It is not uncommon for bachelor’s degree students to consider taking up a communication studies program. Online masters in communication programs prepare graduates for leadership roles in the diverse communications field. In a communication program, prospective students learn communication theory and communication research methods and develop excellent communication skills to work in a plethora of roles and settings, such as crisis communication, strategic communications, integrated marketing communications, public relations, health communication, mass communication, organizational communication, marketing communications, journalism, academia, advertising, social media, etc. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nationwide employment in media and communications occupations is projected to grow 6%, from 2016 to 2026, generating 43,200 new jobs.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the types of masters in communication programs, current school admission requirements, industry job projections, recent salaries, and more.
A good online master is hard to find because there are hundreds of programs to choose from. The best-rated online master’s in communication programs deliver a top-notch, 100 percent online education with specializations in the field. The factors that go into determining which communication degree is the best, include – the program’s flexibility, online support, length of the program, accreditation, experience of faculty members, and tuition. Considering all these factors, here are the best online master’s in communication programs in the United States:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/communications/">Online Master's in Communications</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
#2 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
#3 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 | $14,997 | 85% |
#4 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 82% |
#5 Marist College 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 | $15,300 | 84% |
#6 Gonzaga University E 502 Boone Ave, Spokane, Washington 99258 | $16,672 | 85% |
#7 Syracuse University 900 South Crouse Ave., Syracuse, New York 13244 | $38,880 | 83% |
#8 Columbia University West 116 St and Broadway, New York, New York 10027 | $47,600 | 95% |
#9 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $55,350 | 93% |
#10 Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan 48824 | $18,858 | 81% |
#11 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $9,264 | 71% |
#12 University of Iowa 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 | $10,079 | 72% |
#13 University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (blended) 739 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 | $10,780 | 71% |
#14 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 | $30,351 | 79% |
#15 University of Denver 2199 S. University Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80208 | $51,336 | 77% |
#16 Colorado State University, Fort Collins (blended) 02 Administration Building, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 | $10,520 | 70% |
#17 Texas Tech University Broadway and University Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79409 | $5,958 | 61% |
#18 Mississippi College 200 South Capitol Street, Clinton, Mississippi 39058 | $11,250 | 57% |
#19 Washington State University French Administration Building, Pullman, Washington 99164 | $11,493 | 60% |
#20 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464 | $15,552 | 57% |
#21 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
#22 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 | $35,181 | 69% |
#23 South Dakota State University 1015 Campanile Avenue, Brookings, South Dakota 57007 | $8,083 | 56% |
#24 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Tuition for an online master can vary dramatically based on whether the university is a public or private institution, and whether grad students attend classes on a full or part-time basis. Tuition and fees for a communication program are generally lower for in-state students than for those from out of state. All things considered, however, an affordable communication program should be cost-effective and not require the student to reach out for too much financial aid. Here are the most affordable online master’s in communication programs in the United States:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/communications/">Online Master's in Communications</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 East Carolina University East 5th Street, Greenville, North Carolina 27858 | $4,749 | 66% |
#2 Missouri State University 901 S National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897 | $5,202 | 56% |
#3 Texas Tech University Broadway and University Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79409 | $5,958 | 61% |
#4 Minnesota State University South Rd and Ellis Ave, Mankato, Minnesota 56001 | $7,694 | 50% |
#5 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
#6 South Dakota State University 1015 Campanile Avenue, Brookings, South Dakota 57007 | $8,083 | 56% |
#7 Concordia University, St. Paul 1282 Concordia Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 | $8,550 | 51% |
#8 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $8,912 | 63% |
#9 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907 | $9,208 | 82% |
#10 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $9,264 | 71% |
#11 University of Iowa 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 | $10,079 | 72% |
#12 Colorado State University, Fort Collins (blended) 02 Administration Building, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 | $10,520 | 70% |
#13 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 | $10,552 | 91% |
#14 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 88% |
#15 University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (blended) 739 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 | $10,780 | 71% |
#16 Mississippi College 200 South Capitol Street, Clinton, Mississippi 39058 | $11,250 | 57% |
#17 Washington State University French Administration Building, Pullman, Washington 99164 | $11,493 | 60% |
#18 Queens University of Charlotte 1900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina 28274 | $13,824 | 59% |
#19 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 | $14,997 | 85% |
#20 Marist College 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 | $15,300 | 84% |
#21 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464 | $15,552 | 57% |
#22 Gonzaga University E 502 Boone Ave, Spokane, Washington 99258 | $16,672 | 85% |
#23 Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan 48824 | $18,858 | 81% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Before applying and getting admitted into an online master’s in communication program, it is essential to understand the communication program in depth. To begin with, online programs are almost entirely off-campus and require students to pursue their master’s degree in an online learning environment. In a communications program, online students engage themselves in diverse topics, ranging from strategic communications and communication theory to organizational communication and health communication.
The following sections shed more light on communications programs, what this online master entails, details on specializations and accreditation, and more.
