Best Online Master’s in Communication Programs
Timeline to a Master’s in Communication & Post-Grad Possibilities
The online master’s in communication degree is often sought after by professionals who have been working in or near the communications field for a while and have a specific career path in mind, as well as those who choose to enter the program immediately upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Either way, students in an online master’s in communication program can expect to take several high-level courses that will prepare them for meaningful work in the communications field. Read on to learn more about what students can gain from earning an online master’s in communication degree.
Best Online Master’s in Communication
Earning an online master’s in communication degree can be the ticket to a variety of promising career paths. With so many online programs available, finding the right program can be tricky. Our rankings focus on important criteria to consider when making this important decision: graduation rates, tuition costs and teacher-student ratio. These rankings can help aspiring communication students narrow down options to create a shorter, more manageable list.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$56,232
- Out-of-state$56,232
- In-State$56,067
- Out-of-state$56,067
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled22,448
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment2%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$57,256
- Out-of-state$57,256
- In-State$46,272
- Out-of-state$46,272
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled48,321
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationYes
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,500
- Out-of-state$28,500
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled9,860
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Queens University of Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,438
- Out-of-state$34,438
- In-State$13,824
- Out-of-state$13,824
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled2,463
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Mississippi College
- Clinton, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,550
- Out-of-state$17,550
- In-State$11,250
- Out-of-state$11,250
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate42%
- Students Enrolled4,733
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$52,146
- Out-of-state$52,146
- In-State$35,181
- Out-of-state$35,181
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled24,205
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,000
- Out-of-state$37,000
- In-State$10,345
- Out-of-state$10,345
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled2,277
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Quinnipiac University
- Hamden, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$46,790
- Out-of-state$46,790
- In-State$18,990
- Out-of-state$18,990
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled9,708
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,350
- Out-of-state$55,350
- In-State$55,350
- Out-of-state$55,350
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled27,079
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
South Dakota State University
- Brookings, SD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,697
- Out-of-state$11,172
- In-State$8,083
- Out-of-state$15,541
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled11,512
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Lasell University
- Newton, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,700
- Out-of-state$35,700
- In-State$10,800
- Out-of-state$10,800
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled2,041
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Marist College
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$39,925
- Out-of-state$39,925
- In-State$15,300
- Out-of-state$15,300
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled6,738
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Kent State University at Kent
- Kent, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,602
- Out-of-state$19,478
- In-State$11,766
- Out-of-state$21,952
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled27,716
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Troy University
- Troy, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,800
- Out-of-state$15,600
- In-State$7,650
- Out-of-state$15,300
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled16,436
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,942
- Out-of-state$32,942
- In-State$12,830
- Out-of-state$12,830
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled11,045
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Lincoln, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,560
- Out-of-state$24,000
- In-State$5,976
- Out-of-state$17,280
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled25,390
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University-Main Campus
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled45,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
- Fargo, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,275
- Out-of-state$12,413
- In-State$6,743
- Out-of-state$10,115
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled13,173
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Gonzaga University
- Spokane, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,280
- Out-of-state$44,280
- In-State$16,672
- Out-of-state$16,672
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled7,537
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationYes
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
The Online Communication Master’s Degree Timeline
The online master’s in communication degree is designed for those who want to hone their skills in one particular area of communications or already have a strong background in journalism, English and the like, and want to shift gears a bit to enter a communications career. Depending on the school, the master’s degree typically takes between one and two years to complete. Those who choose to attend school part-time might take up to three years to complete the coursework. But before the work begins, the application process must be conquered.
Application Process
The master’s program is rigorous, and schools expect to see many qualified applicants, so it’s important to work hard and stand out from the pack. The following requirements are necessary to create a stellar application.
- 1
Provide proof of bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree is the absolute prerequisite for the master’s program in communications. In addition, some schools require students to earn a minimum GPA during their undergraduate education, as well as complete certain courses, such as Public Speaking, Advanced English or Communication, that will serve them well during the pursuit of the master’s degree. The proof can be submitted through official transcripts. Some schools will allow students to send the transcripts themselves, while others might require the transcripts to be sent electronically from the awarding institution.
