Master’s in Communication in Illinois

Eastern Illinois University's Master of Arts in Communication Studies offers a comprehensive academic journey for aspiring communication professionals. The program provides multiple concentration options, including Strategic Communication, Interpersonal Communication Processes, and Media and Critical Studies. With an impressive 86% positive placement rate, students benefit from a rigorous curriculum that blends theoretical foundations with practical applications. The program uniquely offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks, accommodating diverse academic and professional goals. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, and students can explore opportunities in academic research, workplace communication, and leadership development. Faculty mentorship and active engagement ensure students receive personalized guidance throughout their academic journey.

• Concentrations in Strategic Communication
• Interpersonal Communication Processes focus
• Media and Critical Studies option
• Unique Pedagogy Option available
• 86% positive placement rate
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• Rigorous theoretical base
• Prepares for academic careers
• Prepares for workplace environments
• Bachelor's degree required for admission

Eastern Illinois University's Strategic Communication concentration within the Master of Arts in Communication Studies equips students with advanced skills for contemporary communication challenges. This two-year, 36-semester hour program cultivates critical thinking and strategic analysis essential for careers in public relations, advertising, and social media coordination. Students develop comprehensive communication strategies through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical methodologies. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, minimum 2.75 GPA, personal statement, writing sample, resume, and recommendation letters. The program offers flexible capstone options, including thesis and comprehensive examinations, preparing graduates for professional roles or doctoral studies.

• Two-year program
• 36 semester hours
• Strategic Communication concentration
• Thesis or comprehensive exams
• On-campus option
• Enhances critical thinking
• Prepares for doctoral studies
• Career in public relations
• Career in advertising
• Social media coordination

Eastern Illinois University's Interpersonal Communication Processes concentration provides an in-depth exploration of human communication dynamics. This master's program emphasizes understanding complex communication interactions through theoretical and practical training. Students engage in research opportunities, benefiting from a supportive faculty environment that encourages active learning and professional development. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse career paths in academic and workplace settings, with options for traditional and creative thesis projects. Unique features include mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and a focus on developing advanced communication skills applicable across various professional contexts.

• Offers multiple concentrations
• Includes a Pedagogy Option
• High placement rate post-graduation
• Research opportunities available
• Supportive faculty and environment
• Traditional and creative thesis options
• Prepares for academic and workplace success
• Active student engagement encouraged
• Mentorship programs offered
• Focus on theoretical and practical training

Eastern Illinois University's Media and Critical Studies concentration within the Master of Arts in Communication Studies offers advanced scholarship in communication research and analysis. The program prepares students for critical examination of media landscapes, communication technologies, and social dynamics. With an 86% positive placement rate, students gain comprehensive skills in theoretical and methodological approaches to communication studies. The curriculum supports diverse career trajectories, including academic research, teaching, and professional communication roles. Unique program features include research opportunities, mentorship programs, and a flexible approach to academic and professional development.

• Advanced scholarship focus
• 86% positive placement rate
• Concentrations available
• Pedagogy Option for teaching
• Research opportunities
• Supportive environment
• Mentorship programs
• Theoretical and methodological focus
• Competitive admissions requirements
• Accessible costs

Eastern Illinois University's online Communication and Leadership concentration delivers a flexible, innovative master's program designed for working professionals. This two-year, 33-semester hour program develops advanced leadership communication skills through a comprehensive digital curriculum. Students explore critical communication competencies applicable across diverse professional environments, including management, public relations, and digital media. The online format accommodates diverse student backgrounds, offering multiple start terms and faculty-taught courses. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA, providing accessible graduate education for career-driven communication professionals seeking strategic skill enhancement.

• Online Communication and Leadership option
• Two-year, 33 semester hours program
• Flexible course scheduling
• Multiple career path opportunities
• 2.75 minimum GPA requirement
• Diverse student background acceptance
• Faculty-taught online courses
• Requires bachelor's degree
• Multiple start terms available
• Departmental application process

DePaul University's Professional Communication MA offers a transformative online learning experience designed for communication professionals seeking advanced leadership skills. The accelerated one-year program uniquely blends theoretical foundations with practical application, emphasizing ethical leadership and social responsibility. Students benefit from a cohort-based model featuring two virtual residencies and a capstone project addressing real-world communication challenges. The program attracts working professionals through its flexible format and strong industry connections, providing networking opportunities within Chicago's dynamic media landscape. Admission requires comprehensive application materials including transcripts, essays, writing samples, and professional recommendations.

