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 Health Communication. This program is tailored for professionals in healthcare, offering a 100% online and asynchronous learning schedules to accommodate students who work full time. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling admission basis, with start dates in Fall and Spring semesters. The degree can take 1-2 years to complete. To learn more, visit our webpage.
The Health Communication Online Master of Science (HCOM) Program offers a broad curriculum in communication research, theory and application. Specialized focus in interpersonal, organizational and mediated health communication in applied contexts are a cornerstone of the program. For a complete course list with course descriptions, see our curriculum.
Admission
An application must include scanned copies of official transcripts from every post-secondary institution the applicant has attended, a statement of purpose, and at least three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic or professional recommenders. GRE scores are not required. 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. Follow this link for more information about admission to HCOM.
Graduate Teaching Experience
No teaching experience is required for admission into this program.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is usually offered in the form of student loans; no scholarships or fellowships are available. HCOM students often secure financial support or reimbursement from their professional organizations. Tuition rates for the program can be found here. These rates include all tuition and fees and are the same for in- and out-of-state residents, including international students.
Certificates
The HCOM program also supports four 12-credit non-degree certificates in health communication. Click this link for more information about our online certificate programs.
Contact Us to Learn More:
If you have any questions about the HCOM program or the certificates, please contact Associate Director and Academic Advisor, Dr. Lauren Weiner: email: hcom@illinois.edu, phone: 224-484-0425, or connect via the chat feature on our website.
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
for the degree of Master of Science in Health Communication (on campus & online)
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@illinois.edu
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
Admissions
Program Admissions Requirements
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements