Integrative Studies - Applied Environmental and Communication Studies (MS)
Communications with an environmental or scientific message can be found everywhere-on the web, television, magazines and newspapers. Effectively communicating the importance of taking care of the environment is vital in many fields as different entities compete for public support. These messages can involve conservation of resources, promotion of products or education regarding community programs, among others. To be able to effectively get the message across, it is crucial that the individual formulating the message has a clear understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental sciences. The applied environmental and communication studies program combines interdisciplinary scientific knowledge with diverse communication tools.
Career Outlook
Graduates with strong communication skills and an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental issues, laws and policies will be sought after by conservation and advocacy organizations, private corporations and government agencies.
Curriculum
Students will take courses in the Departments of Applied Communication Studies and Environmental Sciences, according to the master's in integrative studies program requirements:
- 30 credit hours of graduate-level courses, 15 credit hours of which are from the Department of Applied Communication Studies and 15 credit hours from the Department of Environmental Science.
- At least half of the 30 credit hours of course work must be at the 500 level.
- No more than three credit hours of the 30 hours of course work can be independent study.
- All students will complete seven credit hours of integrative studies thesis or non-thesis capstone work.
Required Courses
Applied Communication Studies
(3) ACS 500 Seminar in Communication Theory
(3) ACS 501 Communication Research Methods and Tools
Three courses from the following:
(3) ACS 541 Seminar in Organizational Culture
(3) ACS 542 Communication Consulting
(3) ACS 550 Seminar in Public Relations
(3) ACS 551 Nonprofit Public Relations
(3) ACS 552 Corporate Social Responsibility
15 - Total Credits
Environmental Sciences Program
(3) ENSC 510 Advanced Environmental Sciences and Policy
(3) ENSC 511 Environmental Policy
(3) ENSC 512 Environmental Law
(3) ENSC 516 Environmental Impact Analysis (Same as BIOL 516 and GEOG 524)
(3) ENSC 550 Applied Ecology (Same as BIOL 564)
15 - Total Credits
Integrative Studies Capstone Project
(1) INTG 500 Proposal Development
(6) INTG 599 Thesis or (6) INTG 593 Final Project
7 - Total Credits
Admission Requirements
- Graduate School application and $40 fee
- Official copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- Successful completion of a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency, minimum requirements are TOEFL (79), IELTS (6.5) or equivalent
- A letter of intent clearly articulating the desired focus areas, the applicant’s academic/career goals, how his/her academic background prepares him/her to undertake the program successfully, and how the program serves his/her goals must be submitted with the application.
Program application materials may be uploaded during the application process, but official transcripts must be sent directly from the school attended, and test scores must be verifiable with the appropriate testing service. Please contact the Graduate Admissions office with questions regarding the application submission process at graduateadmissions@siue.edu.
Applicants must also meet any additional admissions requirements stipulated by the participating departments, which may include but are not limited to holding a specific undergraduate degree, one or more prerequisite courses, or a standardized test score, such as the GRE.
Applicants with a baccalaureate and/or graduate-level GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered if all the following conditions are met.
- The baccalaureate degree and/or graduate-level work was earned more than 4 years prior to the application submission.
- The applicant provides a written explanation of her/his performance in the baccalaureate degree.
- The applicant provides a written explanation of why he/she will be successful in the Integrative Studies degree.
Review the SIUE Admissions Policy for more information.
Faculty
Zhi-Qing Lin, PhD
Department of Environmental Sciences
Sarah VanSlette, PhD
Department of Applied Communication Studies
