Have you been working in traditional media for years and want to learn the latest social media trends and skills? Perhaps you’re coming from journalism and have a move to digital media on your mind. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to advance in your current career, earning a master’s in communications online could be your next step.
An online master’s degree in communications can help you achieve your goals in a flexible format that lets you work while you earn your degree. And with median annual salaries topping $62,000 for media communications professionals (higher than the average for all occupations), now is a great time to invest in a quality online communication master’s program.
But with so many schools and programs to choose from, how do you know which is for you? We’ve listed this year’s best overall programs to help get you started on your search. Programs were ranked based on their ability to provide an affordable, quality, and flexible education with tailored learning experiences that let students like you earn their master’s the way they want. See which colleges topped our list for 2024, and then continue reading to learn more about what to expect from an online master’s program in communications.
Top Online Master’s Degrees in Communications in 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$
Those who are looking for maximum flexibility while receiving a high-quality education in communication should check out the master’s program from Liberty University. Unlike most programs, Liberty runs their 100% online course in 8 week cycles instead of semester-long course cycles. Students can also choose to start these cycles at various periods of the year and take their courses asynchronously. Along with designing the courses to be optimal for a working professional’s schedule, Liberty University also has online academic and career development resources to help students work toward their professional goals. In order to apply, applicants must have already completed an undergraduate degree. The applicant’s degree doesn’t have to be in the field of communications because the curriculum is designed to be suitable for those new to the field and seasoned professionals.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Communication
- Credits: 33
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $565 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
5
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Communication around the world is changing, so keep up with the most recent communication trends by enrolling in the masters in contemporary communication from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Along with having a specific focus on modern communication methods, the program is also designed to suit a working professional’s schedule. The classes are 100% online and while most classes are synchronous, the course schedule is optimal for those working a 9-5 in communication. While the degree is geared toward those with a communications background, those in adjacent fields, such as marketing, might also find the program useful. By the end of the program, students will be ready to enter or advance in a variety of career fields, including social media management, web communications, public relations, and digital marketing.
Program Highlights:
Master of the Arts in Contemporary Communication
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $580 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
7/1
-
Des Moines, IAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Communication professionals looking to advance their career and boost earning potential should check out the master’s program from Drake University. Geared toward those already working in communication, this degree goes into the advanced communication theories with a specific emphasis on brand communication, communication leadership, and public affairs and advocacy. Because most students enrolled in the program are also working professionals, Drake University designed this 100% online program for maximum flexibility. All courses are offered asynchronously on a six week course schedule, meaning you can take courses whenever and decide how many courses you can take on for each six week period. Thanks to the program’s robust curriculum and career development resources, alumni have reported earning 50% more after completing the program.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Communication
- Credits: 33
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $663 per Credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Jonesboro, ARPublic $
Arkansas State University offers a comprehensive master’s degree in communication that is designed for seasoned professionals and those just entering the field of communication. Their curriculum focuses on a wide breadth of communication types, from creating communication materials for a large audience to getting your point across for a smaller audience. They also have course options for those interested in entering the corporate world or pursuing their doctorate in communications and/or becoming a college instructor. Because most of the students work full-time while pursuing this degree, the masters is 100% online and the synchronous courses are scheduled for times outside the typical 9-5. By the end, students will be prepared to take the next step in their communications career, whether that looks like continuing in academia or advancing a corporate career.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Communication Studies
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $331 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $331 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Clinton, MSPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Mississippi College offers masters in strategic communication, healthcare communication, and integrated communication which are perfect for anyone looking to enter the field of communications or advance their career in the industry. The program covers strategic communication, risk communication, human psychology and behavior, public relations, and interpersonal communication. It also includes courses which address these subjects in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Students also have the option to take coursework which prepares them for the rigor of getting their PhD in communications. To accommodate as many schedules as possible, the program is offered fully online, though classes are synchronous and require in-class participation. They also offer career and academic resources to help busy adults complete their master’s while working full-time or juggling other responsibilities.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Strategic Communication
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $695 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $695 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Integrated Communication
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $695 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Science in Healthcare Communication
- Credits: 32
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $695 per credit hour