• Online master's program
• Complete in one year
• Cohort-based learning model
• Two virtual residencies
• Final real-world project
• Award-winning faculty
• Focus on ethical leadership
• Scholarships available
• Admission requires essays
• Letters of recommendation needed

DePaul University's Applied Communication MA concentration provides comprehensive graduate training in contemporary communication strategies. Spanning two years across Chicago's Loop and Lincoln Park campuses, the program offers a rigorous curriculum exploring new media technologies, organizational communication, and social impact. Students engage in eight foundational courses and four specialized electives, with options to complete a comprehensive exam or master's thesis. The Applied Communication track emphasizes practical skills development, strategic communication techniques, and emerging industry trends, preparing graduates for leadership roles in diverse communication environments.

• Two-year master's program
• Loop and Lincoln Park campuses
• Some online classes available
• Two distinct concentrations
• Weekday evening classes
• Eight foundation classes
• Four elective options
• Comprehensive exam option
• Master's thesis option
• Located in media district

DePaul University's Media and Popular Culture MA concentration delivers an immersive exploration of contemporary media landscapes. This two-year program situates students in Chicago's vibrant media hub, offering evening and hybrid classes that examine media technologies, cultural dynamics, and communication trends. Students critically analyze popular culture through eight foundation courses and four specialized electives, with flexibility to complete a comprehensive exam, master's thesis, or project. The concentration cultivates advanced analytical skills, preparing professionals to navigate complex media ecosystems and contribute meaningful insights to organizational and cultural communication.

• Two-year master's program
• Two distinct concentrations available
• Weekday evening classes
• Loop and Lincoln Park campuses
• Some online class options
• Eight foundation and concentration classes
• Four elective courses
• Comprehensive exam option
• Master's thesis option
• Master's project option

Northwestern University's Master of Science in Communication presents a dynamic learning experience bridging academic theory with real-world communication strategies. The hybrid program offers unparalleled flexibility through online and in-person modalities, attracting professionals seeking transformative leadership development. Distinctive specializations in Strategic Communication and Organizational Leadership enable students to customize their academic journey. Remarkably, the program eliminates traditional entrance barriers by waiving GRE and GMAT requirements, democratizing advanced communication education. Innovative curriculum emphasizes collaborative leadership techniques, complex communication management, and pragmatic skill development. Students benefit from comprehensive career services, a robust alumni network, and opportunities for international engagement, positioning graduates as adaptable communication professionals ready to navigate contemporary organizational challenges.

• Online or in-person study
• Specializations available
• No GRE or GMAT required
• Collaborative leadership focus
• Effective communication skills
• Managing complexity training
• Customizable curriculum
• World-class instructors
• Visa sponsorship eligibility
• Financial aid options

The University of Illinois Springfield's MA in Communication offers a robust two-year program focusing on interpersonal communication and journalism/media studies. Students benefit from expert faculty who provide hands-on learning experiences designed to enhance professional communication skills and media literacy. The program's 40-credit curriculum prepares graduates for diverse roles in newsrooms, public relations, and nonprofits. Uniquely positioned as a top 25 best value school in the Midwest, UIS provides affordable education with 98% of students receiving financial aid. The Graduate Public Service Internship offers additional opportunities with tuition waivers and monthly stipends, making this program an exceptional choice for aspiring communication professionals seeking practical, industry-relevant training.

• On-campus format
• 2-year duration
• 40 credit hours required
• Concentrations available
• Interpersonal communication focus
• Journalism/media studies focus
• Expert faculty with real-world experience
• Hands-on learning opportunities
• Internships available
• Capstone options: thesis, project, exams

University of Illinois Springfield's MA in Communication delivers a comprehensive graduate experience that bridges academic theory with real-world communication practices. Spanning two years and requiring 40 credit hours, the program equips students with advanced skills in interpersonal communication and media studies. Faculty emphasize hands-on learning, industry collaborations, and capstone projects that prepare graduates for dynamic communication roles. With a commitment to diversity and professional development, the program offers flexible start dates and streamlined admission. Notably recognized for affordability, UIS provides extensive financial support, with 98% of students receiving aid and a reputation as one of the Midwest's least student-debt institutions.

• On-campus format
• 2-year duration
• 40 credit hours required
• Concentrations in interpersonal communication
• Concentrations in journalism/media studies
• Expert faculty with real-world experience
• Hands-on learning opportunities
• Internships and industry collaborations
• Capstone options: thesis, project, exams
• Enhances media literacy

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's Master's in Applied Communication Studies offers a comprehensive professional development pathway for aspiring communication professionals. The hybrid program spans 33 credit hours with flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks, enabling students to customize their academic journey. Core coursework emphasizes communication theory and research methodologies, complemented by specialized electives tailored to individual career objectives. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree for admission. Notably, the program distinguishes itself through robust research opportunities, practical communication strategy development, and comprehensive graduate-level training that prepares students for diverse professional communication roles across multiple sectors.

• 33 credit hours required
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• Core courses in communication theory
• Specialization areas available
• No foreign language requirement
• Graduate-level coursework flexibility
• Independent study credits allowed
• 400-level courses applicable
• Advisory committee guidance
• Research and practice opportunities