Master’s in communication programs offer several specializations in key focus areas of the subject. While in most cases, core courses tend to be largely common, electives and concentrations make for a point of specialization, through which students can open many more career paths for themselves. Here are some of the most popular concentration areas and specializations in master’s in communication programs:
Most graduate programs take an average of two years to complete, and communication degree programs also require about the same time. However, the exact length and duration of the communications program vary by college, specialization, and coursework, and whether or not the online program is being pursued full-time or part-time. Part-time communication studies usually require at least three years to culminate in a master’s degree.
Accreditation is very important when choosing a master’s degree. It becomes even more important for an online master’s in communication program. With so many online programs available, the quality of the program becomes a huge determinant? Prospective students can be confident about the quality of the communication program is accredited by independent organizations such as The American Communication Association (ACA), or Accrediting Council of Education in Journal, and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). Many online master’s programs are accredited by national accrediting associations or regional accrediting bodies. A regionally accredited institution or accredited online program guarantees quality faculty members and easier access to financial aid and endorses the overall quality of the degree program as well. More information on accreditation is in the Best Accreditation Guide.
The admission requirements for an online master’s in communications degree program vary by university. The requirements also depend on the applicant’s background, bachelor’s degree, professional experience, etc. But some common admission requirements include:
It is important to know that a lot of the above requirements may not apply to many online master’s and/or can be waived depending on the school that is offering the program.
The curriculum and courses of a communication online master are an extension of those found in a bachelor’s degree. However, they largely depend upon the school and the chosen specialization of the communication program. But most universities divide their master’s in communication program into three areas – 1) Core Courses, 2) Elective Courses, and 3) Capstone Courses. Here are some core courses and topics one can expect in an online masters in communication program:
In general, most online programs at the graduate level require a standardized test score, such as that of the GRE, to be an admission requirement. Fortunately for some, a few universities will allow online students to apply to a communications program, without the need for the GRE score. Here are some online masters in communication no GRE programs:
An online program is, more often than not, an expensive pursuit. In the United States, an online master’s tuition costs in a communication program can run into thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are loans, grants, and scholarships for graduate students, from the federal or state government, communications associations and employers, that can help fund communications studies. In addition, many universities and communication departments offer institutional grants, scholarships, and tuition waivers. Typically, financial aid may be based on the student’s financial need, academic excellence, or a combination of both. Universities offering online communications master’s programs require aid aspirants to begin their application for aid at the Department of Education’s online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Read more about FAFSA and financial aid for graduate online programs on the Best Financial Guide.
With online programs costing a fair amount of money, it is prudent for students to explore the scholarship route to fund their online master. Here are some communication scholarships grad students can apply for:
Yes, an online master’s in communications graduate can expect jobs in specialized settings, such as in strategic communication, health communication, public relations, interpersonal communication, corporate communication, and more. In addition to these communications specialists can be well-suited for roles in print, broadcast, and digital journalism as well. Additionally, and depending upon the specialization of the communications program, there are jobs in public diplomacy, communications consulting, translation, corporate event planning, brand managers, and human resource experts.
Yes, there are plenty of universities that offer masters in communication degrees. Here is a list of the best online master’s in communications programs.
Online programs and communication studies, prepare graduates to take on diverse roles in the world of communications, and work in various settings. Here are a few examples:
Unlike individuals who hold only a bachelor’s degree, graduates of an online master’s in communications can also take on college teaching jobs, or leadership positions in their field. The following are some career-field options, along with annual median pay as reported by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), communication studies graduates are qualified for:
Here are some current communications listings at major employment websites or dedicated organizations for students who have completed their online master and hold a graduate degree:
Graduating from a communications program will certainly enhance careers. But when coupled with certifications and some licenses, it will most certainly open up several more career paths, and place one ahead of the competition. Certifications help students learn and acquire more knowledge and gain better communication skills in a specific area of the communications field. The following are some certifications and licensing options for graduates of online programs in communication to consider:
The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), a team of communication professionals assembled by IABC’s international executive board, has developed two certifications: The Communication Management Professional (CMP) certification and the Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification.
For communication experts focused on public relations, the Public Relations Society of America offers three types of certification:
IABC offers two forms of certification in business communications: Communication Management Professional Certification, and Communication Management Professional (CMP), for generalists, specialists, and other business communicators established in their careers as managers and looking to demonstrate their competence.
The Certified Journalist Institute and the Global Academy of Finance and Management awards certifications that can boost qualifications for employment. The institute offers certifications including the CPS Certified Political Scientist, CPJ Certified in Political Journalism, CIR Certified Investigative Reporter, the CFR Certified Financial Reporter, and the CTJ Certified Technology Journalist.
The Medical Writing Certification Commission (MWCC), in collaboration with the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), has developed the Medical Writer Certified (MWC) credential that defines the scope of medical writing practice and distinguishes individuals in the field. The MWC credentialing program is a rigorous, exam-based professional certification. Professionals who hold this credential have demonstrated their understanding of medical writing core competencies.
Communications master’s students benefit from memberships in professional organizations and associations. Members of these associations find opportunities for aiding their communication studies program, exploring careers, and networking with industry professionals. While one online learning consortium may focus on academic resources, another may host conferences, offer scholarships, career certifications, and advanced training across disciplines. Here are a few additional resources for students and working professionals to tap into:
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