Best Online Master’s in Communications Degrees
An impressive number of colleges and universities offer online master’s degrees in communications. Deciding which school is right for you might not be easy, so use our rankings to get started. Discover which programs rose to the top of the list for Best Online Master’s in Communications Degrees for 2017.
| Rank | University Name | Score | Net Price | Financial aid percent | Online Programs Aavailable | Student-Teacher Ratio | Grad Rate | University Information | Credit for Experience | Placement Services | Counseling Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Webster University | Score99.77 | Net Price |
Financial aid %94% |
#Online programs4 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate64% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 2 | Quincy University | Score93.83 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate56% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 3 | Mississippi College | Score93.55 | Net Price |
Financial aid %99% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate62% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 4 | Columbia University in the City of New York | Score93.53 | Net Price |
Financial aid %46% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate95% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 5 | Canisius College | Score93.08 | Net Price |
Financial aid %99% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate68% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 6 | Notre Dame of Maryland University | Score92.93 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate48% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 7 | Arizona State University-Tempe | Score92.88 | Net Price |
Financial aid %86% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate58% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 8 | St Bonaventure University | Score92.72 | Net Price |
Financial aid %100% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate64% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 9 | University of Bridgeport | Score92.71 | Net Price |
Financial aid %95% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate32% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 10 | Troy University | Score92.31 | Net Price |
Financial aid %45% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate35% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 11 | Liberty University | Score92.30 | Net Price |
Financial aid %78% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate46% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 12 | Purdue University-Main Campus | Score92.25 | Net Price |
Financial aid %47% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate70% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 13 | Queens University of Charlotte | Score92.22 | Net Price |
Financial aid %98% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate52% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 14 | Johns Hopkins University | Score92.07 | Net Price |
Financial aid %48% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate92% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 15 | Northern Arizona University | Score91.96 | Net Price |
Financial aid %66% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate49% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 16 | Lasell College | Score91.87 | Net Price |
Financial aid %96% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate44% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 17 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Score91.86 | Net Price |
Financial aid %37% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate53% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 18 | Northwestern University | Score91.78 | Net Price |
Financial aid %54% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate93% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 19 | University of Memphis | Score91.73 | Net Price |
Financial aid %40% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate40% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 20 | Spring Arbor University | Score91.67 | Net Price |
Financial aid %99% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate52% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 21 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Score91.53 | Net Price |
Financial aid %69% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate65% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 22 | Montana State University-Billings | Score91.41 | Net Price |
Financial aid %54% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate33% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 23 | University of Central Missouri | Score91.35 | Net Price |
Financial aid %60% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate49% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 24 | Kent State University at Kent | Score91.31 | Net Price |
Financial aid %75% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate52% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 25 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Score91.27 | Net Price |
Financial aid %42% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate84% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 26 | West Virginia University | Score91.15 | Net Price |
Financial aid %57% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate56% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 27 | National University | Score91.07 | Net Price |
Financial aid %1% |
#Online programs2 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate23% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 28 | East Carolina University | Score90.79 | Net Price |
Financial aid %50% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate58% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 29 | Southern Utah University | Score90.75 | Net Price |
Financial aid %63% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate36% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 30 | Seton Hall University | Score90.73 | Net Price |
Financial aid %97% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate67% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 31 | South Dakota State University | Score90.71 | Net Price |
Financial aid %53% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate56% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 32 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | Score90.64 | Net Price |
Financial aid %85% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate47% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 33 | Washington State University | Score90.49 | Net Price |
Financial aid %51% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate67% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 34 | University of Colorado Denver | Score90.00 | Net Price |
Financial aid %48% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate45% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 35 | University of Florida | Score89.51 | Net Price |
Financial aid %29% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate85% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 36 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Score89.44 | Net Price |
Financial aid %47% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate72% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 37 | Austin Peay State University | Score88.89 | Net Price |
Financial aid %21% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate36% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| 38 | Kennesaw State University | Score86.73 | Net Price |
Financial aid %1% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
|
Grad Rate37% | Credit for ExperienceYes | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
Timeline of an Online Master’s in Communications
Getting in: The Application Process
Professionals seeking a master’s in communications must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, and many programs require a minimum amount of work experience. With so many programs available, application requirements vary greatly, so students should research each school on their short list to determine exactly what requirements are needed. Below is a list of typical requirements:
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GRE scores
Colleges and universities may require applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for entrance into a master’s in communications program. Many programs will waive the GRE requirement for applicants with five or more years of work experience.
