Coursework Options
Within the Department of Applied Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, students can choose to pursue coursework in one of two graduate options:
Applied Communication Generalist
The Department of Applied Communication Studies Graduate Program offers an innovative generalist curriculum in which students explore multiple facets of communication to build a foundation of knowledge and skills for scholarship, research, and practice. We offer courses in areas that include health communication, organizational communication, public relations, and interpersonal communication. We encourage students to examine these areas using multiple research methods within the social sciences. All classes in the major utilize and build on concepts, theories, and methods of study covered in the core communication classes. These experiences prepare students for success in a variety of fields including business administration, education, consulting, training and development, community relations, human resources, law, recruiting, organizational leadership, and many more.
Public Relations Specialization
Our Public Relations specialization provides students with a broad curriculum, grounded in theory, research, and application, and designed to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities that are necessary for their further development as leaders of the public relations profession. The specialization aims at preparing students with various career goals, including both students who want to update their knowledge and skills as they continue and advance on a public relations industry professional career track and students who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in public relations or related field after they complete their M.A.
