Integrative Studies - Digital Media and Public Relations (MS)
The world of public relations is constantly evolving. It is essential for a public relations practitioner to be adept in the emerging digital trends in order to bring new value to clients in creative and strategic ways. Knowledge of the latest digital tools and techniques enables one to craft measurable campaigns that resonate with the target audience. By creating informative and carefully developed public images, press releases and strategic responses to public inquiries, public relations practitioners play a significant role in influencing the perceptions of the masses.
Career Outlook
An integrative studies degree in digital media and public relations from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides knowledge of the latest digital trends coupled with a solid foundation in public relations. Graduates can pursue careers as public relations specialists for corporations, government institutions or non-profit organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 23 percent growth in the job market for public relations specialists until 2020.
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. Applicants may be required to take prerequisites or resolve any deficiencies before classified status is approved.
- 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 four 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.
Curriculum
Students will take courses in the Departments of Applied Communication Studies and Mass Communications, according to the master's in integrative studies program requirements:
- 30 credit hours of graduate-level courses, 12 credit hours of which are from the Department of Applied Communication Studies and 18 credit hours from the Department of Mass Communications.
- 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 credit 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 432 Social Media for Public Relations
(3) ACS 501 Communication Research Methods and Tools
(3) ACS 521 Seminar in Computer-Mediated Communication
(3) ACS 550 Seminar in Public Relations
Mass Communications
(3) MC 500 Mass Communications Theory
(3) MC 503 Cultural Studies in Media
(3) MC 502 Media Campaigns
Three courses from the following:
(3) MC 422 Writing for the Corporate and Institutional Market
(3) MC 440 Visual Media Analysis
(3) MC 441 Advanced Writing and Designing for Digital Media
(3) MC 454 Documentary Media Production
(3) MC 471 Special Topics in Mass Media
Integrative Studies Capstone Project
(1) INTG 500 Proposal Development
(6) INTG 599 Thesis or (6) INTG 593 Final Project
Graduation Requirements
Students must conduct an oral defense of the thesis or project with an advisory committee consisting of a minimum of three graduate faculty. Each participating department must be represented.
Review the graduation policy for more information.
