Best Online Master’s in Communications 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN COMMUNICATIONS
By Dave Tomar and Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online master’s in communications degree programs to prepare students to apply for executive and managerial positions.

Key Takeaways

  • Master’s in communication programs prepare graduates to work as managers, directors, or college professors in higher education.
  • By enrolling in online programs, master’s in communications students can decide whether to study communication in general or focus on a particular subfield, such as political communication, strategic and organizational communication, or corporate and organizational communication.
  • In an online master of communications, learners acquire the competency unique to their industry or focus of study.

Top 10 Online Master's in Communications Degrees in 2025

  1. University of Southern California
  2. Boston University
    +1
  3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    +1
  4. Syracuse University
    –2
  5. University of Georgia
  6. Florida State University
  7. Fordham University
  8. University of Alabama
  9. University of Kentucky
    +2
  10. Baylor University
    +3

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online master’s in communications degrees saw a considerable amount of change. Baylor University gained the most ranking positions as the university has introduced several enhancements to its Master of Arts in Communication program to better serve students. The program now offers three distinct completion paths—thesis, professional project, and internship—allowing students to tailor their studies to align with their career goals.

Additionally, the curriculum has been updated to include courses in modern communication theory and various research methodologies, providing a comprehensive foundation in both humanistic and social-scientific inquiry. The university has also expanded opportunities for interdisciplinary coursework, enabling students to take relevant courses outside the Department of Communication to broaden their academic experience.

Featured Programs

25 Best Online Master’s in Communications Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,128
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $86,060
    Salary after 4 years: $105,044
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MCM in Communication Management
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $64,712
    Expenses: $21,195
    Starting Salary: $73,558
    Salary after 4 years: $89,784
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Health Communication
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $12,527
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $66,204
    Salary after 4 years: $77,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Digital Communication
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 30 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $46,318
    Expenses: $22,086
    Starting Salary: $67,065
    Salary after 4 years: $81,859
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Communications

    Concentrations

    • Advertising
    • Journalism Innovation
    • Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $10,268
    Expenses: $16,926
    Starting Salary: $56,870
    Salary after 4 years: $66,574
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Arts

    Concentrations

    • Journalism & Mass Communication
    • Emerging Media
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 12-16 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,553
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $51,867
    Salary after 4 years: $60,716
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Communication Science and Disorders
    • Required Credits: 61
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    #2 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #8 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $25,954
    Expenses: $27,583
    Starting Salary: $64,933
    Salary after 4 years: $79,256
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Strategic Marketing Communications
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,740
    Expenses: $21,482
    Starting Salary: $49,653
    Salary after 4 years: $58,125
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Advertising and Public Relations

    Concentrations

    • Marketing Communication Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MA in Communication Studies

    Concentrations

    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    #14 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/24

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Kentucky

    Cost of Degree: $14,330
    Expenses: $21,886
    Starting Salary: $51,963
    Salary after 4 years: $60,829
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Information Communication Technology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Baylor University

    Waco , TX
    #1 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #6 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/30

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Baylor University

    Cost of Degree: $41,130
    Expenses: $19,425
    Starting Salary: $56,598
    Salary after 4 years: $69,083
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Executive Communication
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 2.5-3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Delaware

    Newark , DE
    #1 Best Colleges in Delaware 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Delaware 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Delaware 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Delaware 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Delaware

    Cost of Degree: $19,546
    Expenses: $17,638
    Starting Salary: $61,586
    Salary after 4 years: $72,093
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Strategic Communication

    Concentrations

    • Public Relations
    • Digital And Social Media
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/25

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Cost of Degree: $8,168
    Expenses: $18,548
    Starting Salary: $50,712
    Salary after 4 years: $59,364
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Journalism & Mass Communications

    Concentrations

    • Professional Journalism
    • Integrated Media Communications
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MA in Public Communication
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Texas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $9,518
    Expenses: $16,170
    Starting Salary: $59,276
    Salary after 4 years: $69,390
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Agricultural Communications
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Mass Communication
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Strategic Communication and Innovation
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Technical Communication
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,334
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $50,038
    Salary after 4 years: $58,576
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Mass Communication

    Concentrations

    • Global Strategic Communications
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Telecommunications and Networking

    Concentrations

    • Business
    • Communications
    • Software
    • Security
    • Wireless And Sensor Network
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $8,872
    Expenses: $18,300
    Starting Salary: $49,268
    Salary after 4 years: $57,675
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in English

    Concentrations

    • Technical Communication
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of North Texas

    Denton , TX
    #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of North Texas

    Cost of Degree: $9,062
    Expenses: $15,823
    Starting Salary: $47,440
    Salary after 4 years: $55,534
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Digital Communication Analytics
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $11,214
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $41,570
    Salary after 4 years: $48,663
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Technical Communication
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA
    #2 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/27

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Drake University

    Cost of Degree: $12,777
    Expenses: $17,136
    Starting Salary: $66,580
    Salary after 4 years: $81,267
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Communication

    Concentrations

    • Brand Communication
    • Communication Leadership
    • Public Affairs & Advocacy
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    MPA in Public Administration

