Communication
Overview
The master's program in Communication at Illinois State University provides a distinctive academic experience that educates students in diverse theoretical frameworks and research methods appropriate to the advanced study of communication. Our emphasis is on the application of scholarly knowledge to evaluate and solve social problems. We also promote a passion for intellectual and theoretical discovery that transcends career objectives and course expectations.
Graduates of our nationally recognized program pursue careers in college teaching, training and development, human and employee relations, public relations, media management, media relations, and community relations. Many go on to complete Ph.D. degrees in communication.
Point of Pride
The graduate program was recognized by the National Communication Association with the Outstanding Master’s Program Award in 2013.
How to Apply
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a master's program must:
- have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
- present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts can be emailed from the university to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, 201 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200
International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
A student applying to this program must:
- have a minimum GPA of 3.00 over the last 60 hours of your undergraduate degree coursework
- upload a Letter of Application in which you discuss your background, academic interests, and career objectives
- upload a Resume/CV
- upload a Writing Sample
- submit names and email addresses of three references for letters of recommendation within the online application
International students are additionally required to obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 250 (computer-based testing), 100 (Internet-based testing), or 600 (paper-based).
Application Deadlines
- Fall (August) Term — February 1
- Spring (January) Term — October 1
Graduate Assistantships
The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,
- be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
- be in good-standing
- be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).
Benefits
Graduate assistants receive
- monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
- a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
- a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment
Costs & Funding
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from continuous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.