Eastern Illinois University's Department of Communication Studies - Online Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Eastern Illinois University offers an online Master of Arts in Communication Studies through its Department of Communication Studies. This program, which has an online-specific concentration in Communication and Leadership, has no campus visits and can be completed entirely remotely. It is designed to provide students with versatile skills in organizational communication leadership, persuasive messaging, team-building, and communication problem solving across a wide range of contexts.

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies is comprised of 33 semester hours of courses, which students typically complete over the course of two years. Full-time students generally take two courses for the Spring, Fall, and Summer semesters (with the exception of the last Summer semester wherein they take one three-credit hour course); this program also offers a part-time option for students that requires them to take only one course per term. This program’s curriculum covers theories, methods, and skills that prepare students to work in public relations, public affairs, marketing, digital and new media, non-profit communications, and education at the secondary and higher education levels.

The curriculum is a set, 11-course program wherein students take courses in communication theory, communication research, media ethics, and leadership in communication, as well as courses in pedagogical communication, interpersonal interactions, intercultural communication, organizational communication concepts, and small group and team dynamics. These courses generally focus on both organizational communication optimization (e.g. communication within and across teams and departments in businesses, non-profits, and government agencies), as well as external-facing communication strategies (such as digital and social media, educational media, and public relations). There is no thesis or capstone requirement for this program, though students should be prepared to complete applied projects during their enrollment as part of their course assignments.

Eastern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools, as well as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparedness (CAEP).