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Transcripts (paper/electronic)
Students must request official transcripts from prior college experience and send them to the graduate program. Many master’s in communications programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above for admission.
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Resume
A complete history of work experience and internships should be compiled and written in resume format. Graduate programs will use this information to determine whether to admit applicants and sometimes whether to waive the GRE requirement based on years of work experience.
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Statement of purpose
The statement of academic purpose addresses applicants’ objective in pursuing a communications degree, the specific skills they will bring to the program, and an explanation of which aspects of the program may present challenges.
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Supplemental essay
The program may require a supplemental essay covering a topic chosen by the program’s administration. The essay may, for example, ask applicants to share their opinion on a case study or describe the most significant professional challenge they have faced and how they overcame it.
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Academic interview
Some programs may require an interview with an academic advisor as part of the application process, in which applicants can express their personal and professional interests in the communications field.
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Letters of recommendation
Students should work with current or former advisors or faculty members to gather letters of recommendation. Applicants can also request letters of recommendation from supervisors or managers who they have worked with in relevant professional experience. The letters should address students’ ability to think critically, to analyze and organize complex information, and to write fluently.
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Proof of financial support
Some schools may require proof of how students will finance their graduate education.
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English language proficiency
Applicants who are not native English speakers may be required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or PT Academic exams to prove English proficiency. Some master’s in communications programs set minimum score requirements to assure that international applicants have strong English language abilities—a crucial skill for successful communications students.
Year 1
During the first year of a master’s in communication, students will take graduate-level core classes in combination with electives from different concentrations. The focus will be on both building a foundation in communications and exposing students to each of the areas of concentration. Topics may include strategic communications, crisis communications, ethics, communication theory, strategy, planning or social media. Near the end of a student’s first year, they may have the opportunity to discuss their concentration plan with an advisor.
Year 2
After the first year, most core classes will be completed, and students will have the option to select more elective courses, typically within their given concentration. These courses dive deeper into communications topics and vary greatly depending on the program. Many programs offer different tracks, including marketing communications, media and entertainment management, health and social change, international and intercultural communications, new communication technologies and organizational and strategic corporate communications. The final year of a master’s program is also designed for students to complete their thesis, capstone project, or practicum requirements in order to demonstrate their ability in communications.
Testing & Graduation Requirements
The graduation requirements go beyond courses to focus on ensuring students have learned the proper skills and knowledge to have a successful career in communications. Most schools choose from the following options when putting together the graduation requirements for an online communications master’s program:
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Thesis
Some programs require master’s of communications students to produce a written thesis. A thesis is an original, systematic and scholarly study of a significant communication problem. Students identify a problem, explain the significance of the study, describe their methods of gathering original information, analyze the results, draw conclusions and typically offer recommendations for further research. Completing a thesis requirement generally prepares students to continue their studies with a PhD in communications.
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Oral Defense
In some cases, online students are required to defend and present their thesis to a committee. During this time, the members of the committee ask questions about the completed research and field of study and the student has the opportunity to defend their research, analysis, and conclusions.
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Communication Capstone
Students may be required to complete a capstone project as a stand-alone requirement or in addition to a thesis. Students are presented with a communication issue and are then expected to research the topic, design a solution to, and develop an action plan. Examples of capstone projects include websites, interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
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Complete Graduation Application
The easiest graduation requirement is filling out and submitting an application for graduation. Many schools recommend that this application be filled out at least one semester before the anticipated graduation date.
The Return on a Master’s in Communications: Career & Salary
A master’s in communications is a versatile degree, and graduates are not limited to one field or industry. Moreover, this is truly a degree that can be applied to almost any position. Here are some of the more common careers — and the academic concentrations that lead to them.
ConcentrationsDigital Marketing
As new technologies, social networks and communications methods emerge, roles focused on digital marketing and communications will continue to grow. Students with an interest in digital marketing can apply their master’s in communications by focusing on strategic planning, content strategy, social media and analytics.
