Graduate Program: Communication: Western Illinois University

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Graduate Program

Why seek a master’s degree in communication?

A master’s degree in communication provides you advantages that extend what you learned during your undergraduate work. The MA degree program emphasizes both theoretical and applied knowledge.

The advantages include bringing you:

higher levels of knowledge, skills, theory, research, and practical experience in the communication discipline
practical leadership skills
the possibility of gaining teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant
the possibility of increasing your research skills and practical experiences as a graduate assistant
advanced knowledge and expertise in your chosen area of study.

Why WIU?

The master’s program in communication at WIU is large enough to be of recognized quality and rigor, but small enough to provide you with individualized attention. The Department of Communication graduate faculty are noted for their teaching effectiveness as well as their significant scholarly and professional activities.

The advantages are:

small classes
working closely with faculty
the opportunity for graduate assistantship funding
increased job options
preparation for doctoral studies
the choice of a thesis or non-thesis option to complete your degree

Program Description

The master of arts degree requires a minimum of 33 semester hours (SH) of course work that you select from the thesis or non-thesis option

the thesis option includes 27 SH of course work and 6 SH of thesis work
the non-thesis option includes 30 SH of course work and 3 SH of non-thesis project work

Regardless of your particular option, the following core courses are required

COMM 500, Introduction to Graduate Studies
COMM 504, Empirical Research in Human Communication
COMM 506, Graduate Seminar in Message Production

Your remaining courses are electives that you choose with the approval of your graduate advisor and/or the graduate committee.

Depending on your career goals, you can take courses in other departments, such as psychology, political science, sociology, management, marketing, and instructional technology. Your specific program of study is chosen with the approval of your graduate advisor and/or the graduate committee.

Admission to the Program

In order to be considered for admission to the Department of Communication graduate program, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and meet the following minimum requirements for consideration:

have a cumulative GPA in all undergraduate work of a 2.75 (on a 4-point scale) or higher or
have a 3.0 GPA or higher in your last two years of undergraduate work
additionally, all students born after December 31, 1956 and registering for the first time at WIU are required to provide evidence of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.
International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 237 paper-based/580 computer-based or higher in order to be considered for admission to the program.

Contact information

For more information about the graduate program in the Department of Communication at WIU, please contact

Dr. Peter Jorgensen
Coordinator, Graduate Program
Department of Communication
Sallee Hall
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois 61455
309-298-1858
PF-Jorgensen@wiu.edu
School of Graduate Studies Contact information
Stipes Hall 527
Grad-Office@wiu.edu
Phone: 309/298-1806 Fax: 309/298-2345
Call Toll Free: 1-877-WIU Grad