- 2
Provide a resume
Many schools will give more weight to the application of someone who has pursued a career in a communications field; the resume will provide evidence of that experience, through formal employment, internship or volunteer work. Be sure to include specific details on any job that relates in any way, to communications.
- 3
Write a statement of purpose
Why communications? A strong statement of purpose explaining why this particular field is the ultimate goal can help a student stand out from the competitive pack of applicants. Show how communications is already a big part of the career plan, as well as how the master’s degree is a necessary step in order to achieve the dreams of working in the communications field.
- 4
Obtain recommendations
Recommendations from employers, coworkers, former professors, and others who can verify academic and professional accomplishments are a vitally important part of the application. Some schools will require students to obtain letters of recommendation themselves, while others will simply require the student to provide contact information, which will then be used by the school to reach out to these contacts on the student’s behalf.
- 5
Submit official GRE scores
Many schools require GRE scores for communications majors. This requirement might be waived if the student has met a certain minimum GPA in their undergraduate work, especially courses that pertain to communication, or has at least five years of proven work experience in a related profession. Since GRE scores might take several weeks to get to the admissions office, it is important to take the test early so as to not miss important application deadlines.
- 6
Submit application and necessary fees
The application must be submitted by the deadline, along with the application fee. Some schools have a rolling application process, which means students can submit their application anytime throughout the year. It’s important to remember, however, that GRE scores, recommendations and other documents must be dated within a certain time frame relevant to the application. Prompt submission matters, so documents need to be current. For example, send GRE scores within six months of the date, and recommendations within three months.
- 7
Make sure technology is up-to-date
Online education is made possible through an internet connection, the right software and proper hardware. Ensuring a computer system is up-to-date and capable of handling the workload is a very important part of starting any online degree. Look at the requirements listed for online students on the school’s website, and ensure that all computers used for the program are up to par. If not, now is the time to upgrade, before the first class begins.
Year 1 Milestones
During the first year of a master’s in communication program, students will brush up on the skills they learned while earning their bachelor’s degrees, as well as hone new ones that they can use immediately in the field. The following are important milestones that can be expected for communications students.
Dive into the concentration
The world of communications offers numerous concentrations, including public and media relations, political communication, health communication, applied research, digital communication and non-profit work. The first year will introduce the student to the concentration with in-depth core classes that set the foundation for further learning.
Brush up on applicable concepts
For those who took time away from school after earning a bachelor’s degree, this essential overview of previous concepts can serve as a nice refresher course, and helps the student see areas of their current work where those concepts might apply. These required courses will also delve into research and writing skills that must be top-notch for serious communication students.
Start research for major projects
Now is the time to put those hard-earned research skills to good use. During the first year of the program, students will be expected to choose their thesis topic or begin their work on a capstone project. These projects require a large time commitment and will involve in-depth research and writing on a unique topic that closely relates to the communication field.
Year 2 Milestones
The second year dives deeper into the concentration, allowing students an opportunity to pepper their curriculum with electives that further enhance what they want to learn from their education. Now is the time when students are truly putting their writing and research skills to the test, as well as using their newfound knowledge as a way to enhance their careers.
Take advanced courses
The second year is usually the final year of study for full-time students, and it’s all about the more specialized core courses that make up the bulk of the concentration. These courses are very focused on the chosen path of the communication professional. For example, those who are interested in political communication will focus on lobbying, spokesperson development, campaign management, polling strategies and other related courses.
Put knowledge into action
In addition to studying these subjects in-depth, students will put them into action in their day-to-day jobs. Since most master’s degree students are also full-time or part-time employees, they will be able to take their newfound knowledge to work with them. For example, someone working on a health communication major can begin working with colleagues to create new crisis communication strategies or ensure the old ones are up to par.
Final project draws to a close
For many students, those last few months are a mad scramble of research and writing as the big project finally comes to an end. This might be the capstone project, the thesis or simply preparing for the comprehensive final examination, which depends on what the school decides as the best way to prove the amount of knowledge a student has learned and retained.
Plan out the future
By the time the second year ends, communication students usually have a very good idea of what they want to do with their new degree. This is the time to plan out the future by applying for various jobs in the communication field, taking on extra projects at work to set the stage for a promotion or rehearsing the best way to present a raise request to the boss.
