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
Calendar
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
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.
Ways to Save on Tuition
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
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
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 OutlookPlan, 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
Public Relations Specialists
Bright OutlookPromote 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:
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
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 or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Median Annual Wage
$133,660
Wage Range
$63,300 – $286,240
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree
Managers, All Other
All managers not listed separately.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Median Annual Wage
$107,230
Wage Range
$65,120 – $194,900
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium asso
Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
Median Annual Wage
$69,990
Wage Range
$41,010 – $139,680
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate
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