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EIU Master of Arts in Communication Studies

 

 Interpersonal Communication Processes

The focus of the Interpersonal Communication Processes concentration is to incorporate theoretical and applied perspectives on interpersonal communication. More specifically, we are interested in the construction and negotiation of social reality, focusing on the fundamental processes that occur during interaction. The goal of the Interpersonal Communication Processes concentration is to acquire expertise in identifying, analyzing, and addressing the challenges of effective communication among individuals. We examine the production, exchange, and interpretation of messages in a variety of relational contexts, including intercultural communication, conflict, the workplace, family, and health communication.

Success in business and professional fields requires the ability to confront the challenges of effective communication posed by the reality of individuals interacting with each other. Graduates of the Interpersonal Communication Processes concentration have the ability to pursue a number of professional occupations, including careers in corporate, nonprofit, educational and healthcare settings. Students also may go on to teach at community colleges, abroad, or at four-year institutions.

The Interpersonal Communication Processes concentration also provides the necessary theoretical and methodological foundation for students to continue their education and research in doctoral programs across the country.

Recent Research

For the Interpersonal Communication Processes concentration, the following research capstone projects have recently been completed by EIU students:

 

2020

"Creative Thesis Project: Handbook for Developing Trust with Gender and Sexual Minority Students in a Campus Health Care Clinic"
Student: Anne E. Pettit
Advisor: Elizabeth Gill, Ph.D.

2019

"(Dis)Respect in the Classroom: A Gendered Perspective of Academia"
Student: Abriana Nichole Vesconte
Advisor: Angela Jacobs, Ph.D.

2018

"Student-Instructor Negotiations of Vulnerability in Higher Education"
Student: Kelli A. Halfman
Advisor: Angela Jacobs, Ph.D.

"A Guide to Patient-Provider Interactions in Women's Healthcare"
Student: Emma Welton
Advisor: Elizabeth Gill, Ph.D.

2017

"On solid ground I stand: Narratives on disclosure, resilience, and faith admist recognition of childhood sexual abuse"
Student: Wade Rhoads Dundee
Advisor: Angela Jacobs, Ph.D.

"The tattoo subculture: Constructing a personal identity through tattoos"
Student: Ryan Howard
Advisor: Richard G. Jones, Jr., Ph.D.

"Support for friends and family members of incarcerated individuals"
Student: Brandon Goodman
Advisor: Richard G. Jones, Jr., Ph.D.

 

2013

Construction of spiritual identity: CMM and conversion to Catholicism
Student: Stephanie Gruner
Advisor: Elizabeth Gill, Ph.D.

2011

Romantic Conflict: A Problematic Integration
Student: Alyssa Obradovich
Advisor: Elizabeth Gill, Ph.D.

The Graying of Facebook: Emerging Adults and Their Parents as Facebook Friends
Student: Jodi Jackson
Advisor: Richard G. Jones Jr., Ph.D.

 

Department Core Courses

Students will complete a core of 6 semester hours composed of the following courses:

  • CMN5020- Communication Theory. Credits: 3
  • CMN5040- Communication Research Methods. Credits: 3

Concentration Area

Students will complete 18 hours composed of the following courses:

  • Interpersonal Communication Processes
    • HCM4910- Applied Health Education. Credits: 3
    • CMN4765- Communication in Families. Credits: 3
    • CMN5155- Communication in Aging. Credits: 3
    • CMN5510- Interpersonal Communication. Credits: 3
    • CMN5530- Intercultural Communication. Credits: 3
    • CMN5520- Social Interaction. Credits: 3
    • CMN5150- Seminar in Interpersonal Communication. Credits: 3
    • CMN5240- Communication Pedagogy. Credits: 3
    • CMN5550- Special Topics in Communication. Credits: 3
    • CMN5740- Small Group and Team Communication. Credits: 3
    • HST5700- Health Behavior: Theory and Application. Credits: 3
    • HST5750- Program Planning. Credits: 3
    • HST5770- Leadership and Ethics for Health Professionals. Credits: 3

Related Pages

Contact Information

Angela S. Jacobs, Ph.D.
Graduate Coordinator

Buzzard 2419
217-581-2020
asjacobs@eiu.edu


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