Graduation Requirements
Each school will have their own graduation requirements. The most basic requirement is to complete all courses satisfactorily and finish out the program with a minimum GPA. However, other requirements also come into play. Here’s what to expect:
A minimum GPA
Completing the coursework is not enough; most schools require that it be completed with a minimum grade. Though a 3.0 is the common requirement, it depends on the school, and in some cases, the program itself. The most important part will be the core courses; which are almost always required to be completed with a higher GPA than other courses.
The master’s thesis
Many online master’s in communication programs require a thesis to wrap up the educational experience. The thesis will focus on a unique question or situation in the world of communication. For example, someone interested in media and public relations might look toward questions of how social media affects how news travels, while those in political communication might explore new ways of polling potential voters.
The capstone project
Rather than expecting a thesis, some schools require a capstone project. This is essentially the same process as the thesis, as heavy research and writing will be required. However, the capstone might go further by requiring hands-on work by the student. As an example, those in broadcast communications might try different types of reporting and then poll audiences to determine how the reporting worked in getting their attention.
Final examination
Some schools might also require a final examination. This comprehensive exam focuses on all the points students are expected to learn during the master’s in communication program, and proves that students know how to apply that knowledge to practical applications. The examination will cover many of the core concepts of the concentration as well as communication in general.
Core Principles and Skills Learned in an Online Communication Program
Master’s in Communication
- 1
Analyze how theory relates to practical application
Students will not only learn about the essential knowledge and theories of communication, but will be able to translate them into practical applications on the job. Knowledge can be seen in action when graduates work political campaigns, educate the public on health topics, work in public relations departments, join a broadcast team or work to get their message out on digital media.
- 2
Earn real-world job skills
The skills a communication graduate learns during the master’s program will definitely come into play in their job; common skills include analyzing an issue from all sides, appropriately conveying information to select audiences, researching pertinent issues, writing succinct reports, and creating and implementing new strategies that enhance the public, organization or individual experience.
- 3
Boost critical thinking and problem solving skills
One of the most important skills to take away from a master’s in communication education is the ability to think critically about current issues and solve problems, whether long-term or short-term, with solutions that will foster true change over time. In the world of communication, those skills can translate into a wide variety of jobs, including campaign managers, public relations specialists, health advocates, digital media specialists and researchers.
- 4
Conduct in-depth research and analysis
Being a good researcher is another important skill that will carry a communications graduate through their lifelong career. Researching the current issues, as well as understanding the historical context, is a vital component of creating new approaches in the communications world. From researching how individuals get their news to analyzing how communication between teachers and parents affects the way students learn, there is no limit to the possibilities that come with top-notch research in this field.
After Your Degree: What to do with a Master’s in Communication
Many positions in communications require a bachelor’s degree, but a whole new world of opportunity opens up with a master’s degree. Those with a master’s in communication degree are trained to take on more responsibility, move into management positions and advance in their current career path or even dive into something new. The following jobs are just a few of the many possibilities available to those who graduate from online master’s in communication programs.
Browse Master’s in Communication Careers
Community Association Manager
These managers work with community associations to manage the daily affairs of a group of homeowners. The daily work might include collecting fees, negotiating with a contractor, resolving complaints, supervising regular maintenance or helping homeowners ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
Mean Annual Wage: $55,380
Growth Potential: 8%
Lobbyist
These very specialized public relations specialists work closely with government entities and lawmakers in the hopes of garnering advantageous legislation for their clients. Lobbyists research regulatory proposals, monitor governmental issues, meet with top lawmakers or their staff, attend hearings, work with other public relations professionals to educate the public and work in concert with lawmakers to develop effective policy strategy.
Mean Annual Wage: $56,770
Growth Potential: 6%
Campaign Manager
Campaign managers work closely with political candidates and their extended team on such things as creating a campaign platform, raising funds to run an election campaign, educating the public on the candidate, managing the campaign budget, advertising and conducting polls. Campaign managers are the behind-the-scenes experts that help ensure a campaign runs smoothly and effectively.
Mean Annual Wage$104,140
Growth Potential 7%
Source: BLS
Additional Resources
Students and professionals in the communications field can benefit from numerous professional associations, networking options and job resources. The following resources are designed to help those in the field of communications, no matter what their concentration and ultimate career goals might be.
