Communication Pedagogy Option
Program Mission:
The Master of Arts in Communication Studies with an Option in Communication Pedagogy offers a program in advanced scholarship that reflects the development of historical and contemporary influences on communication theory and practice. Specifically, we offer concentrations grounded in a rigorous theoretical base that inform communication practices, therefore preparing students to enter into academic and workplace environments. The Option in Communication Pedagogy prepares students for teaching communication courses. A combination of theoretical and applied courses, instructional practicums and supervised student-teaching provide students with a strong background in communication and pedagogical theory and the opportunity to put the theory into practice.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (See "Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs"). An applicant must submit to MyEIU a statement of professional goals, an academic writing sample, a CV or resume and three letters of recommendation attesting to the potential for successful completion of graduate work. Admission into the Communication Pedagogy option is contingent upon the candidate maintaining a graduate GPA of 3.6 after the completion of 18 semester hours of graduate communication coursework. If a student does not achieve the required GPA after 18 semester hours they cannot complete the Communication Pedagogy Option but will instead complete the MA in Communication Studies.
International applicants whose native language is not English must achieve a score consistent with the requirements of the Graduate School on a test of English language.
Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the "Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates" section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.
Degree Requirements
The approved plan of study is the guiding document for each student's course of study. A student, in consultation with an advisor, develops a course of study with a minimum of 39 semester hours reflecting educational development and areas of specialization. Only those students with a concentration in Interpersonal Communication Processes with a focus in Health Communications may take up to 6 hours of online health-related classes to fulfill degree requirements. The study plan should reflect the following guidelines.
- Students are required to complete a five-course department core.
- Students must complete 12 hours of coursework associated with their chosen concentration area.
- Semester hours generated from CMN 5500: Techniques for Teaching Assistants in Speech Communication cannot be applied towards graduation.
Core Courses
Students will complete a core of 15 semester hours composed of the following courses:
Concentration Area
Students will complete 12 hours in one of three concentration areas composed of the following courses:
Interpersonal Communication Processes
Total Credits: 18
Strategic Communication
Total Credits: 18
Media and Critical Studies
Total Credits: 18
Practicum Requirement
Students in the pedagogy option will take a minimum of 6 hours in the following courses:
Electives
Students will take up to 6 semester hours of elective coursework. Elective credit, when taken, must come from an area outside of the students' chosen concentration area.
Students completing the Thesis/Creative Thesis Capstone option are not required to take elective credit.
Students completing the Comprehensive Exam Capstone option will take 6 hours of elective credit.
Students may choose 6 hours from the following courses:
Capstone Experience
Students must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the discipline in order to complete their degree. Students may choose between comprehensive exams or completion of a capstone project of 6 semester hours in order to graduate. For the thesis capstone option, students may choose between an academic thesis (CMN5950) or a creative thesis (CMN5940). Students considering doctoral work are encouraged to complete an academic thesis.
OR
Financial Assistance
To be considered for a Graduate Assistantship in the Department of Communication Studies, students must provide evidence of proficiency in oral English. One form of evidence for international students is the attainment of a high score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). Such evidence is required in addition to the test of English language score, which is required for admission.
Applications for assistantships are normally due in February with the award for the following academic year. Graduate teaching assistants must enroll in CMN 5500 in both the fall and spring semesters.
Graduate Assistantships
Information on graduate assistantships may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of Graduate Studies or Chair, Department of Communication Studies, 1260 Coleman Hall, EIU.
Information sourced from the 2025-2026 EIU Graduate Catalog.