Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

Emily Gillespie-Lord
By
Updated on April 25, 2024
Edited by
Communications professionals are in demand in industries such as politics, journalism, and more. Advance your career with a master’s in communications.

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.

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Best Online Master’s in Communication Programs

#1 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

University of Southern California

  • Location-markerLos Angeles, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$57,256
  • Out-of-state$57,256
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$46,272
  • Out-of-state$46,272
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate11%
  • Students Enrolled48,321
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment17%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

Johns Hopkins University

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$55,350
  • Out-of-state$55,350
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$55,350
  • Out-of-state$55,350
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate11%
  • Students Enrolled27,079
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

University of Florida

  • Location-markerGainesville, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,477
  • Out-of-state$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,770
  • Out-of-state$27,335
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate37%
  • Students Enrolled52,407
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

Florida International University

  • Location-markerMiami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,721
  • Out-of-state$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,912
  • Out-of-state$21,393
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled58,711
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

Purdue University

  • Location-markerWest Lafayette, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,208
  • Out-of-state$28,010
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,208
  • Out-of-state$28,010
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled45,500
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

Northeastern University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,298
  • Out-of-state$29,298
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$24,933
  • Out-of-state$24,933
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled11,857
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment52%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

American University

  • Location-markerWashington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$49,070
  • Out-of-state$49,070
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$30,351
  • Out-of-state$30,351
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate36%
  • Students Enrolled14,318
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

University of Georgia

  • Location-markerAthens, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,790
  • Out-of-state$28,830
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,878
  • Out-of-state$25,186
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate45%
  • Students Enrolled38,920
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment14%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Location-markerChampaign, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$14,188
  • Out-of-state$33,127
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,997
  • Out-of-state$28,404
  • Retention Rate93%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled51,605
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Master’s in Communication Degree Programs

Syracuse University

  • Location-markerSyracuse, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,616
  • Out-of-state$50,616
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$38,880
  • Out-of-state$38,880
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled22,850
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes

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We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

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:

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.

Potential Careers for Master’s in Communications Graduates
JobMedian Annual Salary (2023)
Marketing Manager$156,580
Writer$73,690
Technical Writer$80,050
Editor$75,020
Public Relations Manager$130,480
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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.

title: Other popular options for communication degree-holders are a master of business administration (MBA), master’s in journalism, and master’s in human resources.

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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