College of Communication > Academics > Health Communication > Graduate Program > Health Communication (MA)

Health Communication (MA)

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Health Communication (MA)
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Make a difference for patients and providers

With a master’s in Health Communication, you’ll bring clarity and understanding to complex, critical health care issues for consumers, providers and organizations. You’ll apply communication theory, research and practice to the specific needs of the health care industry.

A master’s in Health Communication will prepare you for a career in

  • health care administration
  • communications and media relations
  • mid-level management
  • patient and consumer affairs advocacy

The program is typically completed in two years. Most classes are offered weekday evenings on the Loop or Lincoln Park Campuses. Some classes are offered online.

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Leverage our location in the heart of Chicago

Build your professional portfolio with projects that stem from our strong connections to health care organizations in Chicago. Our students and graduates have interned for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, CommunityHealth and Rush University Medical Center, as well as numerous hospitals and medical centers across the country.

Application Deadlines​​

New student enrollment in our MA in Health Communication and the Health Communication Certificate programs is currently paused. Please check back in the coming months for updates.

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, official transcripts, essay questions, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and résumé or curriculum vitae.

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Required Courses

You’ll take three core courses, one methods course and eight electives. Complete your degree with a comprehensive exam.

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92%

of Health Communication graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

Learn from Health Communication thought leaders

In the Health Communication program, you’ll take classes with award-winning author Jay Baglia. In his own words, his published research “looks to make a difference in the lives of human beings” by examining gender communication, performance theory and health. He is currently working on a book that explores the rhetoric of toxicity in politics, gender performance and masculinity.

“I manage a rare disease health narrative program at a biopharmaceutical company. Having an empathetic understanding of the real healthcare challenges and issues families face when living with rare diseases has been invaluable. My colleagues know that my planning and recommendations are grounded in communication theory, and my diversity of thought helps bring new discussion items to each meeting. I also take a more holistic view of communication challenges that patients and their families face because of my background in health communication.”

Michelle (MA ’15)

Manager, Rare Disease Communications and Social Media, Horizon Therapeutics

Alumni Network

Graduates of the master’s in Healthcare Communication work in a range of positions in health-related institutions both nationally and internationally, including American Academy of Pediatrics, Swedish Covenant Hospital, Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center, Georgetown University Hospital and Lifespan Health System.

Scholarships

The College of Communication offers a tuition award and scholarship opportunities. Learn more about the opportunities available to you.

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Contact Information

For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission at (773) 325-4405 or gradcom@depaul.edu.

Take the next step

We’ll send you ​information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.

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