demonstrate the potential to go into the fields of Communication, Media or Theatre at the graduate level OR
  • Demonstrate the ability to go to the top of their field in media, family communication, or another area of Communication
  • Preference will be given to female applicants

Required Documentation:

  • Online Application (Sign in with Nmail)
  • Two-to-three page typed essay describing why you are interested in a particular area of communication (e.g., interpersonal, family, conflict management, negotiation)
  • Unofficial copy of University transcript (accessible via NEIUport)

Brommel-Kramer-Barnitz Scholarship ($1,200)

Eligibility:

  • Junior-level student (60+ hours completed at the time of application) OR
  • Senior-level student (who will not graduate before May 2023)
  • Declared major in Communication, Media and Theatre
  • Demonstrate the potential to go into the field of Communication, Media and Theatre at the graduate level
  • Preference will be given to students who display an interest in Communication rather than Media or Theatre based on their academic transcripts

Required Documentation:

  • Online Application (Sign in with Nmail)
  • Two-to-three page typed essay that responds to the following questions:
    • Communication is a growing and changing field. Which of the sub-disciplines (family, interpersonal, organizational, rhetorical, intercultural, etc.) will be at the forefront of future research? Why?
    • Which sub-discipline interests you? Why?
  • Unofficial copy of University transcript (Accessible via NEIUport)

Brommel-Levy-Staniec Scholarship ($1,200)

Eligibility:

  • Sophomore, junior, or senior-level student
  • Declared major in Communication, Media and Theatre
  • Achieved academic merit and demonstrate a financial need
  • Minimum GPA of 3.2
  • Preference given to Psychology minors OR members of NEIU's Honors Program

Required Documentation:

Brommel-McGee scholarship ($1,200)

Eligibility:

  • Senior-level student
  • Declared major in Communication, Media and Theatre
  • Nominated by a faculty member
  • Demonstrated leadership potential as well as potential for graduate work
  • Minimum GPA of 3.25
  • Preference given to members of the NEIU's Honors Program or participants in the NEIU Student Research and Creative Activities Symposium

Required Documentation:

Brommel Scholarship Notes

  • Fall 2022 deadline for submission is Oct. 10, 2022.
  • If eligible, students can apply for more than one scholarship.
  • Eligibility is determined by the hours completed at the time of application (and NOT by the end of the semester).
  • Students must be declared majors in Communication, Media and Theatre.
  • If you have any questions about the scholarships, please contact cmt@neiu.edu.

CMT Talent/Special Skills Scholarship

Northeastern Illinois University offers tuition scholarships to qualified students. A limited number of these scholarships are available through the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre. The tuition scholarship exempts the recipient from paying all or a portion of the tuition charge, depending on the size of the scholarship.

First-Time Applicants

To qualify for consideration, applicants must:

  • Be accepted for admission to Northeastern Illinois University.
  • Must be an undergraduate student. (Graduate students and students seeking a second bachelor's degree are not eligible.)
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from individuals active in the field of talent or special skills. The recommendations may be submitted by teachers from the student’s high school, Northeastern Illinois University faculty members, faculty members of another college or university the student has attended, or from professionals active in any area of communication, media and/or theatre.
  • Submit a resume detailing experiences in any activity where you practiced skills related to communication, media and/or theatre.
  • Be willing to commit to the hours of participation each semester based on the following formula: For every one credit hour of tuition scholarship awarded, nine clock hours of participation in the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre as a talent scholar are required each semester. Example: If six credit hours are awarded, then 54 clock hours must be worked/documented.
  • Complete the application and submit all application documents through the Google Form.

Renewal Applicants

To qualify for renewal consideration, recipient must:

Application Process and Deadlines:

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Please be sure to have your letters of recommendation and resume ready to upload to submit with your application.
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • To ensure consideration for the fall semester, please submit your application materials by Aug. 1. Candidates will receive notification by Aug. 16 (at the latest).
  • To ensure consideration for the spring semester, please submit your application by Nov. 1. Candidates will receive notification by Dec. 1 at the latest). 
  • CMT Talent/Special Skills Scholarships can be applied to summer terms with pre-approval from the Talent Scholarship Coordinator.