Communication Master’s program at Illinois State University

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Masters in Communication

communication-journalism

Illinois State University's Communication master's program offers an incredibly unique experience. In this degree, students are exposed to a number of theoretical frameworks and research methods that are especially pertinent to the advanced study of communication studies. Students enrolled in this program will strengthen their understanding of how communication can be used to solve social issues while enhancing their intellectual curiosity beyond career goals or course requirements.

To complete a master's degree, 50% of all non-thesis credit hours must originate from 400-level graduate seminars at least.

  • 32-hour master's thesis option 
  • 36-hour master's project option
24 Months Duration
34 Credit hours
No GRE Required
Yes Scholarships Available

Composition of student population

14 Female Students
7 Internation Students
23 Graduate Students Enrolled

Masters in Communication - No GRE

A student applying to a master's program must:

  • have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
  • present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate the degree(s) awarded courses, and course grades for each term. 

To be considered for this program you must meet the following requirements. An application is reviewed only when we have received all required application materials. 

  • A minimum 3.00 GPA in the last 60 undergraduate college credit hours.
  • Letter of Application
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Writing Sample
  • References
  • GRE is not required.

How does the Communication Master’s degree program tuition at Illinois State University compared with other universities in Illinois?

Tuition for Master’s in Communication program at Illinois State University

$9,457 In-state Tuition & Fees
$11,069 Out-of-state Tuition & Fees
UniversityIn state Tuition / Year
Communication Masters program at Northeastern Illinois University$9,242
Communication Masters program at Dominican University$20,884
Communication Masters program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$17,912
Communication Masters program at Loyola University Chicago$19,154

Which other public university offers Master’s program in Communication in Illinois?

Here is the list of top 4 public universities offering Communication Master’s program.

Program NameTuition / Year
Communication at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

In-state: $17,912

Out-state: $30,083

Communication at University of Illinois Chicago

In-state: $17,121

Out-state: $27,036

Communication at Western Illinois University

In-state: $11,996

Out-state: $11,996

Communication at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

In-state: $9,300

Out-state: $9,300

Which other private university offers Master’s program in Communication in Illinois?

Here is the list of top 4 private universities offering Communication Master’s program.

Program NameTuition / Year
Communication at Northwestern University$56,567
Communication at Loyola University Chicago$19,154
Communication at Illinois Institute of Technology$30,695
Communication at DePaul University$19,760

Masters in Communication - Graduate Teaching Assistant

Students can apply to become a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in the School of Communication. Qualified degree program applicants who intend full-time study may apply for a GTA position. GTAs are trained to teach an introductory course in communication and/or to perform other services for the School of Communication. Awards are very competitive.

The assistantship carries a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend of approximately $1,300 for up to four semesters GTAs also receive a waiver for up to 12 credits of summer coursework. The award does not cover student fees.

To be eligible for an assistantship, you must, generally:

  • be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
  • be in good standing
  • be enrolled full-time (typically 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session)


Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in Communication

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The median annual wage for fundraisers was $59,610 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 101,300.

Universities with similar Graduate Program

Program NameTuition / Year
Communication Masters program at The College of New Jersey$15,883
Communication Masters program at St. Thomas University$14,400
Communication Masters program at University of Arkansas at Little Rock$7,594
Communication Masters program at Purdue University Northwest$6,457

Are there Online Masters programs offered in Communication?

Here is the list of top-ranked universities offering online masters program in Communication

Program NameTuition
Communication Online Masters programs at University of Southern California$48,715
Communication Online Masters programs at University of Florida$12,737
Communication Online Masters programs at Northeastern University$55,452
Communication Online Masters programs at Syracuse University$41,714