Health Communication Online Master's (HCOM) Program

Flexible Format

100% Online
Asynchronous and group-paced.
Learn from anywhere at anytime.

Quickly Advance Your Career

Complete in 2 years
Advance your career.
Over 80% of graduates report new jobs and promotions.

Customize Your Curriculum

Certificate
Access to career services
and internship opportunities.

Fall 2021 application deadline: June 1, 2021

MS in Health Communication

Join a Top-5 nationally ranked Communication department through an online master’s program with a 95% degree completion rate. You can learn from award-winning scholars in the field and network with other professionals in healthcare without compromising your full-time career or personal life. Our classes are asynchronous for convenience; group paced for community and connection. Learn more about this 32-credit degree program that can be completed in just 2 years.

We Make an Online Learning Experience Personal

Online education is often considered impersonal, but the HCOM program puts the student experience at the highest priority. Students receive one-on-one guidance and mentoring from all professors throughout the program, participate in continuous discussion with other HCOM students, and build a relationship with an academic advisor who is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide support. Email or call Dr. Lauren Weiner (lgrill@illinois.edu; 224-484-0425) and find out what makes HCOM unique and tailored to each individual student's needs.

What are the requirements for admission?

The HCOM program is flexible, and our application requirements are as well.
While a bachelor's degree is required, your degree can be in any discipline.
For those with a GPA below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, GRE test scores are required.

How do I apply?

For Fall 2021 admission, applications are due by June 1, 2021.
For Spring 2022 admission, applications are due by November 1, 2021.
Visit the Graduate College's application page, review the information, and select the "Apply Now" button.

Where do students from this program get jobs?

Mayo Clinic
The American Medical Association
Blue Cross Blue Shield
The American Academy of Pediatrics
St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
AstraZeneca
Department of Veterans Affairs

Hear from others

Aminata Bangoura, MS '20

"The professors, the course topics and my classmates all contributed to my experience in the HCOM program. Each professor will challenge you and give you a different perspective, which I really enjoyed. Every class was an eye-opening experience."

Charee Thompson, Professor

"Learning online provides unique opportunities to use online tools and resources that enhance learning. For example, research projects can come to life through visuals created and shared through online programs and discussion boards can help facilitate dialogue in different and thoughtful ways. Online learning also increases access for many and has recently been helping us navigate pandemic times."

Knight Dixon, MS '14

"The HCOM program prepared me with the knowledge and skills to better understand my work. It gave me a unique understanding of the field, which has been a tremendous asset both personally and professionally."

Dr. Brian Quick, Professor

"Teaching online is a wonderful experience that I look forward to each week ... Week after week I am blown away by the amount of thought and application our students put into their posts. Our students apply course content to their own work environments in meaningful ways. I learn a lot from them and their experiences!"

Vincent Villalobos, MS '20

"This was absolutely one of the most important experiences of my life. HCOM professors encourage creativeness in developing strategic initiatives and are best-in-class, which made my first online educational experience worth the time and effort."