Health Communication, MS
for the degree of Master of Science in Health Communication (on campus & online)
The Department of Communication offers an online Master of Science degree (M.S.) in in Health Communication. This program is not offered in a face to face format. Apply to the Master of Science program only; applications to the online Master of Arts in Communication are not being accepted. More information about the online program is available on our website.
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.
Admission
An application must include official transcripts from every post-secondary institution the applicant has attended; scores on the general aptitude parts of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); at least three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic recommenders; a major paper or essay as a sample of academic writing; and a statement of purpose. 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 Science in Health Communication (on campus & online)
The Department of Communication offers an online Master of Science degree (M.S.) in in Health Communication. This program is not offered in a face to face format. Apply to the Master of Science program only; applications to the online Master of Arts in Communication are not being accepted. More information about the online program is available.
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's Graduate Programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
This degree program can be completed either on campus or online, the requirements are listed below:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Health Communication Research Methods I and II; Capstone Individual Study | 8 | |
| Elective hours (24 min) | 24 | |
| Independent Study Hours (4 max applied toward degree) | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 28 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 (8 in CMN) |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
for the degree of Master of Science in Health Communication (on campus & online)
Students who complete the HCOM program will be able to:
- Understand the role of communication processes in the reception and delivery of health care services and information. They learn that communication is not only the transmission of messages but also the interaction between humans and non-human technologies in the creation of practical understandings of health processes.
- Read and digest qualitative and quantitative research concerning health care services in order to assist practitioners and patients in the most effective delivery of health care messages and information.
- Identify the effectiveness and limitations of persuasion strategies used to inform and influence audience's adoption of healthcare information and behaviors. This outcome includes dedicated health campaigns as well as the influence of media on health behaviors and beliefs.
- Understand interpersonal communication behaviors in healthcare settings as well as in private and public life that lead to or prevent the adoption of healthy behaviors. This outcome includes social support and health outcomes, patient provider communication as well as family and support group communication related to health.
- Understand the organizational setting in which health communication takes place, particularly with reference to inter-professional communication, managerial communication, and the policies that guide health care services.
- Recognize the role of theory in understanding health communication processes and successfully utilize theoretical frameworks to explain breakdowns in health communication and propose methods for repairing communication problems in interpersonal, organizational and social/mediated fields.
Graduate Degree Programs in Communication
- Communication, MA
- Health Communication, MS (on campus & online)
- Communication, PhD
- concentration:
- Second Language Acquisition & Teacher Education
- Writing Studies Concentration
for the degree of Master of Science in Health Communication (on campus & online)
Department of Communication
Department Chair: John Caughlin
Director of Graduate Studies: Leanne Knobloch
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
Program Admissions Requirements
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements