Applied Communication Studies

Overview

The graduate program in applied communication studies provides students with a broad curriculum, designed to prepare them to be leaders across an array of communication professions. Students will deepen their understanding of communication principles, concepts and theories, as well as their ability to analyze, generate and apply communication research.

This program is offered through the Department of Applied Communication Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Program Format

The program can be completed through a mix of on-campus and online courses.

All graduate students in the applied communication studies program take ACS 500: Seminar in Communication Theory and ACS 501: Communication Research Methods and Tools.

Each of the four areas of specialization include three required courses connecting theory to practical application and a wide array of elective coursework.

What can I do with a degree in applied communication studies?

There are many exciting career paths and employment options available to those gaining expertise in various areas of applied communication studies.

Graduates are qualified for careers in:

For profit and business organization settings
Nonprofit and governmental organization settings
An array of consulting roles across communication industries
Higher education (at the community college level)

Mastery of communication theory, research methods and application strategies is particularly relevant for students seeking careers in fields such as:

Communication management and strategic communication
Training and development
Public relations
Advertising
Sales
Community relations
Intra- and inter-organizational communication
Consulting
Fundraising
Event planning and organizing
Community health relations
Communication training in health organizations
Human resources
Organizational sustainability

Recent graduates have successfully secured positions at various public relations and communication management agencies in Illinois and the greater St. Louis area, as well as communication coordinator roles with such organizations as Express Scripts, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Purina, St. Louis Science CCenter, Paraquad and Challenge Unlimited. Recent graduates have also been hired for teaching positions at St. Louis Community College, John A. Logan College and Kaskaskia College.

For students wishing to pursue a PhD, the emphasis of the program on theory and research, as well as the opportunity to teach independently, makes them strong candidates for doctoral programs. Recent graduates have been admitted to PhD programs at top institutions such as the University of Kentucky, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Michigan State University.

Hands-on Learning

Students in the Department of Applied Communication Studies are encouraged to engage in experiential learning opportunities through internships, independent studies and application-based projects. Our graduate students have participated in various internships areas such as:

Public relations
Social media strategies
Corporate consulting
Community health outreach
Personnel development

In today’s interconnected global society, students—especially students in communication—need exposure to international settings and experience in international issues in order to identify employment and to further be successful, effective professionals. In recent years, faculty in the Department of Applied Communication have strived to offer faculty-led study abroad courses that allow students to have hands-on experiences related to international and cross-cultural aspects of their future professions.