EIU Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Media and Critical Studies

The focus of the Media and Critical Studies concentration is to explore various literatures that highlight institutionalized and structural power differentials as they relate to rhetorical and discursive constructions of race and ethnicity, gender, socio-economic class, sexuality, and global/geographical location. Situated within a framework that highlights studies in rhetoric and media within the communication discipline, Media and Critical Studies is an exploration of theory and practice. The curriculum exposes students to numerous theoretical approaches including, but not limited to, Marxism, the political economy of communication, semiotics and visual studies, feminism, queer studies, race and identity politics, gender studies, media and representation, and postcolonial studies.

An ostensible goal of Media and Critical Studies is to not only theorize and critique, but to actively implement social change. In an effort to meet such a goal, graduate students have chosen careers with non-profit organizations, including work in an array of health and human service agencies. Additionally, students may go on to work on political or activist campaigns, engage in critical media/video production, or contribute to a host of activist organizations. Students can also enjoy careers teaching community college, teaching abroad, or working for educational programs that serve underprivileged groups within the United States.

The Media and Critical Studies concentration also provides the necessary theoretical and methodological foundation for students to continue their education and research in doctoral programs across the country.

General Requirements:

The on-campus option for the Master of Arts in Communication studies is a two-year program that requires 36 semester hours of course work. Students can choose to complete a thesis or take comprehensive exams as part of their capstone experience. General requirements include:

• Completion of the Department Core
• Completion of a Concentration
• Completion of CMN elective courses
• Completion of a thesis, creative thesis, or comprehensive exams
• Graduate teaching assistants must enroll in CMN 5500 in both the fall and spring semesters

 Application Process:

• Admission to EIU graduate school
• Complete departmental application to include:
  • A personal statement of goals 
  • A writing sample demonstrating preparation for graduate level writing
  • A resume outlining relevant work or academic experience
  • 3 letters of recommendation

 Minimum Admission Criteria:

• Applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies or related field from an accredited institution
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 out of 4.0

Media and Critical Studies Study Plan