The Best Online Master’s in Communications Programs

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College (MC) is the oldest institution of higher education in the state of Mississippi. The online master of science degree in communications at Mississippi College is versatile, preparing students for many different careers. Potential jobs for graduates include announcers, editors, public relations specialists, and reporters.

MC's communications program offers several specializations, including journalism, theater, mass media, and public communications. Students learn communications theory, develop concrete skills through practical application, and create portfolios for graduation. The program also covers the history of media to help students understand the foundations of communications and marketing. This degree prepares students for the professional world or for pursuing a doctoral degree.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree in a communications-related field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 2.5 GPA and GRE test scores.

Mississippi College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Based in Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University is a public university dedicated to free and open speech. Purdue's online master of science in communication helps working professionals advance their careers through lessons in strategic communications.

The program requires 30 credits and takes about 20 months. All coursework is online. Purdue offers two specializations: A strategic communication and public relations concentration, and an integrated communication and advertising concentration. The former focuses on facilitating relationships with stakeholders and managing crises while the latter teaches messaging strategies, branding, and persuasion theory.

This program does not require applicants to submit GRE scores, but they do need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students do not need to be Indiana residents to enroll in this program; there are also opportunities to study abroad.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Liberty University is a Baptist, liberal arts institution founded in 1976. Liberty offers an online master of arts in communication for professionals working in business, nonprofit, and public service positions. In this program, students develop the critical skills they need to advance their careers.

This online degree combines theory with practical skills to create well-rounded communications graduates. The eight-week courses cover effective social media, conflict analysis and resolution, and intercultural communication. After graduation, Liberty's communications degree holders find careers as business marketing specialists, public relations consultants, and advertising directors.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum 2.5 GPA. There are tuition discounts available for both active and inactive military students.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I) is a public university serving more than 47,000 students. The online master of science in strategic brand communication at the university is an interdisciplinary degree administered jointly by the Department of Business Administration in the College of Business and the Department of Advertising in the College of Media.

This 32-credit program is fully online and can be completed in a little over a year. Enrolled students learn to create brand messaging, use new and emerging technologies, develop leadership and management skills, and hone analytical thinking.

Students may also enroll in individual courses or earn three-course strategic brand communication certificates in essentials, media and analytics, or insights. Certificate classes are fully online. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Northeastern University emphasizes experiential learning, combining academic scholarship with professional practice. Its online master of science in corporate and organizational communication combines case method, research, and interactive learning to prepare students for the job market.

Students can enroll full-time or part-time in this fully online program, which offers six concentrations, including public and media relations, cross-cultural communication, and social media. For the final capstone project, students choose between an online co-op or a virtual consulting project with a sponsor and faculty advisor. Students must also create a portfolio that captures their personal and professional brands.

Applicants need a statement of purpose, a professional resume, undergraduate transcripts, and several letters of recommendation. Students and graduates at Northeastern gain access to the university's Global Network of more than 3,000 employer partners and 255,000 alumni.

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education. 

Founded in 1893 in Minnesota, Concordia University - Saint Paul (CSP) is a private, Christian institution of higher education. Concordia University's master of arts in strategic communication management is an online program designed for working students who need flexible class schedules.

CSP offers this 36-credit master's in communication management program both on campus and fully online. Each course lasts seven weeks. Students learn strategic and analytical thinking, leadership skills, and intercultural communication, and they have 24-hour access to library resources. This program targets students with professional experience who wish to pursue careers in corporate communication, public relations, and strategic planning.

Ninety-five percent of CSP graduates receive job offers within one year of graduation. Tuition rates vary by program and degree. Scholarships are available to online students, and there are tuition discounts for active military students.

Concordia University - Saint Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Florida International University (FIU) is Miami's first public research university. FIU offers an online master of science in global strategic communications geared toward helping professionals advance their communications careers in the international marketplace. The program focuses on communication management and digital communication.

This degree is fully online and takes about one year to complete. The program covers advertising, public relations, and integrated communications over six eight-week terms, with students enrolling in four courses per semester. Core courses include ethics and social responsibility, theories of mass communication, and global strategic communication management.

