Integrative Studies - Applied Communication Studies and Marketing (MS)
Required Credit Hours/Tuition and Fees
- 36
- Visit the Paying for College website for detailed tuition information
In the increasingly changing national and international markets, professionals in marketing and communication studies are in high demand, especially if their knowledge and skills cut across industry and specialization areas. A Master of Science in integrative studies with a focus in applied communication studies and marketing from SIUE will equip you with cutting-edge knowledge and skills that will position you for various careers that meld marketing and communication in both the corporate and the nonprofit realms. Effectively managing marketing campaigns is essential for organizations as they seek to solidify and expand market share.
Career Outlook
Graduates with a strong background in marketing and applied communication studies will be well positioned to pursue careers in advertising, public relations, social media and corporate communication, among others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is projected to grow 9% through 2024.
Admission Requirements
- Graduate School application and $40 fee
- Official copies of all postsecondary 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 of 3.25
- Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in applied communication studies or a related field will be required to take a theories of communication proficiency exam. A grade of at least 80% on this exam is required.
- A faculty member from applied communication studies who has agreed in writing to serve as a graduate mentor must be identified by the applicant in order to be considered for acceptance into the program. Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Wai Cheah, Dr. Min Liu, Dr. Sorin Nastasia, Dr. Debbie Sellnow-Richmond, or Dr. Sarah VanSlette.
- 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 Office of Graduate Admissions with questions regarding the application submission process at graduateadmissions@siue.edu
Applicants with a baccalaureate and/or graduate-level GPA between 2.5 and 3.25 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 program
Review the SIUE Admission Policy for more information.
Curriculum
Students will take courses in the Departments of Applied Communication Studies and Management and Marketing, according to the master's in integrative studies program requirements:
- 30 credit hours of graduate-level courses, 18 credit hours of which are from the Department of Applied Communication Studies and 12 credit hours from the Department of Management and Marketing
- At least half of the 30 credit hours of coursework must be at the 500 level
- No more than three credit hours of the 30 credit hours of coursework can be independent study
- All students will complete six credit hours of integrative studies thesis or non-thesis capstone work
Required Courses
Management and Marketing
(3) MKTG 525 Marketing Analysis and Applications for Managerial Decision Making
(3) MKTG 530 Marketing Planning and Strategy
(3) MKTG 534 Advertising Research
One of the following:
(3) MKTG 466 Marketing on the Internet
(3) MKTG 470 Sport Marketing
(3) MKTG 471 Advertising Policy and Management
(3) MKTG 472 Sales Policy and Management
(3) MKTG 474 Retail Policy and Management
(3) MKTG 475 Consumer Behavior
(3) MKTG 476 International Marketing
Applied Communication Studies
(3) ACS 502 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication
(3) ACS 553 Issues Reputation Management
(3) ACS 554 Ethics in Public Relations and Communication Management
(3) ACS 573 Cultural, Health and Communication
(3) ACS 432 Social Media for Public Relations
(3) ACS elective approved by ACS graduate mentor
Integrative Studies Capstone Project
(1) INTG 500 Proposal Development
(5) INTG 599 Thesis Research or (5) 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.
