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Communication Studies

Also offered as: Major , Minor

The on-campus MA in Communication Studies is a two-year program in which students complete coursework focused in Strategic Communication, Interpersonal Communication, or Media and Critical Studies. Students have two options for a capstone experience including in-house comprehensive exams or a thesis option.

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Communication Studies

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
In Person / Fully Online
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
36 Total, 36 in Major
Careers
Managers, Fundraisers, Postsecondary
Communication Studies students at EIU

Why Study Communication Studies at EIU?

  • Build strong research and analytical skills
  • Learn through close faculty mentorship
  • Explore interests relevant to your personal and professional goals
  • Develop communication expertise in the realms of theory and practice
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"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Communication Studies | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Communication Studies at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Conduct original communication research
  • Apply communication theories to real-world issues and problems
  • Work in a collaborative academic cohort
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Communication Studies students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The M.A. in Communication Studies is a two-year, on-campus program that gives you a multifaceted course of study grounded in a strong theoretical base while recognizing the demands of the marketplace. It is a fit if you are curious about how communication works, enjoy research and want to apply communication theory to real-world issues.

4-Year Sequence
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$138,520
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Public Relations Managers
  • Fundraisers
  • Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
  • News Analysts, Reporters, &…
  • Public Relations Specialists
  • Editors
  • Human Resources Specialists

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
Openings: Employers are expected to need at least 75,000 people for this career over the next several years. That count includes new jobs created by growth and spots opened when workers move on.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly / Openings
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit EnterprisingEnterprising interest typeYou like business and leadership. This type of work includes managing, selling, marketing and leading, including in politics or law.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,524 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 17% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
17% of lifetime limit

$16,524 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Samantha Szczur
Associate Professor & Graduate Coordinator
sszczur@eiu.edu
2417 Coleman Hall
217-581-6003
Samantha Szczur Message Samantha

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or email sszczur@eiu.edu directly
Matthew Gill
Department Chair
mjgill@eiu.edu
2526
217-581-6003
Matthew Gill Message Matthew

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or email mjgill@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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