M.A. in Applied Communication Studies

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Academic Requirements:

1. Undergraduate Degree: To be eligible for postgraduate (master's) programs at SIUE, international students should have completed an undergraduate degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. This degree should be in a relevant field related to the chosen postgraduate program.

2. Academic Performance: Prospective postgraduate students should have a minimum academic score of 60% or its equivalent in their undergraduate studies. SIUE considers this as a baseline for eligibility.

English Language Proficiency:

1. IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 or higher is required, with no individual band score less than 6.0. 

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is usually required. 

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A score of 120 or higher on the DET is often accepted as proof of English language proficiency.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): Some programs may accept a minimum PTE score of 53 or higher.

Scholarships for International Students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE):

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: SIUE offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international students, including undergraduate and graduate programs. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. Some of these scholarships may cover a significant portion of tuition costs.

2. Global Ambassador Scholarship: SIUE's Center for International Programs awards the Global Ambassador Scholarship to a select number of undergraduate international students who have demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to promoting cultural exchange on campus.

3. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students at SIUE have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide a stipend and tuition waivers. These assistantships may involve research, teaching, or administrative duties and are available in various academic departments.

4. External Scholarships: International students can explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office may provide guidance on finding and applying for such scholarships.

5. International Tuition Waivers: SIUE offers tuition waivers to international students who meet certain criteria. These waivers can significantly reduce the cost of tuition for eligible students.

6. Graduate School Scholarships: Graduate students can inquire about scholarships and funding opportunities specific to their academic departments or programs. Many departments offer financial support to exceptional graduate students.

7. Research and Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students pursuing research-based or teaching-focused programs may have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition remission.

8. Fulbright Program: SIUE participates in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships for international students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. Students from eligible countries can apply for Fulbright scholarships.

9. Cultural Exchange Programs: SIUE may collaborate with cultural exchange programs that provide scholarships for international students. These programs aim to foster international understanding and cultural exchange.

10. Private Scholarships: International students can explore private scholarships offered by foundations, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

The M.A. in Applied Communication Studies program at SIUE opens up a wide range of career prospects in various industries. Graduates are equipped with strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and an understanding of effective communication strategies, making them valuable assets in today's competitive job market. Whether in corporate settings, nonprofits, government agencies, or academia, these graduates have the knowledge and skills to excel in diverse communication-related roles.

1. Communication Specialist: Graduates of the M.A. in Applied Communication Studies program are well-prepared for roles as communication specialists. They can work in various industries, including corporate, non-profit, and government sectors, helping organizations effectively communicate their messages both internally and externally. Communication specialists may be responsible for crafting communication strategies, managing public relations, and creating content for various media platforms.

2. Public Relations Manager: The program equips students with the skills needed to excel in public relations. Graduates can pursue careers as public relations managers, responsible for managing an organization's public image, building relationships with the media, and handling crisis communication. They may work in agencies, corporations, or government departments.

3. Corporate Communication Manager: Many businesses recognize the importance of effective internal and external communication. Graduates can take on roles as corporate communication managers, ensuring that employees are well-informed, and external stakeholders receive clear and consistent messages. They may also play a key role in managing corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication efforts.

4. Media Relations Specialist: In the digital age, media relations are vital for organizations. Graduates can work as media relations specialists, serving as the bridge between organizations and the media. They can pitch stories, respond to media inquiries, and arrange interviews to secure favorable media coverage for their employers or clients.

5. Marketing Communication Manager: The M.A. program also prepares students for careers in marketing communication. Graduates can work as marketing communication managers, overseeing advertising campaigns, content marketing, and digital marketing efforts. They may work for marketing agencies, in-house marketing departments, or as independent consultants.

6. Social Media Strategist: Social media has become a critical component of modern communication. Graduates can pursue roles as social media strategists, developing and implementing social media marketing campaigns, analyzing engagement metrics, and building brand presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

7. Communication Consultant: Some graduates may choose to work independently as communication consultants. They can offer their expertise to organizations seeking to improve their communication strategies, crisis management, or public relations efforts. This path allows for flexibility and entrepreneurship.

8. Nonprofit Communication Director: Graduates interested in making a positive social impact can find opportunities as communication directors in nonprofit organizations. They can lead communication efforts to raise awareness, engage donors, and advocate for important causes.

9. Government Communication Specialist: Public sector agencies and government departments often require communication professionals to handle internal and external communication. Graduates can work as communication specialists in government, helping disseminate important information to the public and within the organization.

10. Academic Career: For those interested in academia and research, the M.A. program can be a stepping stone to pursuing a Ph.D. and a career in teaching and research in communication studies at the university level.

11. Further Education: Some graduates may choose to pursue further education in related fields, such as law, business, or public administration, to expand their career opportunities and specialize in a specific area of communication.

12. Leadership Roles: Over time, experienced professionals with an M.A. in Applied Communication Studies may advance into leadership roles, such as communication directors, chief communication officers, or executive-level positions within organizations.