    Concentrations

    • Executive Leadership Development
    • Healthcare Management Individualized
    • combine courses from MBA
    • MPA and Master of Communication
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare
    • Business Analytics
    • Individualized
    • combine courses from MBA
    • MPA and Master of Communication
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Northern Arizona University

    Flagstaff , AZ
    #3 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Northern Arizona University

    Cost of Degree: $12,547
    Expenses: $17,028
    Starting Salary: $42,917
    Salary after 4 years: $50,240
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Communication

    Concentrations

    • Communication General
    • Documentary Studies
    • Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Sam Houston State University

    Huntsville , TX
    #10 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice #4 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Sam Houston State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,954
    Expenses: $16,966
    Starting Salary: $47,825
    Salary after 4 years: $55,985
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Technical Communication
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Webster University

    Saint Louis , MO
    #10 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Webster University

    Cost of Degree: $13,340
    Expenses: $22,378
    Starting Salary: $46,422
    Salary after 4 years: $56,662
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Advertising And Marketing Communications
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    State University of New York at Oswego

    Oswego , NY
    #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #4 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025 #9 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs #10 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/24

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at State University of New York at Oswego

    Cost of Degree: $12,542
    Expenses: $18,740
    Starting Salary: $45,323
    Salary after 4 years: $53,056
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $8,550
    Expenses: $14,366
    Starting Salary: $39,549
    Salary after 4 years: $46,297
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    St. Bonaventure University

    Saint Bonaventure , NY
    #7 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025 #20 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025 #22 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/28

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at St. Bonaventure University

    Cost of Degree: $15,850
    Expenses: $17,200
    Starting Salary: $51,074
    Salary after 4 years: $62,340
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Integrated Marketing Communications
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Communications Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Communication

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,632
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,328
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $49,227
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $57,626
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 6 years
  • Job Growth: 4.14%
  • Number of Jobs: 926,700
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Public Relations Managers6.89%$134,760
Fundraising Managers6.02%$119,200
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary3.43%$79,910
Editors-2.01%$75,020
Writers and Authors5.11%$73,690

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Public Relations Managers$134,760
Fundraising Managers$119,200
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$79,910
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

A communications professional must master language’s subtleties and convey messages strategically. Whether you’re currently working in the communication or media sector or want to shift to a different career path altogether, enrolling in the best online master’s in communications can be a great tool in your arsenal.

A graduate degree in communications teaches students to take their skills to the next level, to become expert wordsmiths who can make words, ideas, and messages that cut through the crowd of competition and grab the intended audience’s attention.

Communication professionals are invaluable assets to any business or organization in today’s world of sensory overload, attention deficits, and competing messages. Consequently, the employment demand in the media and communication sectors is projected to increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Advanced concepts in public relations, marketing, advertising, administration, political advocacy, journalism, and mass communication are the core courses in an online master’s in communication program, preparing graduates for even higher professional opportunities.

Job Occupations for Master’s in Communications Graduates

In addition to business administration, radio and television, digital media, marketing, traditional media, public relations, advertising, and government and public affairs, master’s degree in communications programs opens up many career opportunities.

Check out some jobs in the job market after finishing an online master’s in communications.

Advertising Manager

Media organizations sell ad space through advertising managers. They are in charge of creating promotional campaigns for a client or a highly advertised business.

They decide on the best medium for advertising initiatives, such as radio, web, print, television, and billboards. Market research is conducted, followed by an analysis of the results to identify prospects for firms in terms of consumers and markets.

Ethical Communicator

A communications professional who can speak with authority about ethics and values is a very important skill that businesses seek out. The work of an ethical communicator involves spreading a message of honesty and transparency both within and outside an organization.

Journalist

Despite the changing media landscape, traditional and contemporary journalists must have excellent communication skills and the knowledge to provide accurate information to the world.

Public Relations Manager

Much like public relations specialists, public relations managers handle publicity and work to enhance brand image. They communicate anything regarding the brand’s concept, ideas, and messages. Their roles include cultivating relationships with brand partners, sponsors, and customers.

Marketing Consultant

Marketing consultants assist companies in understanding their customers and creating effective strategic brand communication. One of the primary roles of a marketing consultant’s job is to conduct marketing campaigns. The effectiveness and efficiency of a marketing campaign are determined by how well it reaches targeted audiences.

Technical Communicator

The primary role of a technical communicator is to describe a product or service or explain how and when to use it, or describe the steps in a procedure. This communications professional performs a critical role in many companies worldwide.

Copywriter

Copywriting aims to inform people about the advantages of underlying products or services. All niches use copywriting services. These professionals work closely with editors and clients for feedback.

Businesses use the skills of copywriters to market their products and services, to build sales pages and e-mail sequences. These copywriting services are critical skills for many businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Communications Degrees

Professionals who earn their master’s in communications will advance their education and acquire marketable skills through more focused coursework.

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Master’s communication programs are about 30 to 38 credits and typically take one to two years to complete depending on your area of specialization.

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Students can take online or on-campus courses, and areas of concentration include conflict and mediation, family communication, rhetoric and argumentation, global strategy communications, public interest communications, and online communications.

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Because of the more tailored curriculum, graduates will be prepared to apply for executive and managerial positions, such as marketing consultants, market research analysts, human resources managers, sales account executives, and learning and development analysts.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in communications.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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