School of Communication

Master's Degree Program

Mission Statement

The Master's degree 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 & development, human & employee relations, public relations, media management, media relations, and community relations. Many go on to complete Ph.D. degrees in communication.

For More Information

Contact Patty Franz, Assistant to the Director of Graduate Studies: 309-438-5898; or e-mail Patty Franz

Send all correspondence to:
Dr. Stephen K. Hunt
Director of Graduate Studies
School of Communication
Illinois State University
Campus Box 4480
Normal , IL 61790-4480

Admission

Complete on-line admission application at: https://www.welcome2isu.ilstu.edu/ Be prepared to up-load a personal narrative in which you discuss your background, academic interests, and career objectives. To be admitted, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 over the last 60 hours of your undergraduate degree coursework. International students are additionally required to obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 250 (computer-based testing), 100 (Internet-based testing), or 600 (paper-based). Admission is competitive.

Arrange to have 3 letters of recommendation sent to the Director of Graduate Studies (see address above). The School of Communication does not use a letter of recommendation form. Writers should use their official letterhead (where applicable) and send letters directly to the Director of Graduate Studies. Students may submit additional materials, such as resumes and copies of written works, to support their applications. These materials should be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies.

To ensure full consideration, required application materials should be received no later than February 1st for a fall admission, or September 15th for a spring admission.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships/Financial Aid

Qualified degree program applicants who intend full-time study may apply for a graduate teaching assistantship. Graduate assistants are trained to teach an introductory course in human communication and/or to perform other services for the School of Communication. The assistantship carries a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend of $955 for up to four semesters. Awards are very competitive.

The application for a graduate teaching assistantship is separate from the application for admission, and should be completed at the same time as the application for admission. To apply for an assistantship, complete the on-line application (click on Graduate Assistant Postings). As part of the application you will be required to up-load a one-page narrative in which you describe your views on the nature of teaching and learning. This narrative is separate and distinct from the one included in the application for admission.

Additional information about financial aid and scholarships is available on the Graduate School web site.