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Communication (MA)

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The Master of Arts in Communication prepares you for advanced communication professions in the private and public sectors, including media and public-issues management in business, education, government, and non-profits. 

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Program Availability

The Master of Arts in Communication is a traditional, on-campus program offered on the Indiana State University campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. The program is open to U.S. and international applicants who satisfy admission requirements.

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Why Earn a Master of Arts in Communication at Indiana State?

You can qualify for broader career opportunities with a Master of Arts in Communication from Indiana State. The Communication MA program provides advanced knowledge of and experience with analytical, critical, and creative communication tools and best practices. It is typically completed in two calendar years. 

Students who earn their Communication MA at Indiana State University are well prepared to apply advanced communication skills in a variety of professional roles. You may choose to concentrate on digital media, leadership, public advocacy, or health communication. 

Prepare for Leadership Roles 

Students in the Communication MA program at Indiana State gain a strong theoretical framework in professional communication practice. An accelerated master’s program is also available, under the guidance of an academic advisor, for eligible students in one of our undergraduate Communication majors. 

The Communication MA program is designed as a small-group learning experience in which you practice leadership skills on creative projects, conduct meaningful research on real-world issues, and build in-demand expertise in how to communicate messages and key issues to a variety of audiences in a way that inspires understanding and action. 

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

Faculty in the Department of Communication at Indiana State University will assist you in your professional development through personalized attention and mentorship. Many of our professors have award-winning professional experience in media, marketing, advertising, and related communication fields in addition to their extensive academic and research credentials. They will encourage you to participate in volunteer service, advocacy projects, multimedia productions, and other group activities that have practical relevance to your intended field. 

What You’ll Learn in the Communication MA Program

The Master of Arts in Communication at Indiana State University expands your credentials as a communication professional in preparation for a competitive job market. The program includes 33-36 total credits of practical, comprehensive coursework that incorporates research, persuasion theory, rhetorical studies, media production, social media, and cross-cultural, interpersonal, mediated, and health communication. You may choose between four specializations: 

  • Digital media
  • Health communication
  • Leadership
  • Public advocacy

You also may complete either a seminar in communication or an independent study in which you focus on issues in broadcasting, communication studies, theater, or inter/intra-area issues in communication.

Your graduate studies will conclude with a culminating experience: a creative project, a comprehensive exam, a research project, or a master’s thesis. 

Admission Requirements 

All applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements for admission to the Communication MA program. 

  • Scholastic Requirements: 
    • 2.75 GPA or better on overall undergraduate work. 
  • Retention Requirements: 
    • Admitted applicants to the Communication MA program must maintain a Scholastic Standing of 3.00 GPA in overall graduate coursework. 

See additional admission information and application instructions further down this page. 

Career Possibilities for Communication MA graduates

Communication MA graduates from Indiana State University are prepared for successful careers in communications, media, public relations, and related public- and private-sector positions in business, education, government, nonprofits, and more. Additionally, the program is fitting for those wishing to pursue a doctoral degree program, a law degree, or an MBA.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects ample growth in communication occupations between 2023-33: 

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Higher Learning Commission

Admission Information and Application Instructions

All applicants must meet minimum GPA requirements for admission to the Communication MA program. 

  • Scholastic Requirements: 
    • 2.75 GPA or better on overall undergraduate work. 
    • 3.00 GPA or better on overall undergraduate work in the last two years. 
  • Retention Requirements: 
    • Admitted applicants to the Communication MA program must maintain a Scholastic Standing of 3.00 GPA in overall graduate coursework. 

Application Instructions

All students seeking admission to the Communication MA program must apply for admission as a graduate student by Indiana State University. In addition to completing the application for admission, applicants must submit additional materials specifically required by the Communication MA program. 

How to Apply

Complete your online application for program admission at apply.indstate.edu/portal/apply?tab=overview.

Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $45.00 (domestic applicants) or $55.00 (international applicants) payable by Visa, MasterCard, or check or money order to Indiana State University. Submit payment to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809.

Submit official transcripts for all undergraduate coursework at the time of your application. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from the college attended to: Graduate Admissions, Indiana State University, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. E-transcripts should be sent to admissions@indstate.edu. (Students who have previously attended Indiana State University do not need to have their transcripts sent to Graduate Admissions. We already have access to transcripts from Indiana State.)

International applicants must submit credential evaluation in addition to undergraduate transcripts and may be required to submit additional documentation to ensure full evaluation. We do accept credential evaluation reports from these select members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). 

Upload two formal letters of recommendation. 

Submit written responses to a series of questions from the Communication MA application. (Downloadable Word doc.)

In addition to the above, international applicants must submit the following information. 

 

Deadlines

Applications for the Communication MA program are accepted year-round for fall and spring semesters. Applicants seeking graduate assistant positions must apply by March 10 for the upcoming fall semester. 

Next Steps

Once admitted, students receive notification from the University as well as their University ID number needed to activate their University Username on the MyISU Portal. The Portal offers access to online registration, University records, and other important University services, including e-mail and University announcements. 

Note: Returning Indiana State University students must apply for re-admission if they have not attended Indiana State University for more than two calendar years.