Daniel Thompson (M.A. ’20, current: Ph.D. student at the University of Oklahoma)
“This program is really special. For one, students have the opportunity to get real teaching experience from day one. I left the program having been an instructor of record five times. That experience led directly to my getting a full-time instructor position where I still teach. Secondly, the program generates strong camaraderie between grad students; I made great friends in the program and felt mutual support the whole way. Finally, the program is populated with passionate, experienced professors who will prepare you either for the teaching workforce or for doctoral studies. The program provides a great balance of everything you need to get started in academia.”
Xuan Qian (M.A. ’24, current: Ph.D. student at Cornell University)
“The professionalism of every professor in our department truly shaped my learning experience. I realized how well-prepared I was when I had no trouble transitioning from my master’s to doctoral studies. I’m also grateful for the supportive environment here—the encouragement from professors and the connections with my classmates still warm my heart when I think back.
I’m also a teaching assistant now, and I’ve heard that my TA experience at NIU played a big role in my admission here. That experience set me up for success, and I feel confident when I teach now. I appreciate all the training and patience I received from the department over the past two years.
I have to mention all the opportunities I was given, such as the generous support for my conference presentations. Those experiences helped me connect with scholars outside the university and broadened my perspective in ways I hadn’t expected.”
Jin Chen (M.A. ’19, current: Assistant professor at Grand Valley University)
“I attended the M.A. program in Communication Studies at NIU from 2017 to 2019 after I spent one semester there as an exchange student in the fall of 2016. It was a transformative experience that significantly shaped my personal and professional trajectory. The program provided a rigorous curriculum that challenged me to think critically and equipped me with a strong foundation for pursuing my Ph.D. studies. My advisor, Dr. Mehdi Semati, and every professor I had the privilege to work with were exceptional mentors who were genuinely invested in my success and deeply committed to my growth.
I was fortunate to be part of an amazing cohort, and as an international student, I genuinely felt a sense of belonging and community throughout my time in the program. As graduate students in the program, we all had the opportunity to teach courses independently and attend graduate seminars focused on pedagogy. Few programs provide this level of experience, and it can truly distinguish students who are interested in pursuing an academic career. I strongly recommend the program to anyone interested, as it is an invaluable investment.”
Lady Aileen Orsal (M.A. ’24, current role: Filipino language preceptor at Harvard University)
“The program helped me to better understand the valuable role communication plays in various issues like justice and equality, artificial intelligence, cultural studies, and gender and sports, among many others, including the intersections of such themes. The faculty are not only outstanding scholars in their areas of specialization, but they are also supportive mentors who helped me navigate the program as an international student.
The support system they provide encouraged me to participate in conferences while also organizing our own through the Graduate Colloquium every semester. My two years in the program have been transformative, as each course inspired me to write papers not just as requirements but also as valuable contributions to the body of knowledge in the global media landscape.
Even in my current role as a Filipino language preceptor at Harvard University, this program has impacted the way I teach about my country and Southeast Asia as a region, considering media and journalism as essential components of an inclusive and sustainable language program in a multicultural setting.”
Kendall Vagle (M.A. ’23, current role: Program coordinator at Harper College)
“Attending Northern Illinois University’s Communication program was one of the best decisions I made for my future. The program offered a uniquely supportive environment that allowed me to focus deeply on my specific interests, with personalized attention and guidance from the faculty. At the same time, it was expansive enough to offer a wealth of opportunities and diverse options, enabling me to explore various paths within the field.
Thanks to the Communication program, I graduated with a competitive edge. The skills I developed at NIU translated seamlessly into my career, where I found myself well-prepared to handle the demands of my job. My academic achievements at NIU opened doors, and the program’s reputation added credibility to my resume.”
Lexi Tintlemann (M.A. ’24, current role: Public relations and marketing manager)
“During my time in the Graduate Program for Communication Studies at Northern Illinois University, I had the privilege of being part of a program that seamlessly blended theory with practical application. The Public Relations classes I attended were engaging and insightful, offering a robust understanding of PR strategies and their real-world applications.
Beyond the classroom, the program offered invaluable mentorship opportunities that guided my academic and professional development. As a graduate research assistant, I was involved in projects focusing on effective communication for farmers, which enhanced my research skills, critical thinking, and understanding of professional ethics.
Today, I am proud to work as a Public Relations and Marketing Manager at an agency in Beloit, Wisconsin. The knowledge and skills I gained through the program have been invaluable in my professional journey, and the lessons I learned continue to guide me as I navigate challenges and opportunities in the field.”
