Overview
Applied Communication Studies at SIUE
The Department of Applied Communication Studies offers a program leading to the master of arts in applied communication studies, with specializations available in corporate and organizational communication, health communication, interpersonal communication, or public relations.
The applied communication studies program at SIUE seeks to deepen students’ understanding of communication theory and to prepare them to analyze, generate and apply communication research. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences are encouraged to clarify and focus their professional goals and are then assisted in selecting courses in theoretical and applied communication areas that complement those goals.
Degrees Available at SIUE
- Master of Arts in Applied Communication Studies
- Master of Sciences in Integrative Studies - Applied Environmental and Communication Studies
- Master of Science in Integrative Studies - Organizational Design Thinking
Areas of Emphasis
- Corporate and Organizational Communication
- Health Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Public Relations
Career Opportunities
Graduates in this discipline often enter careers in applied communication and education (at the community college level). Opportunities are expanding for graduates of the applied communication studies program in business, industry, health and other non-teaching professions. Mastery of communication theory, research methods and application strategies is particularly relevant for students seeking careers in fields such as management, training and development, sales, advertising, public relations, community relations, intra- and inter-organizational communication, consulting, government service, fundraising, community health relations, communication training in health organizations, and human resources. Recent graduates of our program have successfully earned positions at St. Louis Community College, John A. Logan College, Paraquad, Challenge Unlimited and Purina.
For students wishing to pursue a PhD, the emphasis of the program on theory and research, as well as the opportunity to teach independently, makes them strong candidates for doctoral programs. Recent graduates have been admitted to PhD programs at top institutions such as the University of Kentucky, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Michigan State University.
