Communication, MA
for the degree of Master of Arts in Communication
The Department of Communication offers a broad curriculum in communication research. In consultation with an advisor, students assemble individualized programs, concentrating in organizational and group communication, interpersonal and family communication, health communication, communication technology, political communication, rhetoric and public discourse, communication in cultural contexts, or mediated communication. Interdisciplinary programs are also encouraged. The student's M.A. program typically culminates with a comprehensive examination.
Admission
An application must include official transcripts from every post-secondary institution the applicant has attended; at least three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic recommenders; a major paper or essay as a sample of academic writing; an academic statement of purpose that details their scholarly accomplishments and goals, and a personal statement of purpose that describes how the student's personal background and experiences influenced their decision to pursue a graduate degree. Students whose native language is not English must present their official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination as part of their applications. The department follows the Graduate College’s recommendations for English proficiency. Detailed information about admissions and financial aid can be found on the department's Web site. Ordinarily, students are admitted to begin graduate study in the fall semester.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is usually offered in the form of part-time teaching assistantships; some fellowships and research assistantships are available.
for the degree of Master of Arts in Communication
The entering student should present the equivalent of 16 semester hours of undergraduate work in communication or a related area. In some cases an oral examination is also stipulated. A thesis is optional.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Elective hours | 24 | |
| Independent Study Hours (4 max applied toward degree) | 0-4 | |
| CMN 599 | Thesis Research (8 max applied toward degree) | 8 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 24 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 (8 in CMN) |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
Non-Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Elective hours (32 min) | 32 | |
| Independent Study Hours (4 max applied toward degree) | 0-4 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 24 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 (8 in CMN) |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
for the degree of Master of Arts in Communication
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Intellectual Reasoning and Knowledge: Students will acquire broad and deep knowledge of communication research, theory, and practice.
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Creative Inquiry and Discovery: Students will assimilate and conduct original research to generate new ideas about communication.
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Proficiency with diversity: Students will engage in constructive discourse and deliberation about ideas from across the breadth of the field of communication and cognate fields.
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Career Preparedness: Students will gain professional development experiences that afford them rewarding career opportunities in education, policy, business, and/or industry.
for the degree of Master of Arts in Communication
Graduate Degree Programs in Communication
for the degree of Master of Arts in Communication
Department of Communication
Department Chair: John Caughlin
Director of Graduate Studies: Travis Dixon
Department of Communication website
3001 Lincoln Hall, 702 S. Wright Street, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2683
Communication email
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements
Departmental Admissions Requirements