Communication, MA
for the degree of Master of Arts in Communication (on campus & online)
chair of department: John Caughlin
director of graduate studies: Travis Dixon
department website: http://communication.illinois.edu
college website: https://las.illinois.edu/
overview of graduate college admissions & requirements: Graduate Admissions
overview of department admissions & requirements: Web site
department office: 3001 Lincoln Hall, 702 S. Wright Street, Urbana, IL 61801
phone: (217) 333-2683
email: communication@illinois.edu
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.
Graduate Degree Programs in Communication
Communication, MA
concentration:
Medieval Studies
Health Communication, MS (on campus & online)
concentration:
Medieval Studies
Communication, PhD
concentration:
Medieval Studies|Second Language Acquisition & Teacher Education|Writing Studies Concentration
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 (on campus & online)
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
| 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
| 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 |