The on-campus MA in Communication Studies is a two-year program in which students complete coursework focused in Strategic Communication, Interpersonal Communication, or Media and Critical Studies. Students have two options for a capstone experience including in-house comprehensive exams or a thesis option.
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"My experience at EIU could not have been better. While in the classroom, I got to learn from amazing, engaging faculty who helped build my skills and confidence, and outside of the classroom, I got to be part of an amazing community and make lifelong memories."Joshua NorthamCommunication Studies | Class of 2026
The M.A. in Communication Studies is a two-year, on-campus program that gives you a multifaceted course of study grounded in a strong theoretical base while recognizing the demands of the marketplace. It is a fit if you are curious about how communication works, enjoy research and want to apply communication theory to real-world issues.
View in CatalogFederal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:
Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,524 (tuition and fees)
Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.
$16,524 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit
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