Illinois State University
Mass Communication/Media Studies
Field of study · Normal, Illinois, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Normal
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Mass Communication/Media Studies at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Media graduates work in broadcasting, journalism, digital content production, streaming platforms, PR and communications. Many begin in junior production, editorial or social media roles before specialising.
Student life (indicative)
Normal offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
19,057
Staff Ratio
19.0:1
International
0.8%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
65%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
University Life
Suburban
City & Location
Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Mass Communication/Media Studies
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Mass Communication/Media Studies topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Mass Communication/Media Studies
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
19,057
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
19:1
Students per staff
International Students
1%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Suburban
City Size
Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Normal offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
- Normal offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene.
- A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
What Students Love
- Active pub & club scene
- Great café culture
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
65%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£33,180
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Media graduates work in broadcasting, journalism, digital content production, streaming platforms, PR and communications. Many begin in junior production, editorial or social media roles before specialising.
- Media graduates work in broadcasting, journalism, digital content production, streaming platforms, PR and communications.
- Many begin in junior production, editorial or social media roles before specialising.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,935/month (housing $1,100, food $440, transport $130). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.
- In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,935/month (housing $1,100, food $440, transport $130).
- A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.