The graduate program in communication and digital media has five main objectives:

Guide students in an in-depth exploration of structure and function of communication

Educate students in communication theory and methods of inquiry

Develop students’ ability to critically analyze and evaluate communication strategies and media content

Promote an understanding of ethical considerations and responsibilities in communication and media

Encourage a global perspective on communication practices, recognizing the impact of cultural diversity

Learning Outcomes

  • After completing the M.A. in the School of Communication and Media, students will be able to:
  • Find, understand, criticize and perform communication research.
  • Cultivate expertise in creating compelling media content.
  • Demonstrate critical written and oral communication skills at a scholarly and/or professional level.
  • Master the ability to analyze and optimize communication strategies.

Quick Facts

Tuition
Online: $12,352*
Duration
2 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:
Agosto 10, 2026

Start Date:
Agosto 24, 2026

Apply Today!

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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.

 

Value of a UIS Degree

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UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).

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Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).

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98% of students receive aid

The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.

< High School
$26,800
High School
$36,600
Bachelor's
$68,300
Master's
$87,200
Doctorate
$105,600

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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2020 - 2024

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.

Medical Assistants

Bright Outlook

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding infor

Median Annual Wage $45,690
Wage Range $36,050 – $59,310
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Post-secondary certificate, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Medical Transcriptionists

Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operat

Median Annual Wage $40,410
Wage Range $28,250 – $55,950
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Typical Education: Post-secondary certificate, Some college, no degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision

Median Annual Wage $64,400
Wage Range $49,740 – $83,440
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Service Orientation
  • Coordination
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: Some college, no degree, Post-secondary certificate, Associate’s degree

Phlebotomists

Bright Outlook

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

Median Annual Wage $45,230
Wage Range $35,780 – $58,780
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Post-secondary certificate, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Digital Forensics Analysts

Bright Outlook

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and in

Median Annual Wage $116,580
Wage Range $55,940 – $188,470
Projected Growth Bright

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Bright Outlook

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web fram

Median Annual Wage $104,000
Wage Range $53,750 – $201,550
Projected Growth Bright
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

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2026-08-24