Program Overview
The Communication Studies at Indiana University South Bend is a MA programme in Communications & Media over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of communications & media. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Communication Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United States and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Location: South Bend, United States, United States
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Communication Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in communications & media:
- Journalist
- PR Manager
- Content Strategist
- Media Producer
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Communications Officer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- A core set of required classes that focus on an introduction to graduate studies, relevant research methods, and communication theory (12 credit hours).
- A specific concentration in one of four areas: health communication, interaction and social processes, media studies, or strategic communication (15 credit hours).
- An outside concentration of two graduate classes (6 credit hours).
- A capstone or thesis project (3 credit hours).
- COMM-C 501 Applied Quantitative Research Methods in Communication Studies
- COMM-C 502 Applied Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Studies
- SPCH-S 500 Introduction to Graduate Study and Research
- SPCH-S 502 Introduction to Communication Theory
- Health Communication
- Interaction and Social Processes
- Media Studies
- Strategic Communication
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
Information about applying for admission to the M.A. in Communication Studies degree program is available from the Graduate Program Coordinator. Applicants for the program must have a bachelor\xc2\x92s degree from an accredited college or university and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. A candidate who does not meet the GPA requirement may apply for special student status. Students are admitted to the Communication Studies graduate program by the departmental selection committee.
The following materials are required:
- A completed online application submitted through IU South Bend\xc2\x92s Graduate Programs Admissions site
- A Statement of purpose (a two- to three-page essay, double spaced) identifying the candidate\xc2\x92s goals and interest in pursuing graduate work in Communication Studies and describing the educational and work experiences that contributed to that sense of purpose.
- Three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources who can attest to your readiness for graduate-level work.
- An official transcript from each postsecondary school attended.
- IU South Bend application fee.
- A recent writing sample that demonstrates the candidate\xc2\x92s analytical skills, research abilities, and a command of clear and fluent language.
- Acceptable GRE scores. The GRE should be taken within one year of admission to the program.
If applying for special-student status, students may additionally need to submit:
- A request for conditional admission identifying the areas in which the applicant does not meet admission standards and, if appropriate, describing the special conditions, educational background, or work experiences that contribute to the candidate\xc2\x92s preparedness for graduate work.
International applicants should consult with Office of International Student Service for additional materials.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Detailed tuition information is not available. Please contact the university for the most current tuition and fee information.
Application Deadline
Please contact the university for application deadline information.
About Indiana University South Bend
Indiana University South Bend
South Bend, United States
Indiana University South Bend is a public university in South Bend, Indiana. It is the third largest and northernmost campus of Indiana University.
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months