Quincy University

Quincy University was started by a group of Franciscan friars who left Germany to serve the German-speaking population in the then-frontier state of Illinois in 1860. They received the formal charter for St. Francis Solanus College in 1873.

After realizing the college was the perfect site for training Franciscan priests, the college was renamed Quincy College and Seminary in 1917. Women were first admitted to the college in 1932. During World War II, the number of male students was drastically reduced. The college survived during these years by training army reservists and naval cadets. The seminary portion was closed in 1970, and the institution was renamed once again to Quincy College. The seminary campus was integrated into the main campus and used for extra dormitory space, offices, and classrooms.

When the college began offering graduate degrees in 1993, the name changed to what it is today: Quincy University. As an independent, Catholic, liberal arts institution, Quincy maintains its Franciscan traditions and respects all people as individuals of dignity, value, and worth. Along with focusing on high-quality academics and learning, Quincy University also strives to prepare their graduates for servant leadership and to seek knowledge that will help them transform the world and attain wisdom.

Those who attend on-campus classes benefit from a number of student involvement options, including campus ministry, an aviation club, intramural sports, role-playing game clubs, student government, student athlete advisory committee, and a full range of Greek life fraternities and sororities. From chemistry to singing clubs, environmental associations or psychology organizations, Quincy University has a social or activist club for students of all types.

Quincy also values inclusion and diversity and their Multicultural Program Office seeks to promote respect and awareness of cultural diversity through their many programs. It encourages students to get involved in cultural events and volunteerism, as well as participation in clubs and organizations. This program helps graduates develop the necessary skills to become global leaders.

The Quincy Alumni network consists of more than 13,000 graduates that represent all 50 states and live in 19 countries around the world. The QU Alumni Association works to engage past classmates and organize events such as the annual Homecoming Celebration in the fall and regular networking and happy hour events. Quincy Alumni members are also encouraged to become mentors to current Quincy students or recent graduates.

Quincy University Accreditation Details

Quincy University is accredited to bestow undergraduate and graduate degrees by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Quincy University Application Requirements

Those who apply to the Master of Arts in Communication can get the $25 application fee waived by applying online.

Applicants to this program must submit a completed application for Quincy University Graduate Studies as well as official transcripts from any institution they earned undergraduate credits from. Undergrads must have a complete bachelor's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. Those with a GPA of lower than 3.0 may still be considered for admission on a conditional basis.

Applicants must also submit an official GRE score and two letters of recommendation that address professional or academic potential. A professional resume and autobiographical statement that highlight the student's goals, experience, and reasons for entering the program are also required.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the Master of Arts in Communications online program is $460 per credit hour with an online fee of $175 per course. There is no tuition difference for in state and out of state students.

Those who require financial aid to attend Quincy University can participate in one of the school's federal financial aid loan or grant programs. A financial aid counselor can be of assistance in walking students through this process. Many students at Quincy University receive financial help, with 98 percent of Quincy students receiving some form of aid.

In addition to Federal loan or grant programs, Quincy University also gives out a number of merit-based scholarships that are not dependent on financial need. These include scholarships based on accomplishments in academics, music, or service as well as legacy scholarships for children of Quincy graduates.

Online Degrees Available

The school offers students undergraduate degrees in six different schools: School of Business, School of Education, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Humanities, and Fine Arts and Education. Quincy University also offers graduate degrees in business administration, education, counseling, and communications.

The Master of Arts in Communication degree is offered entirely online at Quincy University. The 30 credit hour program involves 10 courses and allows students to complete their degree in four semesters. The online program is ideal for those who are already working in the communications field and want to attain a higher degree while continuing to work, raise a family, and be involved in their community.

Sample courses involved in this program include Integrated Communication: Social Media, Advanced Business Communications, Digital Communication: Video, Ethics in Strategic Communication, and Crisis Communication.

Those who are currently working in a career or who want to work in a career that emphasizes public relations, mediated communication, interpersonal organization, or marketing will benefit from a master's degree in communication.

Those who graduate with an MA in Communications can pursue careers in publishing, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, or organizational leadership. This is the perfect degree for those who enjoy working with others to help them get a specific message across. It is also beneficial for those who want to make a difference in their communities by working with non-profits or other organizations that advocate public service.

Salaries range from approximately $59,000 per year for a communications director to $77,000 per year for a marketing manager. Depending on the type of field graduates choose to pursue and which city they live in, they could make over $100,000 per year in specialized fields.

Related Resource: 30 Top Affordable Online Master's in Communication

For those interested in a liberal arts education based on deeply-rooted Franciscan values, Quincy University is a logical choice. For adult learns who want to continue their education in the communications field while still pursuing their career, taking care of a family, and being involved in their community, an online Master's in Communication degree is ideal.