10 Master's in Communications Degree Programs 2025

Communications degrees are highly versatile options that can lead to careers in several industries, including marketing, media, and public relations. Many students choose to go beyond a bachelor's degree to earn a master's, which can increase career opportunities and open the door to leadership roles.

Numerous institutions across the U.S. offer graduate programs in communications, but some schools offer higher-quality programs than others. Keep reading to discover the top communications graduate programs in the U.S.

Top Master's Degrees in Communications

Dozens and dozens of colleges and universities in the U.S. offer master's degrees in communications. We've highlighted some of the very best of these programs below.

1. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private research institution in Baltimore, MD. It offers an on-campus and online Master of Arts (MA) in communication.

This degree offers six optional concentrations, including digital communication, health communication, political communication, and public relations. Ten total courses are required, and students can finish in as few as 12 months.

Average in-state tuition: $1,740 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,740 per credit

Financial aid: JHU accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and private aid.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Northwestern University

At Northwestern University, students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in communication in person and online. This program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and communication skills across fields such as business, government, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations.

Northwestern, a private research institution, is located in Evanston, IL. Its communication program includes courses on leadership, persuasion, and strategic communication, and full-time students can complete it in as little as one year.

Average in-state tuition: $2,318 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $2,318 per credit

Financial aid: Northwestern offers institutional scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a part-time, online MA in digital communication. UNC-Chapel Hill is the flagship institution of the public UNC system and is sometimes referred to as a ''public ivy.''

This program trains students in digital media theory and application, digital media business models, and strategic decision-making. It takes about two and a half years to complete and includes two on-campus experiences.

Average in-state tuition: $950 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,940 per credit

Financial aid: UNC-Chapel Hill accepts FAFSA, private student aid, and offers payment plans.

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

4. University of Southern California

A Master of Communication Management is available at the University of Southern California. This program offers three specializations: marketing communication, strategic and organizational communication, and market research and analytics.

Students will explore psychological and societal impacts of marketing messages, evaluate theory and research based on value and attitude formation, and interpret data to measure the success of campaigns or initiatives. USC, located in Los Angeles, is a private research institution.

Average in-state tuition: $2,354 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $2,354 per credit

Financial aid: USC accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid, including scholarships.

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research university in Gainesville, FL. It offers an MA in mass communications that students can earn on campus or online.

The program offers a variety of concentrations, including public relations, social media, and strategic communication. Some concentrations are only in-person, while others are only online.

Average in-state tuition: $707 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,674 per credit

Financial aid: UF accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Syracuse University

Students at Syracuse University can earn an online MS in communication with three specializations: journalism innovation, media management, and strategic communications. The program covers traditional and new media, as well as topics like media law and diversity in communications.

Syracuse University, a private research institution, is located in Syracuse, NY. Its online communications program is part-time, allowing students to finish within 15 months. It also requires two on-campus immersion experiences and a capstone project.

Average in-state tuition: $1,945 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,945 per credit

Financial aid: Syracuse University offers institutional aid, including scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: MSCHE

7. American University

American University offers an MA in global strategic communication through its School of Communication. The private university is located in Washington, D.C.

This MA in communication prepares students to use strategic planning and compelling messages to gain a powerful advantage in the marketplace. Coursework covers topics like communication theory, communication strategies, research methods, and social media strategy.

Average in-state tuition: $1,299 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,299 per credit

Financial aid: American University offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.

Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Gonzaga University

An MA in communication leadership is available online through Gonzaga University. This program offers several specializations in communication studies, including options like change leadership, digital media strategies, and strategic and organizational communication.

The program equips graduate students with the expertise to understand their audience, create messaging, and use influence to drive results. Gonzaga University, located in Spokane, WA, is a private Catholic institution.

Average in-state tuition: $1,065 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,065 per credit

Financial aid: Gonzaga accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional scholarships and assistantships.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online MA in communication that offers advanced training in the theory and practice of communication.

This program covers topics like crisis communication, health communication, international communication, and workplace and corporate communication. Terms are seven and a half weeks long, and students complete the program with a capstone requirement.

Additionally, ASU offers additional communications degrees in communication studies, mass communication, strategic communication, technical communication, and visual communication. Some are on-campus only, while a few are online.

Average in-state tuition: $760 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $760 per credit

Financial aid: ASU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

10. Colorado State University

Through Colorado State University, students can earn an online Master of Communications and Media Management (MCMM). This program focuses on topics such as ethical decision-making and successful mass communication strategies.

This public research university is located in Fort Collins, CO. Its communications program takes about two years to complete. Note that some core courses are in a synchronous format, but elective courses are all asynchronous.

Average in-state tuition: $774 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $774 per credit

Financial aid: HLC

Accreditation: CSU offers institutional aid, including scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

How We Rank Schools

To choose the top master's degrees in communication, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every graduate school on this list holds accreditation through a regional accreditation agency.
• Format: We focused on schools with both in-person and online options, so as to best cater to a wider range of students. Many of the degrees listed here are among the best communication degrees online for graduate students.
• Program reputation and quality: In addition to being accredited, all schools are either public or private nonprofit. In addition, every school on this list is a top-ranked, well-regarded school.

Career Fields for Communication Professionals

There are various career paths that communications students can pursue. Some common career fields include:

• Social media Social media is one of the key ways that audiences receive information. Those in social media roles need to understand the best way to communicate on these platforms and how to leverage the ways these platforms operate.
• Public relations: Public relations is a field concerned with molding the public's opinion on specific organizations or individuals. A communications degree helps students understand mass communication and persuasion tactics.
• Strategic communication: Strategic communication refers to highly targeted communication strategies by an organization. Experts in these fields need to understand how different styles of communication can be used to achieve different goals.
• Communication research: Those in communications research dive deep into how audiences respond to various methods of communication.

FAQs About Master's in Communication Degree Programs

Choosing the right communications program for your graduate studies can be tricky. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online master's degrees in communications.

Is a Master's Degree in Communications Worth It?

For many students, a master's degree in communication is worth it. These programs teach key interpersonal communication skills and the foundations of effective communication that can be used for numerous career paths.

If you're concerned about cost, look for some of the cheapest master's degrees online, as well as financial aid. This can help reduce your overall costs.

How Long Will It Take To Complete a Communications Master's Degree Program?

The amount of time it takes you to complete a master's degree in communications will depend on a few factors, such as your specific program, whether you study full-time or part-time, and if you have transfer credits. Several programs above can be completed in as little as a year.

To complete your degree faster, look for bachelor's-to-master's programs. These degrees allow you to start earning college credits while pursuing your undergraduate degree, which helps you jump-start your master's program.

What Career Opportunities Are Available With a Master's in Communications?

There are many career opportunities available for those with a graduate degree in communications, including:

• advertising and promotions manager
• communication consultant
• fundraising manager
• marketing manager
• market research analyst
• media programming director
• public relations manager

Many schools offer concentrations or elective courses so students can tailor their academic program to their career goals.

Explore Online Graduate Degree Programs

Find the perfect graduate degree in communications by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about degree requirements and financial aid.