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Newton, MAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Salt Lake City, UTPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Lubbock, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Gainesville, GAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Spokane, WAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Indianapolis, INPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Philadelphia, PAPublic $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Fitchburg, MAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Lawrence, KSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
West Lafayette, INPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Murray, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Poughkeepsie, NYPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Morgantown, WVPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
University, MSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Riverside, CAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Nacogdoches, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Springfield, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Bowling Green, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Champaign, ILPublic $$$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Athens, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Warrensburg, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Gainesville, FLPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Livingston, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Boca Raton, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Fort Collins, COPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Tuscaloosa, ALPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Monroe, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Wilmington, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Bronx, NYPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Pullman, WAPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Greenville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Canyon, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Morehead, KYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Oswego, NYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Brookings, SDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Flagstaff, AZPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Cedar City, UTPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Miami, FLPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
25/1
-
Portales, NMPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Denton, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
26/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Goals and Outcomes of an Online Master’s Degree in Communications
Many industries want employees who can communicate well. Whether you want to inspire political change, build a strong community bond for a local nonprofit, or lead campaign ads that entice big spenders to invest in your business, a master’s degree in communication can give you the expertise you need to advance your career. While programs vary in their goals, outcomes, and courses offered, they also must include certain standards to be accredited. Below is a look at what most online master’s degree in communication programs offer at a minimum but be sure to look through the goals and outcomes on each program’s website to discover their unique approach.
Leadership in Communication
Technology continues to evolve and is constantly changing how we communicate with one another. If you want to advance into a leadership role, you’ll need to understand how to select, enhance and integrate media to connect with specific audiences. A leadership course in communication teaches you how to use both traditional and digital communication tools, including delivering digital media using text, photos, audio, video, and websites. You’ll also learn to plan, implement, and oversee effective organizational communication plans.
Building a Network
Most online master’s programs in communication also teach you the importance of collaboration and building a professional network. You’ll have opportunities to network and solve problems alongside your peers. Some programs also offer you access to training resources like task-specific research, statistics programs, and databases.
Data-driven Ethics
Many online communication programs also emphasize ethical decision-making as a media manager. This includes learning about the ethical concerns that come with digital media and communication and how to protect an employee’s or a customer’s privacy. You’ll also learn about surveillance issues, data protection, and the use of blocking and email screening programs within organizations.
Power in Communication
Being able to communicate well verbally and through the written word is a highly sought-after talent in many industries. A master’s degree in communication, and the powerful ability to communicate in a variety of contexts and with a variety of audiences, gives you access to every type of industry around the globe. Whether you’re working in financial services or marketing and advertising or for a government agency, your ability to communicate will be invaluable.
Coursework for Your Online Master’s in Communications
Courses offered by online master’s programs in communications sharpen your expertise in media, marketing, branding, and public relations, among other areas. You’ll graduate able to engage people and have enriching discussions. You’ll also be able to relay information to the public, collaborate with others, adapt to and empower change, and apply critical thinking to solve business challenges. Although specific classes vary by program, the following are courses offered within many online master’s in communications programs.
Communication for Leadership
Strong leaders are expert communicators. This course prepares you for various leadership roles and teaches you to analyze key aspects of leadership in organizations, including examining organizational culture, conflict in interpersonal and organizational settings, and organizational roles and socialization. You’ll also examine your personal experiences within your own relationships and workplaces and learn to apply best practices to improve your communication and leadership skills.
Public Communication Technologies
This course gives you practical tools for managing media and communication technologies for non-profit and for-profit organizations as well as for government agencies. You’ll also learn how communication has evolved through digital technological advancements. Public communication technologies courses also help you understand how the Internet is changing telecommunications, media usage, and other communicational industries on a global scale.
Negotiation Theory and Practice
This course focuses on the theory and practice of negotiating and teaches you how those two components influence one another. You’ll also learn to address the principles of effective negotiation and the impact of emotion and culture, among other factors, on negotiation.
Strategic Communication in a New Age
This class covers the idea that anyone can disseminate mass messages through any number of avenues to reach untapped audiences. It considers how political rhetoric isn’t just a tool used only by the immensely powerful, nor is it restricted to those who have access to a podium. You’ll learn how communication experts can shape messages based on how messages are distributed in politics, popular culture, businesses, advertising, marketing, or in social movements.
