Communication, M.A.

The Master of Arts in Communication at Governors State University prepares students to critically analyze and create communication across media and performance contexts while developing advanced research and professional skills. This offers an interdisciplinary approach that integrates communication studies, media analysis, and performance. Students examine how messages are created, interpreted, and circulated across cultural and social contexts while developing skills in research, writing, and critical analysis. The program emphasizes connections between theory and practice, encouraging students to explore communication as both a scholarly and applied field.

The curriculum includes core coursework that builds a shared foundation across the three areas, along with opportunities to pursue specialized interests through advanced seminars, research projects, and a culminating thesis or capstone experience. Flexible course delivery options—including on-campus, hybrid, and online formats—support both full-time students and working professionals. Graduates develop strong analytical, creative, and communication skills that are applicable across a wide range of industries or for continued doctoral study.

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Career Outcomes

Graduates of the CMP program develop advanced communication, analytical, and creative skills that are applicable across a wide range of industries. The degree supports careers in media, communication, education, and organizational settings, as well as preparation for doctoral study.

Communications Manager – $90,000–$120,000
Public Relations Specialist – $67,000 (median)
Media Producer / Content Strategist – $65,000–$95,000
Corporate Trainer / Communication Specialist – $60,000–$90,000
Postsecondary Instructor (with further study) – $80,000–$100,000
Nonprofit Program Director – $70,000–$100,000

What You'll Study

Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.

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How to Apply

You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Governors State University offers a range of financial aid options to help undergraduate students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.

Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.

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Get Involved

Professional & Academic Organizations:

National Communication Association
International Communication Association
Association for Theater in Higher Education

Campus & Experiential Engagement:

Participate in research projects, presentations, or graduate seminars exploring communication, media, and performance
Contribute to media production, performance work, or digital storytelling initiatives
Attend guest lectures, workshops, and academic conferences
Collaborate with faculty and peers on interdisciplinary creative or scholarly projects