10 Online Master's in Marketing Communications Programs 2025

Many universities offer online Master of Science (MS) in marketing communications programs to communications professionals or other working adults who want to further their knowledge in public relations, digital media, or brand strategy and management. Because these programs are offered online and not via a traditional on-campus setting, students can earn their degrees at their own pace and on their schedule.

If you work full-time and are interested in researching master's in communications programs then you may consider universities that offer master's programs, including master's in integrated marketing communications online.

Affordable Online Master's in Marketing Communications

If you're looking to further your education, you may be wondering which online master's in marketing communications program is right for you. Below, we compiled a list of the universities that offer the most affordable communications degrees online.

1. University of Kansas

Communications professionals who are interested in furthering their education can earn their MS in digital and integrated marketing communications through the 100% online program at the University of Kansas. Students who enroll in the program take classes in two of three areas: digital marketing, social media marketing, and integrated marketing communications plus complete a capstone project.

The program is open to individuals who have at least two years of professional experience in marketing and communications or media-related fields and provides students with the knowledge and training they need to execute cutting-edge marketing communications strategies.

Potential career paths for individuals who obtain this degree include public relations, content strategy, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $695 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $695 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), grants, and loans, and offers scholarship and fellowship opportunities

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Fordham University

Early-career working professionals can earn an online MS in strategic marketing communications at Fordham University. The program combines synchronous teaching with asynchronous study and is offered in seven-week modules, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months.

Students who are interested in the program can apply online. GMAT/GRE scores are listed as optional admission requirements, and financial aid is available for students who require tuition assistance.

Possible career paths for individuals who complete this degree include digital marketing manager, corporate communications manager, or crisis communications specialist.

Average in-state tuition: $2,103 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $2,103 per credit

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, and offers institutional aid, assistantships, and veterans' initiatives

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers both part-time and full-time graduate degree programs, including a part-time MS in marketing program that can be completed fully online in two years. The program helps students understand consumer behavior, leverage data-driven insights, detect trends to drive impact, and maintain brand management through conducting brand audits and developing relevant brand strategies.

Average in-state tuition: $1,985 per credit (for part-time students), $30,500 annually (for full-time students)

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,985 per credit (for part-time students), $30,500 annually (for full-time students)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, loans, grants, and tuition waivers, and offers scholarships, employer tuition benefits, and veteran tuition benefits

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Northwestern University

Northwestern University offers an online master's in integrated marketing communications designed for aspiring marketing executives. This online IMC program is delivered via live, online courses to accommodate working professionals. The program also features optional, in-person experiences over two or more years.

Average in-state tuition: $5,463 per unit

Average out-of-state tuition: $5,463 per unit

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans and offers employer tuition reimbursement

Accreditation: HLC

5. St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure University offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in marketing communications program featuring electives in marketing communication, leadership, and business. Core courses focus on marketing communication research, data, and ethics, while specialized courses highlight brand strategy and execution, public relations, and content creation.

Possible career paths for students who complete this online program include areas such as content marketing, SEO and digital strategy, and promotions and marketing campaigns. Students can find jobs as market research analysts or digital strategists upon graduation.

Average in-state tuition: $800 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $800 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, and offers scholarships, graduate assistantships, and veteran tuition benefits

Accreditation: MSCHE

6. University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a part-time, fully online MS in integrated marketing communications program for working professionals. Through established theories, current insights, and real-world applications, students learn how to navigate the evolving media landscape, concentrating on areas such as digital media, advertising, and public relations.

In addition to completing relevant coursework, students who enroll in this program gain hands-on experience by helping to plan the annual IMC Connect conference that welcomes communication leaders from well-known brands, including nonprofits.

Average in-state tuition: $1,602 to $3,738 (varies based on the number of hours)

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,602 to $3,738 (varies based on the number of hours)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, loans, and grants, and offers scholarship and assistantship opportunities

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans offers an online MS in marketing and communications program that allows students to select courses from either the marketing or communications tracks or build a curriculum based on their career goals.

A total of 30 credits, including core courses, elective courses, and a capstone project, is needed for graduation. Students can complete the program in as little as one year.

Average in-state tuition: $125 per credit hour (for one to five credit hours), $250 per credit hour (for six or more credit hours)

Average out-of-state tuition: $125 per credit hour (for one to five credit hours), $250 per credit hour (for six or more credit hours)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA and loans, and offers employer tuition reimbursement

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a fully online MS in integrated marketing communications program for busy working professionals. The program takes an average of two years to complete, with classes delivered in seven-and-a-half-week sessions.

The program teaches students how to develop an effective marketing strategy by combining elements such as branding, messaging, and media. Possible career paths for students who complete this degree include digital marketing manager, marketing consultant, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $986 per credit hour (for 500 to 699-level courses), $1,128.50 per credit hour (for 700-level courses)

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,708.75 per credit hour (for 500 to 699-level courses), $1,927 per credit hour (for 700-level courses)

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, and offers scholarships, fellowship, and assistantship opportunities

Accreditation: HLC

9. West Virginia University

West Virginia University offers an online MS in integrated marketing communications program. Classes are delivered in an asynchronous format, and students may complete this graduate school program between 18 months to two years.

Students can tailor their education to specialize in areas such as healthcare communications, higher education marketing, public relations leadership, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $777 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $777 per credit hour

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, loans, grants, and private scholarships, and offers veteran tuition benefits

Accreditation: HLC

10. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama offers an online MA in integrated marketing communications program to working professionals in nonprofit, public relations, or traditional media who are looking to advance their careers. Tuition costs are set at $429 per credit before fees, and up to nine graduate-level credits obtained at other institutions may be transferred via the university's transfer policy.

Average in-state tuition: $429 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $429 per credit

Financial aid: Accepts FAFSA, grants, and loans, and offers scholarships

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To compile this list of online communications degree programs, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All programs included in this list are recognized by a valid accreditor.
• Program reputation and quality: We selected programs that combine knowledge and real-world experience offered by top universities.
• Tuition cost: We searched for programs that offer affordable tuition as well as financial aid options, such as FAFSA, scholarships, and loans.

FAQs About Online Marketing Communication Master's Degrees

You may still have questions about online master's degree programs in communication. We answer your FAQs below.

Is a Master's in Marketing Communications Worth It?

Yes, you may benefit from earning a master's in marketing communications if you are a communications professional or other working professional looking to advance your skills in areas such as public relations, digital media, content strategy, or marketing or brand management. A master's degree in marketing communications may also be a worthwhile investment if you are looking to make a career change.

How Much Does a Master's in Marketing Communication Cost?

According to U.S. News & World Report, an online master's degree in communications costs between $13,000 and $61,000. Similarly, an online master's degree in marketing costs between $13,000 and $65,000. Overall degree costs may vary based on factors such as the number of credit hours, whether the university is public or private, and whether non-residents pay higher tuition rates.

What Can I Do With a Master's in Marketing Communications?

If you have recently earned a master's in marketing communications or are considering enrolling in a marketing communications degree program, you can find employment in areas such as:

• public relations
• content marketing
• brand and SEO strategy
• digital or social media
• corporate communications
• marketing consulting

These skills are applicable to roles at nonprofits, in healthcare communications, or in higher education marketing.

Find Online Graduate Programs

If you're still wondering which online communications program is right for you, explore additional content on Learn.org and contact individual schools for more information.