Communication and Gender
In this class, you’ll investigate the role of gender and identity and how those affect communication and the life of an organization. You’ll get a theoretical overview of communication and gender as well as opportunities for personal reflection. This course will give you a background and the practical skills needed to recognize any barriers that impede effective communication as well as teach you how to manage gender interactions within organizations.
Communications Capstone
Once you finish your coursework, you’ll be required to apply what you’ve learned in your communication specialization. Some programs require you to complete a thesis, while others challenge you to complete a final project or capstone. In some cases, you’ll design, develop, and execute a communication campaign as a culmination of your studies.
FAQs About Online Communications Master’s Degree Programs
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Can I earn my master’s degree in communications completely online?
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we interact online, and there are more opportunities for online learning than ever before. Many programs still offer you the option to attend in-person classes, but many now also give you the option to study completely online to give you the freedom to complete your educational goals on your time.
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What career opportunities are available for those with an online master’s degree in communications?
As technology advances, so does the methods by which we communicate. That means there will always be a demand for expert communicators. The demand for such occupations arises from the need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information through various platforms. Some of the career opportunities available for those with the skills gained through an online master’s degree in communications include:
- Corporate manager
- Communication consultant
- Fundraising manager
- Human resources manager
- Market research analyst
- Media producer
- Postsecondary educator
- Public relations specialist
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What accreditation should I look for in an online master’s communications degree program?
Accreditation ensures that a school or program meets a certain quality of education. Credits earned from accredited institutions are typically more widely accepted and easily transferred. Although most communications programs don’t have specialized programmatic accreditation, the schools offering them should have institutional accreditation. Institutional accrediting organizations include the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The U.S. Department of Education provides a list of institutional accrediting agencies and a database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs, so you can check a school’s accreditation status.
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What does the admissions process look like for an online master’s in communications?
You can apply for a communications master’s program if you have a bachelor’s degree in a related field or a master’s degree in any field from an accredited institution. Most online master’s degree programs require you to submit undergraduate transcripts and an application with an application fee. Many programs also require a personal statement and a resume or several academic references. There’s also often a GPA requirement.
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How much does an online master’s degree in communications cost?
Tuition costs vary depending on the number of credits, the program you choose, and where you live. The Online Master of Arts in Communication through Arizona State University, for example, costs $15,800 a year for in-state residents taking 18 credit hours per semester. Strictly online programs may offer lower tuition costs, such as the Master’s in Communication Online at Southern New Hampshire University with its tuition costs of $7,050 to $9,405 for 15 credits for all students. Keep in mind that any receive financial aid you receive will affect your overall cost as well.
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How long is a master’s degree in communications online?
The amount of time it takes to earn your master’s degree in communications depends on how many credits you take per semester. You’ll finish much more quickly in an accelerated program and by attending school full-time than you will as a part-time student. Most programs, require about 30 credits, which can take up to two years to complete. Other programs, like the Online Master’s Degree in Strategic and Digital Communication at Drexel University, require 45 credits and take a bit longer to complete.
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Which specializations are offered for a master’s degree in communications?
Many online master’s in communications programs, like the graduate communication programs at Villanova University and the MA in Communication Studies at The University of Alabama, offer specializations. Not all master’s degrees in communications programs have defined specializations, though. Common specializations include:
- Communication and critical/cultural studies
- Journalism and new media
- Mediated communication
- Organizations leadership
- Public relations and advertising
Job Demand and Salary Potential with your Master’s Degree in Communications
The median annual wage for those in media and communications is $62,340 as of May 2021. However, your salary also depends on your specialization. The table below shows median annual earnings for just a few of the many communication careers you can pursue after obtaining your online master’s degree in communications. Also notice that most of these careers are in demand and growing at or above the national average of 5% for all occupations.
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Interpreter and translator | $49,110 | 20% |
| Public relations specialist | $62,800 | 8% |
| Editor | $63,350 | -5% |
| Postsecondary teacher | $79,640 | 12% |
| Management analyst | $93,000 | 11 |
| Human resources manager | $126,230 | 7% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