Applicants need a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. FIU also requires GRE test scores, two letters of recommendation, an essay, and a resume. The online program costs the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a research-driven university based in Tempe, Arizona. The university offers an online master of science in technical communication that focuses on the creation and management of print and digital text. This degree prepares students for careers in writing, editing, design, and research.

The 36-credit program spans 12 classes. Students must complete either a thesis, an applied project, or a capstone project in order to graduate. Required courses include applied rhetoric and research in technical communication. Students without relevant prior experience may be required to take a course on the fundamentals of technical communication.

Applicants need a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Possible careers for graduates include grant writer, information developer, web interface designer, or user experience designer.

Arizona State University - Online is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Based in Lubbock, Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public institution founded in 1923. TTU's online master of arts in strategic communication and invocation is part of its College of Media and Communication. This program prepares students for senior-level communications positions and careers.

The strategic communication and invocation degree requires a minimum of 30 credits, including seven required courses and three electives. This program meets exclusively online and scheduling is flexible to allow working students to choose when to take their classes. Students can also choose how many classes to take per semester, depending on their own availability.

Applicants must send a personal statement, resume, writing samples, references, and have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. If applicants do not meet the minimum GPA, they should send GRE scores with their application.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Based in Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga University is a Jesuit institution founded in 1887. The online master in communication and leadership studies teaches students audience analysis, message impact, data interpretation, negotiation, and problem solving. Graduates of this program achieve careers in corporate communications, public relations, journalism, human resources, and marketing.

This program requires 30 credits, and most students finish in two years. It includes optional concentrations in change leadership, college teaching, digital media strategies, global leadership, strategic and organizational communication, and servant leadership. These concentrations allow students to specialize their skills. All students in this program must take a 3-day immersion course in content creation and strategy on campus, but all other on-campus immersion courses are optional.

Gonzaga also offers study abroad opportunities in Belgium, Colombia, the Czech Republic, and Italy. To apply, students must submit official transcripts showing a 3.0 minimum GPA, a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume.

Gonzaga University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

National University (NU) is a private, nonprofit university based in San Diego that is designed for working professionals and returning students. NU offers a master of arts in strategic communication to develop leaders in communications. This program trains students in both traditional mediums and emerging channels like social media, podcasts, and blogs.

This program focuses on practical applications, requiring students to apply research to develop campaigns and messages, deliver communication presentations, and manage multi-channel campaigns. Students work in groups to demonstrate their ability to work on a team as both a leader and a team member.

All courses for this degree are online. Students must complete 45 credits, with at least 40.5 credits at NU. The program spans 10 classes, including emerging interactive media, research methods, crisis communications, legal and ethical issues, and a capstone project.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA, or at least a 2.75 GPA in the last 90 credits of undergraduate coursework. Students with lower grade points can supplement with a satisfactory GMAT, GRE, or a Miller Analogies test score.

National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Founded in 1873, Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a Christian, liberal arts institution. The university offers a master of arts in strategic communication and leadership designed to help students advance careers in communication.

This communication master's takes about 18 months to complete and uses a practical approach to education. The program pairs each student with a mentor who understands communications in a professional capacity. These "industry influencers" guide their students with development tips, intensive discussions of class materials, and personalized support throughout the program. Featured classes include communication as a calling, communication theory, and digital media strategy.

Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Classes are fully online and all students graduate with an ePortfolio that can be used to pursue careers.

Spring Arbor University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Based in New York City, the New School is a melting pot of scholars, artists, and designers. This institution offers a master of professional studies in communications design with an optional concentration in digital product design. The degree is offered through the School of Art, Media, and Technology.

This program targets designers who want to increase their digital skills. Classes incorporate the full design cycle, including generating ideas, prototyping, editing and refinements, and business strategy. The degree requires 30 credits and takes about one year to complete. Courses have four components: instruction, practical application, external partnerships, and studio time.

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to graduate. All applicants must submit a visual portfolio using SlideRoom, which can include sketches, photography, websites, video clips, or research outcomes. The New School may ask some applicants to sit for a phone or in-person interview before making an admissions decision.

The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

Regent University is a Christian institution based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a 14% enrollment growth rate over the past two years. Regent offers a master of arts in communication that combines theory with practical application. The program helps students shape narratives through strategic messaging and earn leadership roles in their professional careers.

