Online learning gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with professional and personal responsibilities.
An online master's in communication program covers topics like fundraising and political campaigns, marketing, political advocacy, and public relations.
Graduates of online communication master's degree programs can work in fields like advertising, administration, and public relations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth for many of these careers, including advertising, promotions, and marketing managers; public relations and fundraising managers; and postsecondary education administrators.
#1 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY |
#2 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
#3 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA |
#4 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL |
#5 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY |
#6 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC |
#7 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI |
#8 | University of Florida - Online | Gainesville, FL |
#9 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN |
#10 | University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO |
The Best Online Master’s in Communications Degree Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Columbia University in the City of New York |
New York, NY Apply Now | ||
2 |
Johns Hopkins University |
Baltimore, MD Apply Now | ||
3 |
University of Iowa |
Iowa City, IA Apply Now | ||
4 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Champaign, IL Apply Now | ||
5 |
Syracuse University |
Syracuse, NY Apply Now | ||
6 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Chapel Hill, NC Apply Now | ||
7 |
Michigan State University |
East Lansing, MI Apply Now | ||
8 |
University of Florida - Online |
Gainesville, FL Apply Now | ||
9 |
Purdue University-Main Campus |
West Lafayette, IN Apply Now | ||
10 |
University of Missouri-Columbia |
Columbia, MO Apply Now | ||
11 |
The University of Alabama |
Tuscaloosa, AL Apply Now | ||
12 |
American University |
Washington, DC Apply Now | ||
13 |
Washington State University |
Pullman, WA Apply Now | ||
14 |
Drexel University |
Philadelphia, PA Apply Now | ||
15 |
University of Denver |
Denver, CO Apply Now | ||
16 |
Colorado State University-Fort Collins |
Fort Collins, CO Apply Now | ||
17 |
West Virginia University |
Morgantown, WV Apply Now | ||
18 |
Texas Tech University |
Lubbock, TX Apply Now | ||
19 |
Gonzaga University |
Spokane, WA Apply Now | ||
20 |
Florida International University |
Miami, FL Apply Now | ||
21 |
Regent University |
Virginia Beach, VA Apply Now | ||
22 |
South Dakota State University |
Brookings, SD Apply Now | ||
23 |
Sam Houston State University |
Huntsville, TX Apply Now | ||
24 |
Concordia University-Saint Paul |
Saint Paul, MN Apply Now | ||
25 |
Marist College |
Poughkeepsie, NY Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
Online Master's in Communications Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected the programs based on the quality of the program, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school's reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.
What is a Master's in Communications Degree?
Communications master's degree programs explore advanced topics, including branding, strategic communication management, persuasion, political communication, and multimedia authoring. Most communications curricula also include focused writing courses in specialty areas, like writing for public relations, speeches, opinion writing, and promotional writing. Many programs emphasize digital media, which prepares students to manage online marketing and social media accounts.
Most communications curricula also include focused writing courses in specialty areas, like writing for public relations, speeches, opinion writing, and promotional writing.
Communications curricula vary widely by program, especially when it comes to concentrations and electives. When selecting a program, consider your specific interests and career goals. Research requirements can also vary by program; while advanced research topics are part of nearly every master's in communication online program, some programs require additional research in the form of a thesis or practicum.
Online Master's in Communications Programs
Online classes meet the same standards as traditional classes but offer much more freedom and flexibility. Students submit homework, take tests, and engage in class discussions online. Some online programs move in a synchronous format, meaning students must log on at a set time each day to watch live lectures or chat with peers. Asynchronous programs allow students to complete classwork and participate in discussion boards on their own time as long as they meet a set deadline.
Organized, self-motivated students thrive in online communications master's programs, which prepare graduates to work under minimum supervision; however, some online programs do have in-person components, like monitored exams or annual three-day seminars. Pay attention to in-person requirements when researching programs and keep in mind that most colleges don't pay for transportation costs. If you attend an online school in California but live in Missouri, budget accordingly.
The Advantages of a Master's Degree in Communications
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in communication tend to find jobs as communication coordinators or specialists. While these entry-level jobs are a valuable career starting point, earning an online communications master's degree means more opportunities. Even if you work your way up within a company, some companies set salary limits for employees without master's degrees.
