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Communication and Media
Online
Apply By: February 28, 2025
Next Start Date: March 17, 2025

Master of Arts in Communication Overview

Communication is fundamental to all areas of human endeavor and is a cornerstone of professional success. Our Master of Arts in Communication Program allows you to apply your leadership and problem-solving skills to many workplace problems. We teach you critical, cultural, and social scientific approaches to organizational and strategic communication practice. Our courses in communication expand your knowledge of communications processes, contexts, theories, and research methodologies to further your career and educational goals.

USI’s MA in Communication gives you the tools to explore today’s problems from diverse perspectives. Understand the human and mass communication factors that shape whatever field or issue you’re passionate about by earning your media and communication degree from USI.

We offer communication master’s degrees that are convenient for working students with varied schedules — by offering fully online, asynchronous classes. We offer the flexibility to fit your study into your professional and personal life. And our accelerated course offering mean that you can complete your degree at your pace - in as little as a year or on your own timeline.

Our career-focused, 100%-online MA in Communication degree allows you to take courses across a range of communication topics. Our small classes ensure interaction with faculty and classmates. Working with faculty to design a path through your communication degree allows you to explore your interests, let your talents take you in new directions, and build upon your strengths. The culminating comprehensive exam provides the opportunity to showcase the knowledge gained in the program and apply it across real-world situations. We take the time to work with each student pursuing our Master of Arts in Communication to find the best balance of classes, schedule, and experience for your career growth.


Online Learning

USI faculty and staff are dedicated to giving you the support you need. Check out our robust resources for online students including what online learning is, technology requirements and frequently asked questions.

Online Student Resources

100% Online
Complete in 2 Years
30 Credit Hours

Credits Breakdowns

Master's Credit
Requirements

30
Credits

Total Credits

30
Credits

Unconditional admission for all applicants into the Master of Arts in Communication program will be contingent on the following factors:

  • An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

Students in the process of completing their undergraduate degree can seek conditional admission and enroll in 2 courses (6 hours of credit). If a B or better is earned in both courses, students will be accepted unconditionally to the MAC upon conferral of their undergraduate degree. 

Applicants not meeting other admission criteria may also be conditionally admitted. Conditionally admitted students may take two graduate courses (6 hours of credit).  If a B or better is earned in both courses, with approval from the Director of the MA in Communication, the student will be admitted unconditionally.

For admission criteria for the JUMP option, refer to the Communications Studies program in the undergraduate bulletin.

  1. Submit an online application and $40 application fee.
  2. Upload INSERT PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS (for example: current resume, personal statement, writing sample, etc.)
  3. Submit transcripts to Graduate Studies.
    1. Read the full transcript policy by clicking here.
    2. Official transcripts are required only from the institution at which your highest degree was earned. Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be emailed from the previous institution to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu or the previous institutions e-transcript portal, if applicable (i.e. Parchment or National Student Clearing House).
    3. Unofficial transcripts from other institutions attended can be submitted by the applicant via application status page or by email to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu.
    4. Applicants who wish to seek transfer credit for graduate coursework must submit an official transcript from the institution where that work was completed.
    5. Official International course-by-course evaluated transcripts must be sent from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member to the School of Graduate Studies by email (Graduate.Studies@usi.edu) or the evaluators transcript portal (if applicable).
    6. Mailed transcripts can be sent to this address:
      School of Graduate Studies
      University of Southern Indiana
      8600 University Blvd.
      Evansville, IN 47712
  4. International applicants may be required to submit:
    1. An official IELTS or TOEFL score no less than two years old.
    2. Copy of current Visa or Passport.
    3. Additional information and requirements can be found by clicking here.

                          Incoming Students

                          • Start Date:
                            January 13, 2025
                            Document Deadline:
                            January 03, 2025
                            Registration Deadline:
                            January 10, 2025
                          • Start Date:
                            March 17, 2025
                            Application Deadline:
                            February 28, 2025
                            Document Deadline:
                            March 07, 2025
                            Registration Deadline:
                            March 14, 2025
                          • Start Date:
                            May 12, 2025
                            Application Deadline:
                            April 25, 2025
                            Document Deadline:
                            May 02, 2025
                            Registration Deadline:
                            May 09, 2025
                          • Start Date:
                            June 30, 2025
                            Application Deadline:
                            June 13, 2025
                            Document Deadline:
                            June 20, 2025
                            Registration Deadline:
                            June 27, 2025

                          College & Department Contacts

                          Dr. Erin E. Dennis
                          Associate Professor of Advertising
                          Director of Master of Arts in Communication Program
                          Affiliated Faculty of Gender Studies

                          Career Outlook

                          Evansville Regional Data

                          USI graduates with communication master’s degrees advance in their careers with promotions and salary increases. We are proud to see our graduates accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams.

                          Salaries for graduates with a Master of Arts in communication vary by industry. For example, those working in sectors such as corporate marketing, public relations, or communications can command higher salaries than those who choose to work in community or nonprofit organizations.

                          Our communication master’s degree students have gone to doctoral and postgraduate programs in communications or related fields. In addition, graduates who take the advanced instructional communications certificate can teach dual credit courses in Indiana.

                          Evansville Regional Data

                          Top Regional Occupations by Income

                          *income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.

                          The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.

                          Kaylee Johnson ’22

                          “The Master of Arts in communication program allowed me to gain insight into the academic side of communication, which I use in my current role. Through the support of my peers and dedicated faculty, I now have a diverse skill set in communication that will continually lead me to growth, personally and professionally.” -Kaylee Johnson, Media Relations Specialist, University of Southern Indiana

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