This 33-credit degree is fully online and each session lasts eight weeks. Sample classes include multiplatform writing, social media and internet marketing, leadership theory, and crisis communication. All students must complete a thesis or directed project during the course of their studies. This program prepares students for careers in media, business marketing, communications, advertising, and public relations.

Credit cost is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, though there is an additional services fee for online students and a one-time library fee. Financial aid is available to students who need it, with 88% of Regent students receiving some kind of aid. 

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Based in Riverside, California Baptist University (CBU) is a private, Christian college with over 10,000 students. CBU offers a master of arts in strategic communication that explores the historical, cultural, social, and political aspects of communication. CBU asks its students to integrate biblical thought into modern cultural concepts.

This 30-credit program takes about one year to complete. CBU helps students network with professionals, earn practical experience in the field of communication, and apply theory to practical problems. Core courses include communication research, media effects on communication behavior, social influence and persuasion, and communication management. Students must also complete a capstone project.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree in communications or a related field, such as journalism, education, public administration, or public policy, with a minimum 2.5 GPA for conditional admission and 2.75 for unconditional admission consideration.

California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Syracuse University is a private, research-focused institution based in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse offers an online master's in communications with specializations in advertising, public relations, and journalism innovation. This program evolves with the times, blending new technology with traditional media.

This degree has five core courses that provide a foundation in digital communications: media law, digital communications, multimedia storytelling, social media for public communicators, and digital communications systems. Each student also chooses a specialization to tailor their education to their career goals. Syracuse requires students to attend two in-person immersions and complete a capstone project that focuses on digital communications innovation. This degree can be completed in just over a year.

Each specialization has its own courses. Students who pursue public relations take classes in public relations theory, campaign planning and execution, and public relations management. Students in advertising focus on strategic principles and practices, communications planning, and digital branding. Journalism innovation teaches web and mobile story production, emerging media platforms, and applied media research.

Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Miami (UM) is a private university with more than 17,000 students. Its master of arts in communications studies programs provide students with an interdisciplinary education in the field of communications. There are two programs: the thesis program and the non-thesis program. The 30-credit thesis program emphasizes research under a faculty advisor while the 36-credit non-thesis program focuses on applied communications theory.

These programs offer four specializations: communications studies, health communication, intercultural communication, and organizational communication. Students can choose to pursue the thesis or non-thesis options in each track. Featured courses include communication research methods, organizational communication audit procedures, and theories of communication.

Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts, GRE scores, and a personal statement. Students can apply for financial aid and scholarships as needed.

University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Founded in 1855, Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing has over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Its master of arts in strategic communication program targets communications professionals. MSU also offers an online graduate certificate program in communications.

The master's program focuses on strategic thinking skills applied across all digital communications fields, including advertising, public relations, and media. MSU requires 30 credits over nine courses, plus a capstone project. All courses are online and students graduate in 1-3 years. Class topics include persuasion techniques, digital content creation, and crisis communication.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. MSU requires a minimum of three years of professional experience before applying to its graduate program, but students do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado State University (CSU) has a hybrid online degree program that utilizes video and audio recorded lectures. The master of communications and media management is offered through its Department of Journalism and Media Communication and blends online learning with on-site classes. Students attend weekly classes with instructors in CSU's Denver learning center.

This 30-credit program takes two years to complete. CSU teaches both traditional media strategies and modern digital tools. The degree focuses on digital communications strategies, including analytics, real-time feedback, media production, and effective research tools. Core courses cover topics like digital media writing, technologies of public communication, strategic digital communication, and organizational media production.

Financial aid is available to online students and determined on an individual basis. Graduates pursue careers in communications-related fields like public relations, promotions, public affairs, marketing, advertising, and web operations.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Drexel University is a private university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Drexel offers an online master of science in communication that focuses on rigorous academic coursework and professional networking. Students can put the skills they learn in this master's program to use in their professional careers.

This program has two areas of specialization: technical communication and public communication. The technical communication specialization develops technical writing skills and offers training in computer documentation. The public communication specialization readies students for careers in journalism and public relations. Drexel also requires students to complete a professional portfolio of completed coursework that has been reviewed by faculty members and outside professionals.

All classes in this program are available online, and courses are highly interactive. Students must also complete a six-month internship during their studies. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.