Advance Your Path in Communication

Earn your Masters of Arts (MA) in Communication and Digital Media at UIS, one of two Graduate programs of study in Communication. The MA in Communication program offers concentration options in interpersonal communication and journalism/media studies.

Many students participate in the Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI), which places students in state government positions. These internship opportunities in legislative staffing, public information offices and research offices provide real-world experiences. The GPSI program provides a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.

Looking specifically to advance your career in Public Affairs or Reporting? Check out the MA in Public Affairs Reporting.

Why Choose Our MA Program?

  • Expert Faculty: Learn from diverse professionals with real-world experience
  • Hands-On Learning: Internships, industry collaborations and multimedia projects frame your learning to your current or future career aspirations
  • Career Success: Alumni are successful in newsrooms, PR firms, nonprofits, government, and multimedia production
  • Accelerated Option: Current UIS undergraduate students are eligible to waive up to 12 approved credit hours 

What You'll Learn

  • Think critically about media and enhance media literacy
  • Expand written and oral communication skills to a professional level
  • Explore real-world situations and how to respond
  • Demonstrate scholarly expertise in your specialization area
  • Recognize how diversity, power, and access impact communication

Quick Facts

Tuition
Online: $8,197/yr*
Duration
1.5 years
Credit Hours
32

Calendario

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
Diciembre 28, 2026

Start Date:
Enero 11, 2027

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

Online $12,296/yr*

Based on 32 credit hours over 1 year.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Public Relations Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

Median Annual Wage $146,910
Wage Range $82,410 – $284,990
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Public Relations Specialists

Bright Outlook

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

Median Annual Wage $74,750
Wage Range $44,110 – $135,150
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product o

Median Annual Wage $133,660
Wage Range $63,300 – $286,240
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Bright Outlook

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather in

Median Annual Wage $78,760
Wage Range $43,390 – $155,480
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take inf

Median Annual Wage $53,040
Wage Range $37,320 – $79,830
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate

Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

Administer and maintain libraries or collections of information, for public or private access through reference or borrowing. Work in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, museums,

Median Annual Wage $68,270
Wage Range $43,660 – $103,990
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Some college, no degree, Bachelor’s degree
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2026-08-24