EIU Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Strategic Communication

The focus of the Strategic Communication concentration is the critical thinking and analysis necessary to develop and implement communication strategies that advance an organization’s goals and mission. The curriculum will enhance your ability to identify and develop the best communication strategy in a given situation while also instilling creative and original approaches to solving communication problems. The curriculum will also better inform you about theories that are the basis for effective public relations and organizational communication.

Graduate students finishing the Strategic Communication concentration often go on to work in various areas (public relations, advertising, etc.) for large communication agencies or smaller niche communication organizations. Students may also find work as political lobbyists, research analysts, social media coordinators, crisis or risk communicators, creating health campaigns, or as organizational consultants. Students may also go on to enjoy careers teaching community college or in organizations as leadership or training and development consultants.

The Strategic Communication 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

Strategic Communication Study Plan