Master’s in Communication Degree Programs
Communications professionals are in demand in industries such as politics, journalism, and more. Advance your career with a master’s in communications.
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With good communication skills you can spread information, influence people, and drive change. Earning a master’s in communication degree can be a big step toward a career where your voice matters. This degree appeals to people with a variety of professional goals. If you are pursuing or advancing a career in media or public relations, you might want to look into getting a master’s in marketing, or a similar field and read on to see how it can help you accomplish your goals.
Most students can graduate with their master’s in two years from an online or on-campus program. Accelerated and part-time options are also available. Use this guide to learn what to expect from a communication program, explore careers you can pursue, and discover top online schools offering a master’s in communication degree.
Best Online Master’s in Communication Programs
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$46,272
$46,272
11%
17%
$57,256
$57,256
96%
48,321
Private
Yes
$46,272
$46,272
Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$46,272
$46,272
11%
17%
$57,256
$57,256
96%
48,321
Private
Yes
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online
$55,350
$55,350
11%
46%
$55,350
$55,350
97%
27,079
Private
Yes
$55,350
$55,350
Baltimore, MD4 yearCampus + Online
$55,350
$55,350
11%
46%
$55,350
$55,350
97%
27,079
Private
Yes
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
37%
46%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
52,407
Public
Yes
$10,770
$27,335
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
37%
46%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
52,407
Public
Yes
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$8,912
$21,393
58%
68%
$4,721
$16,529
89%
58,711
Public
Yes
$8,912
$21,393
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$8,912
$21,393
58%
68%
$4,721
$16,529
89%
58,711
Public
Yes
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,208
$28,010
60%
22%
$9,208
$28,010
91%
45,500
Public
Yes
$9,208
$28,010
West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$9,208
$28,010
60%
22%
$9,208
$28,010
91%
45,500
Public
Yes
Northeastern University
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$24,933
$24,933
N/A
52%
$29,298
$29,298
N/A
11,857
Private
Yes
$24,933
$24,933
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$24,933
$24,933
N/A
52%
$29,298
$29,298
N/A
11,857
Private
Yes
American University
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$30,351
$30,351
36%
20%
$49,070
$49,070
87%
14,318
Private
Yes
$30,351
$30,351
Washington, DC4 yearCampus + Online
$30,351
$30,351
36%
20%
$49,070
$49,070
87%
14,318
Private
Yes
University of Georgia
Athens, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$8,878
$25,186
45%
14%
$9,790
$28,830
96%
38,920
Public
Yes
$8,878
$25,186
Athens, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$8,878
$25,186
45%
14%
$9,790
$28,830
96%
38,920
Public
Yes
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$14,997
$28,404
59%
39%
$14,188
$33,127
93%
51,605
Public
Yes
$14,997
$28,404
Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$14,997
$28,404
59%
39%
$14,188
$33,127
93%
51,605
Public
Yes
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$38,880
$38,880
44%
15%
$50,616
$50,616
92%
22,850
Private
Yes
$38,880
$38,880
Syracuse, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$38,880
$38,880
44%
15%
$50,616
$50,616
92%
22,850
Private
Yes
Master’s in Communication Specializations
The curriculum of a communication degree is broad and can be applied to many industries. Choosing a concentration for an MA or MS in communication allows you to graduate as an expert in your field. Some programs are more academic, focusing on theories and preparing you for further study. Alternatively, some pathways take a more applied approach and feature practical, hands-on experiences.
The concentration you choose is dependent on your personal career goals. For example, if you hope to work in business, consider an advertising or leadership concentration. Different concentrations can help prepare graduates for careers in business, advertising, healthcare, and even professional writing.
Specializations
- Strategic Communication and Public Relations
- Integrated Communication and Advertising
- Communication and Leadership
- Health Communication
- Advocacy and Social Impact
- Media and Arts Management and Promotion
- Political Communication
- Technical Communication
Communication Degree Curriculum
Communication programs cover a variety of topics, including writing, media studies, public imaging, and pop culture. Depending on your chosen program, you may or may not be required to complete a thesis project in your final term.
A successful thesis project shows that you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom by conducting new research and producing scholarly materials.
Courses
- Persuasion and Social Influence
- Mass Communication Effects
- Political Communication
- Communication Research Methods
- Advanced Media Writing
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for a master’s in communication program are similar to many other graduate programs. Common requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field earned with a minimum GPA
- GRE scores (programs do not always require standardized test scores)
- An application essay and student resume
- Letters of recommendation from past professors, school counselors, mentors, or volunteer supervisors
What Can I Do With a Communication Degree?
This degree can open several doors for you, including advanced positions with higher pay and expanded job responsibilities. While it is possible to work up to many senior-level roles with a bachelor’s degree and ample experience, an advanced qualification signals your seriousness about career development to potential employers.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $156,580 |
| Writer | $73,690 |
| Technical Writer | $80,050 |
| Editor | $75,020 |
| Public Relations Manager | $130,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Communication Programs
The amount of time it takes to complete a master’s in communication degree depends on the school and the program. Students who enroll on a part-time basis should expect to take longer to finish, while those enrolled in accelerated or degree-completion programs can finish their studies more quickly.
Many master’s degree programs feature 30-40 credits and take 18-24 months to complete. USC’s master of communication management program can be completed in as little as 16 months.
Motivated students who graduate with a bachelor’s in communication can earn a master’s degree in just about any field, though many choose to earn a master’s in communication. Within the field of communication, some graduate programs offer more specialized training, such as a master’s in media communication.
What is an MS in communication?
A master of science (MS) in communication is a graduate degree focusing on the scientific aspects of communication. Students may complete courses such as strategic communication and marketing communication. This degree option may be a good choice for communication students interested in business, healthcare, or political careers.
Though similar, the curriculum of a master of arts (MA) program may focus more on the creative side of communication. An MA degree is often a good choice for students interested in careers in education or philosophy.
an a communication major get an MBA?
Many MBA programs admit students with a bachelor’s degree in any field, meaning a communication major can earn an MBA after completing their bachelor’s. Many undergraduate communication programs offer specializations in advertising and business communication, preparing graduates for MBA coursework.
Aspiring graduate students may opt to apply to both MBA and master’s in communication programs before ultimately selecting the option that best aligns with their goals. The application requirements for these programs tend to be similar and may include submitting standardized test scores, writing a personal statement, and forwarding transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Feature Image: Alistair Berg / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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