Master's Degree Programs in Communications in California

<h2 id="section---CaliforniaStateUniversityEastBay">California State University, East Bay</h2><p>California State University, East Bay offers a 31-unit Master of Arts in Communication program that includes courses in communication theory, critical cultural methods, digital organizational communication, and media studies. For the capstone requirement, you can choose one among a project, thesis, or comprehensive examinations. </p><h2 id="section---CaliforniaStateUniversityNorthridge">California State University, Northridge</h2><p>California State University, Northridge hosts a Master of Arts in Mass Communication program that requires a total of 30 units spread across courses in mass communication theory, media criticism, media performance analysis, journalism practices, and media ethics. The university also offers a Master of Arts program in communication studies that requires a total of 33 units and includes courses in the areas of rhetorical studies, communication theory, and performance, language, and cultural studies; you can also choose between a thesis or graduate project for the capstone experience in both the programs. </p><h2 id="section---SanJoseStateUniversity">San Jose State University</h2><p>San Jose State University offers a two-year, 35-unit Master of Arts in Communication Studies program with an option to complete it either full-time or part-time. The program curriculum includes communication theories, communication research methods, a writing workshop, teaching practicum, and independent study; students can choose comprehensive exams, a thesis, or project for the final experience. </p><h2 id="section---UniversityOfCaliforniaDavis">University of California-Davis</h2><p>The University of California, Davis hosts a Master of Arts in Communication program with a thesis and a non-thesis track. The thesis track and non-thesis track require a total of 32 units and 40 units respectively; the non-thesis option also includes a comprehensive examination. </p><h2 id="section---ChapmanUniversity">Chapman University</h2><p>Chapman University offers a Master of Science in Health and Strategic Communication program. The total credits required for the program are 30 and the program entails core courses in interpersonal communication theories, health communication theories, community-based health interventions, and specialized courses in healthcare training and consultation, health and risk communication, and research methodology. </p><h2 id="section---StanfordUniversity">Stanford University</h2><p>Stanford University provides a terminal Master of Arts in Communication program with a special focus on journalism and a coterminal Master of Arts in Communication with concentrations in media studies and journalism. The courses offered for journalism track include public affairs data journalism, news reporting, and American journalism perspectives; the media studies track includes courses in digital media production, media psychology, and media economics. </p><h2 id="section---UniversityOfSanFrancisco">University of San Francisco</h2><p>The University of San Francisco offers a 30-unit Master of Arts in Professional Communication. The program provides courses in both traditional and hybrid modes and offers tracks in health communication, strategic communication, and technical communication. </p><h2 id="section---UniversityOfSouthernCalifornia">University of Southern California</h2><p>The University of Southern California offers a 32-unit Master of Communication Management (MCM) program that can be completed part-time (two to three years) or full-time (16 months); this program is also available online. A 32-unit Master of Science in Communication Data Science is also offered with courses in computational thinking, informatics programming, and data mining. </p><h2 id="section---UniversityOfThePacific">University of the Pacific</h2><p>The University of the Pacific offers a 32-unit Master of Arts in Communication program with an option to choose a thesis plan or a non-thesis plan. The program offers specializations in media and public relations, communication education, political communication, and communication studies. </p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th> School Name </th><th> Programs Offered </th><th> Tuition Cost (2019-20)*</th></tr> <tr><td> California State University-Chico </td><td> M.A. in Communication Studies </td><td> In-state: $7,176; Out-of-state: $16,680</td></tr> <tr><td> California State University-East Bay </td><td> M.A. in Communication </td><td> In-state: $7,176; Out-of-state: $16,680</td></tr> <tr><td> California State University-Northridge </td><td> M.A. in Mass Communication <br/> M.A. in Communication Studies </td><td> In-state: $7,176; Out-of-state: $16,680</td></tr> <tr><td> San Jose State University </td><td> M.A. in Communication Studies </td><td> In-state: $7,176; Out-of-state: $16,680</td></tr> <tr><td> University of California-Davis </td><td> M.A. in Communication </td><td> In-state: $11,442; Out-of-state: $26,544</td></tr> <tr><td> Chapman University </td><td> M.S. in Health and Strategic Communication </td><td> $34,957</td></tr> <tr><td> Stanford University </td><td> Terminal M.A. in Communication: Journalism <br/> Co-terminal M.A. in Communication: Media Studies, Journalism </td><td> $52,479</td></tr> <tr><td> University of San Francisco </td><td> M.A. in Professional Communication: Health Communication, Strategic Communication, and Technical Communication </td><td> $25,740</td></tr> <tr><td> University of Southern California </td><td> Master of Communication Management (MCM) <br/> M.S. in Communication Data Science </td><td> $46,272</td></tr> <tr><td> University of the Pacific </td><td> M.A. in Communication: Media and Public Relations, Communication Education, Political Communication, and Communication Studies </td><td> $48,904</td></tr> </table><p><i> Source: *NCES.</i> </p><p>Many public and private schools in California offer master's programs in communication. These programs focus on specific areas like health communication, strategic communication, and professional communication.</p>