EIU Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Online Option: Communication and Leadership

The online option in Communication and Leadership targets working professionals, especially individuals aspiring to leadership roles in their current professions. Effective leadership often depends on effective communication. The online Communication and Leadership option helps students enhance their marketability in today's professional environment through the integration of theory and practice and the development of organizational communication and leadership skills. Some of the skills students will acquire through the online MA program include: Written communication skills, the ability to think critically and create persuasive messages, the ability to gather information, work in teams, problem-solve, and summarize and present information.

We provide a flexible program for working students and students seeking employment in the following types of careers:

• Teaching at two-year and four-year institutions
• Teaching dual-credit courses at the high school level
• Non-profit and civic management/leadership
• Human resource management
• Director of Public Relations
• Public Relations Coordinator
• Public Information Officer
• Marketing Communication Coordinator
• Communication Specialist
• Digital Media Specialist
• Social Media Coordinator
• Other executive-level positions in Communication

The online option for the Master of Arts in Communication studies is a two-year program that requires 33 semester hours of course work. Students will take 2 courses (6 semester hours) during the summer, fall and spring semesters over a two-year period (with the exception of the second summer semester in which they will take 3 hours). Students who require a different pace can take just one course per semester--the choice is up to the student! You can start in fall, spring, or summer terms.

Our online courses are taught by Communication Studies faculty at EIU.

Our students represent a wide variety of backgrounds. Many students have undergraduate degrees in Communication, but we also have students with degrees such as History, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, English, Journalism, Political Science, and General Studies. Our students are diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, ideology, and class.

Requirements

 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 area from an accredited institution
• An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 out of 4.0   

Online Communication and Leadership Study Plan