Discover the Master of Arts in Communication Studies at Northern Illinois University. Learn about program structure, degree requirements, and opportunities for research, teaching, and professional growth.
🎓 Master of Arts in Communication Studies at Northern Illinois University
The Department of Communication at Northern Illinois University (NIU) offers an intellectually stimulating and flexible Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication Studies, designed to cultivate advanced theoretical understanding, research expertise, and applied communication skills.
Rooted in NIU’s tradition of academic excellence, this graduate program empowers students to engage deeply with the complex social, cultural, and technological dimensions of communication in today’s globalized world.
Whether your interests lie in organizational communication, media studies, interpersonal dynamics, or communication education, NIU’s M.A. program provides a rich environment for personal and professional growth.
🧭 A Flexible and Individualized Graduate Experience
One of the hallmarks of NIU’s M.A. in Communication Studies is its flexibility. The program is intentionally structured to serve students from diverse academic backgrounds—ranging from journalism and public relations to sociology, linguistics, and political science.
Each student collaborates closely with a faculty advisor to design a customized plan of study that aligns with their academic interests and career goals. This individualized approach allows students to focus on areas of communication that matter most to them, while still grounding their education in rigorous theoretical and methodological foundations.
“Our program encourages critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary exploration. Students don’t just study communication—they learn how to use it to make an impact.” — Department of Communication, NIU
📘 Academic Structure and Degree Requirements
To earn the Master of Arts in Communication Studies, students must complete a total of 36 semester hours of graduate coursework. The curriculum blends core theoretical training with opportunities for applied research and professional practice.
📚 Core Requirements
- COMS 691 — Research in Communication Studies
- A required course for all graduate students, taken within the first 12 hours of enrollment.
- Introduces students to research design, data analysis, and critical interpretation in communication research.
- Area Course Requirements
- Students must complete at least one 600- or 700-level course from each of the department’s four major areas of study, ensuring breadth across communication subfields.
- These areas typically include:
- Interpersonal, Organizational, and Rhetorical Communication
- Media and Cultural Studies
- Communication Education
- Public and Applied Communication
- Capstone Requirement: Thesis or Comprehensive Exams
- Students may choose between:
- A thesis project, ideal for those pursuing academic or research-oriented careers, or
- Nine hours of written comprehensive examinations, suitable for students seeking professional advancement or applied communication roles.
- Students may choose between:
- Graduate Assistant Requirement (if applicable)
- Graduate assistants are required to complete COMS 630 – Seminar in Communication Education during their first semester of holding an assistantship.
- This seminar prepares assistants for effective teaching, mentoring, and academic support within the department.
🧠 Thematic Focus and Research Opportunities
NIU’s M.A. program provides a dynamic platform for exploring pressing communication issues in today’s interconnected world. Through seminars, research projects, and faculty collaboration, students gain insights into:
- Interpersonal and Organizational Communication: Examining human interaction in professional and personal contexts, with applications in leadership, collaboration, and conflict management.
- Media and Cultural Studies: Investigating the evolving role of media in shaping identity, culture, and public discourse.
- Public and Political Communication: Understanding rhetoric, advocacy, and strategic messaging in social and political movements.
- Communication Pedagogy: Developing the skills necessary to teach and train others in effective communication strategies.
Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, present at academic conferences, and publish in scholarly journals. Faculty members provide mentorship throughout the research process, guiding students toward building a strong academic and professional portfolio.
💼 Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Experience
For qualified students, Graduate Assistantships (GAs) offer valuable opportunities to gain teaching and research experience while receiving financial support.
Graduate assistants typically:
- Assist faculty with research projects.
- Lead discussion sections or teach undergraduate communication courses.
- Participate in departmental initiatives and outreach programs.
The assistantship program not only supports students financially through stipends and tuition waivers but also prepares them for future careers in academia, education, or communication management.
“Our assistantships are more than financial aid—they’re professional training opportunities that help students grow as educators and researchers.” — Graduate Director, NIU Communication Department
🌍 Why Choose NIU’s Communication Studies Graduate Program?
NIU’s Department of Communication stands out for its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, faculty mentorship, and applied learning. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized advising, and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
Key Advantages:
- Customized Study Plans: Tailor your coursework to fit your interests and goals.
- Research Mentorship: Work closely with faculty on research that challenges conventions and inspires innovation.
- Professional Preparation: Gain practical experience in teaching, writing, and communication analysis.
- Strong Alumni Network: Join a community of graduates working in academia, public relations, corporate communication, and nonprofit organizations.
📅 Program Duration and Academic Path
Most students complete the M.A. program in two years of full-time study, though part-time options may be available for working professionals.
During this time, students typically:
- Complete foundational coursework in communication theory and methods.
- Engage in specialized seminars aligned with their focus areas.
- Participate in research or teaching assistantships.
- Conclude their studies with a thesis or comprehensive exam process.
💬 Voices from the NIU Communication Community
NIU graduate students often describe the program as both challenging and transformative. Through mentorship, collaboration, and a strong academic community, they emerge ready to take on leadership roles in communication fields around the world.
“The NIU Communication Studies program taught me not just to analyze communication, but to use it as a tool for change. It’s where theory meets real-world impact.” — NIU M.A. Graduate, Class of 2024
🖱️ Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re passionate about the power of communication and eager to advance your academic or professional journey, Northern Illinois University’s M.A. in Communication Studies offers the perfect platform to thrive.
📌 Degree: Master of Arts in Communication Studies
📍 Location: Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
🕓 Duration: Approximately 2 years (Full-time)
🎓 Credit Hours: 36 Semester Hours
📢 Apply Today
Begin your journey toward advanced expertise in communication research, education, and practice.
👉 Apply Now via the NIU Graduate School Admissions Website
For questions about the program or application process, contact:
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: NIU Department of Communication
🔗 Connect, Communicate, Create Change
The NIU M.A. in Communication Studies equips tomorrow’s leaders with the critical tools and creative insight to navigate—and shape—the ever-evolving communication landscape. Join a community where ideas matter, dialogue drives progress, and every voice has the power to make an impact.
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