Program Overview
The Mass Communication and Media Arts at Southern Illinois University is a MFA programme in Arts & Design over 36 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 arts & design. 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 Mass Communication and Media Arts 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: 36 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7.5
- Tuition: USD 34,530 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 13,812 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Carbondale, United States, United States
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Mass Communication and Media Arts programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- MFA Studio Arts Practice
- MFA Studio Critique
- History of Media Arts and Culture
- Theory of Media Arts
- Critical Research Methods in Media Arts and Culture
- Seminar: Topics in the History and Theory of Media Arts
- MFA Thesis
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 3 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).
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application\xc2\xa0
- 3 Letters of Reference
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Three Statements: Personal, Biographical, Research and Creative interests. \xc2\xa0\xc2\xa0
- Portfolio of works in at least one media.\xc2\xa0
- Transcripts (3.0 minimum gpa-originals must be sent via post)
- International applicants should have excellent English speaking and writing skills.\xc2\xa0
English Proficiency: IELTS 7.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 34,530 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 13,812 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 34,530 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 13,812 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 7.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Southern Illinois University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, United States
Southern Illinois University is a system of public universities in the southern region of the U.S. state of Illinois. Its headquarters is in Carbondale, Illinois.
University Profile- Application Deadline February 15, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 36 months