M.S. in Biology
The M.S. in Biology at Western Illinois University is a graduate program leading to a M...
M.A. in Communication
Quad Cities (Moline)
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Communication at Western Illinois University requires a minimum of 33 semester hours (SH) of coursework. Students have considerable flexibility, as the program offers multiple options for completing the degree: a thesis option (27 SH coursework + 6 SH thesis), a creative/applied project option (30 SH coursework + 3 SH project), a research paper revision option (33 SH coursework + 1 SH paper revision), or an internship presentation option (33 SH coursework + 1 SH internship presentation). This variety allows students to choose the completion method that best aligns with their career aspirations and learning style. The program admits students in both Fall and Spring semesters. While available at both campuses, the Quad Cities location provides an accessible option for individuals in that region.
Curriculum: The 33-semester-hour curriculum for the M.A. in Communication at Western Illinois University is built upon a strong core foundation. All students are required to take "COMM 500: Introduction to Graduate Studies," "COMM 504: Empirical Research in Human Communication," and "COMM 506: Graduate Seminar in Message Production." Beyond these core courses, students select additional electives with the approval of their graduate advisor. This allows for specialization within various areas of communication such as organizational communication, interpersonal communication, rhetoric, and media studies. Students also have the flexibility to take up to 6 units of approved courses in other departments like psychology, political science, sociology, management, marketing, or instructional technology, further broadening their interdisciplinary understanding. The curriculum aims to enhance analytical skills, critical thinking, and advanced communication techniques.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Communication program at Western Illinois University places a significant emphasis on developing students' research capabilities. A core requirement is "COMM 504: Empirical Research in Human Communication," which provides foundational knowledge in research methodologies. The program also offers multiple avenues for students to engage in independent research, including the thesis option (COMM 601), which involves an extensive scholarly work and a public defense. Even for non-thesis options, such as the creative/applied project or the research paper revision, students are expected to demonstrate advanced research skills, data analysis, and critical thinking. Graduate assistantships are also available, often providing opportunities for students to increase their research skills and practical experiences by working closely with faculty on scholarly projects.
Industry Engagement: Western Illinois University's M.A. in Communication is highly focused on preparing graduates for diverse professional careers. The program emphasizes the acquisition of practical leadership skills and offers the possibility of gaining teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant. The various completion options, particularly the creative/applied project and the internship presentation, provide direct avenues for industry engagement and real-world application of communication theories. The School of Communication and Media states that its programs are designed to help students become "skilled and knowledgeable communicators, proactive leaders, critical consumers and producers of media, and experienced practitioners." Alumni of the program pursue careers in a broad range of business and educational organizations, indicating strong links to professional fields.
Global Perspective: Western Illinois University's M.A. in Communication program, while rooted in the American context, implicitly fosters a global perspective through its broad approach to communication and its diverse student body. The university's overall mission includes "student-centered graduate programs characterized by innovative teaching, research, and service, grounded in interdisciplinary, regional and global perspectives." While specific required courses solely focused on global communication or international media systems are not explicitly detailed in the general program overview, the curriculum does offer special topics courses (e.g., COMM 480G Special Topics) that may delve into intercultural communication or other globally relevant subjects. The presence of international students within the program naturally enriches classroom discussions and exposes students to varied cultural communication practices and perspectives, preparing them for an interconnected global workforce.
Location
Quad Cities (Moline)
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 73 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 49 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Western Illinois University – Quad Cities offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in pursuing their academic goals affordably. These scholarships recognize academic merit, leadership potential, and community involvement, helping ease the financial burden for students coming from abroad.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at WIU-QC can qualify for merit scholarships based on their high school or previous college academic performance. These scholarships reward outstanding grades, test scores, and other achievements, encouraging students to maintain excellence throughout their studies.
Western Illinois University International Student Scholarships: WIU provides dedicated scholarships for international students enrolled at the Quad Cities campus. These scholarships often cover a portion of tuition fees and are competitive, requiring students to submit applications demonstrating academic promise and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at WIU-QC offer specialized scholarships for students pursuing specific majors. These awards target disciplines such as business, education, engineering, and health sciences, supporting students who demonstrate and leadership within their field.
Graduates of Western Illinois University's M.A. in Communication program are equipped with sophisticated analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills, making them versatile and highly adaptable professionals across a wide array of industries. Their advanced understanding of how communication functions in various contexts, coupled with practical experience, positions them for leadership and impactful roles.
Communications Manager/Director: Graduates can lead internal and external communication strategies for corporations, non-profits, or government agencies. This involves managing public relations, corporate messaging, media relations, and crisis communication.
Public Relations Specialist/Manager: These professionals are vital for shaping and maintaining an organization's public image. They craft press releases, manage social media, organize events, and develop communication campaigns to build positive relationships with stakeholders and the media.
Marketing Communications Strategist: Combining communication expertise with marketing principles, graduates develop and execute integrated communication strategies to promote products, services, or brands. This includes content creation, campaign management, and audience engagement across various platforms.
Training and Development Specialist: Leveraging their understanding of organizational and interpersonal communication, graduates design and deliver training programs for employees on topics such as leadership, team building, diversity, and communication skills, enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Human Resources Specialist/Manager: With a focus on effective communication within organizations, graduates can manage employee relations, internal communications, conflict resolution, and talent development within HR departments of various companies.
Social Media Manager/Strategist: In the digital age, this role is crucial for managing an organization's online presence. Graduates develop social media content, analyze trends, engage with online communities, and manage digital campaigns to build brand awareness and foster engagement.
Technical Writer/Editor: Graduates with strong writing and analytical skills can translate complex technical or scientific information into clear, concise, and understandable documentation, such as manuals, reports, and online help content for diverse industries.
Higher Education Administrator (Communications/Marketing/Admissions): Graduates can apply their communication expertise in various administrative roles within colleges and universities, managing communications for specific departments, leading admissions outreach, or overseeing institutional marketing efforts.
Journalist/Content Creator: With honed research and writing skills, graduates can pursue careers in journalism, digital media, or content creation, producing engaging articles, reports, videos, or podcasts that inform and influence public discourse.
Consultant (Communication/Organizational Development): Leveraging their advanced understanding of communication theory and practice, graduates can work as independent consultants or for consulting firms, advising clients on communication strategies, crisis management, organizational change, or leadership development.