Plans social media updates, manages company reputation online, and builds relationships with customers.
Manages and creates various content pieces, including email, blogs, social media and Web content. May manage or produce videos and photography. Measures how the content performs and resonates with customers and potential customers.
Manages online marketing strategy, including pay-per-click advertising, inbound marketing, social media strategy and online brand engagement.
Government
There are many job opportunities for public relations and communications specialists in the public sector. From national government to local parks and recreation agencies, opportunities abound for students who want to use communications to serve the public.
Coordinates communications or acts as the spokesperson for certain government organizations. The primary responsibility of a PIO is to provide information to the media and public as required by law and according to professional standards.
Forges a relationship between an organization and a community, often by attending meetings and/or building online communities. May craft and disseminate communications materials such as fliers and press releases.
Provides assistance to organizations seeking to create communications programs or campaigns.
Health Communications
There are many opportunities for communications professionals in the health fields. Positions can be found at government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits and other care facilities.
Coordinates communications or acts as the spokesperson for certain government organizations. The primary responsibility of a PIO is to provide information to the media and public as required by law and according to professional standards.
Forges a relationship between an organization and a community, often by attending meetings and/or building online communities. May craft and disseminate communications materials such as fliers and press releases.
Manages communications campaigns and may manage a team of communications and marketing professionals.
Provides oversight of public relations activities and strategic direction. Liaises with media professionals and organizational leadership.
Marketing
Marketing combines skills such as writing and the visual arts to create promotional campaigns that are directly tied to an organization’s goals. Marketers measure campaign success in a variety of ways, including online analytics, surveys and brand engagement.
Creates, manages and measures effectiveness of marketing and advertising campaigns.
Manages online marketing strategy, including pay-per-click advertising, inbound marketing, social media strategy and online brand engagement.
Manages and creates various content pieces, including email, blogs, social media and Web content. May manage or produce videos and photography. Measures how the content performs and resonates with customers and potential customers.
Plans social media updates, manages company reputation online, and builds relationships with customers.
Leads and directs a team of communication professionals. Provides guidance and strategic direction that aligns with a corporate mission.
Public Relations
Public relations professionals help organizations maintain their public image. They work closely with company leadership to create messaging that leads to positive media exposure.
Provides oversight of public relations activities and strategic direction. Liaises with media professionals and organizational leadership.
Provides assistance to organizations seeking to create communications programs or campaigns.
Leads and directs a team of communication professionals. Provides guidance and strategic direction that aligns with a corporate mission.
A communications master’s degree prepares one for a variety of career paths in writing, editing and public relations. Additional experience and education can open up many new paths for these professionals throughout the course of their careers. For instance, Gonzaga University reports that more than 50 percent of graduates from its master’s in communication and leadership studies program were able to take on new responsibilities at work, and 32 percent were promoted within a year after earning their degree.
Just 24 percent of communications specialists have a master’s degree, according to Salary.com. But with employment of public relations specialists expected to increase by 12 percent from 2012 to 2022, investing in a master’s degree in communications could be a sound investment. Public relations managers have even better job prospects, as seen in the numbers below:
Additional Resources & Links
There are many resources for students seeking to learn more about communications, network with current practitioners, or find communications templates and resources.
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AdAge
A Buzzfeed for advertisers, this website posts profiles of top agencies, media campaigns and marketing trends.
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Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
CDC’s “Gateway to Communication and Social Marketing Practice” is a toolkit for communications professionals to build health communications campaigns.
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Hubspot Blog
With the motto “where marketers go to grow,” Hubspot has featured posts on marketing advice, templates and case studies.
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Journal of Health Communication
The Journal of Health Communication, produced by George Washington University, publishes academic information about this specialized communications subset.
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National Information Officer Association
The NIOA, which is explicitly for public information officers, provides educational resources, professional networking opportunities and training events.
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The PR Coach
Public relations professionals can get tips of the trade and news updates, as well as the inside scoop on available jobs.
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PRSA.org
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is geared toward both public relations professionals and college students hoping to enter the PR realm. It serves as the standard bearer of excellence in the field by offering attractive professional development opportunities.
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Shankman.com
Peter Shankman is a public relations expert. On his website, he provides his outside-the-box thoughts on all things PR.