Meanwhile, graduates with master's degrees in communications earn jobs as managers or directors, or work in the higher education sector as college professors, where they can teach the next generation and enjoy a flexible schedule. If you're unsure about whether you should continue your education, consider the average salary differences between professionals with bachelor's and master's degrees in the table below:
Average Salary by Degree Level
Master of Arts in Communications
$62,000
Choosing an Online Communications Graduate Degree Program
When choosing an online master's in strategic communications program, take your time. Being picky at the outset saves you trouble in the long run. With so many quality online programs to choose from, you can definitely find one that fits your needs and budget. Make a list of what you value in a school, including criteria like program cost, transfer policies, and school size and type, and keep these criteria in mind during your search.
- Program Cost: For many students, program cost is the top consideration. You can save money by attending an online school based in your home state, since many colleges offer local discounts. Some schools offer in-state tuition to all online students. However, if a school costs significantly less than others, it might be because it's not a legitimate program, so make sure to compare tuition prices.
- Transfer Policies: Whether or not you have transfer credits from another institution, make sure to read your school's transfer policies. You might decide to transfer to a different school midway through your degree, or enroll in a supplemental program elsewhere, and attending a school with regional accreditation makes transfers easier.
- School Size and Type: The main difference between public and private universities is cost. Public schools tend to charge less for tuition and offer more financial aid than private schools; however, private schools usually enroll fewer students, which means attendees receive more one-on-one attention from professors.
- Program Length: Before choosing a school, you should decide whether you want to study full time or part time. Some schools have minimum or maximum credit requirements, so you should be careful to choose a program that matches your study plans.
- On-campus Requirements: Even if a school advertises its communication program as online, double check its on-campus requirements. Some programs require in-person components, like supervised tests, presentations, or seminars, which can become an issue if you decide to attend an online college in a different state.
- Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements: Most programs have additional requirements as well as the usual classwork. These requirements might include a thesis or capstone project, a fellowship, an internship, or a work requirement. Usually learners can complete these requirements locally, but students with full-time jobs might have a difficult time balancing these additional requirements with their schedules.
Accreditation for Online Communications Master's Degrees
For students pursuing an integrated marketing communications master's online, accreditation should be a top consideration. If a school is accredited, it means it's regularly evaluated by an accrediting agency. Although the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) don't grant accreditation, they do oversee accrediting agencies. You can visit CHEA's accreditation agencies database to verify accreditation for individual schools.
If a school is accredited, it means it's regularly evaluated by an accrediting agency.
There are three types of accreditation: national, regional, and programmatic. Schools with national accreditation are usually vocational or trade schools, and the agencies that oversee them work nationally. These universities are generally considered less prestigious than regionally accredited schools, which tend to offer more traditional liberal arts curricula. Schools with regional accreditation also have more transferable credits.
Universities can also receive programmatic accreditation in communications. The American Communication Association grants accreditation to specific programs rather than a school. Watch out for online programs that don't hold national, regional, or programmatic accreditation, as these programs lack outside oversight and likely don't meet educational standards.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Master in Communications Degree Program?
Both private and public universities typically require about 60 credits for a master's degree. When researching online programs, pay attention to whether a school uses an asynchronous or synchronous format. Asynchronous programs allow students to complete work at their own pace, while synchronous formats have specific time requirements, like live discussions and lectures. Synchronous formats are ideal for students who need structure to keep them on pace.
When researching online programs, pay attention to whether a school uses an asynchronous or synchronous format.
Most universities set minimum and maximum credit standards for both part-time and full-time students, meaning those enrolled are limited in their course load options. If you want to finish in less than two years, you should look for an accelerated program, where the maximum credit load allows you to double up. If you must balance a full-time job with your studies, look for part-time options. Full-time students usually complete their degrees within two years while part-time students take 4-5 years.
Courses in an Online Master's in Communications Program
Advanced Public Speaking
Regardless of your specialization is, public speaking is an important component in any communication program. Online public speaking classes often require students to record and submit speeches, sometimes given in front of an audience. Typically, the audience is just family members and friends.
Interpersonal Communication
Communication directors and managers must have excellent communication skills in order to manage employees. It's also important to communicate well in one-on-one conversations with important company stakeholders. This class teaches those interpersonal communication skills, helping students improve their listening as well as their speaking.
Organizational Communication
Often, communication professionals must oversee organization-wide communications. In an organizational communication course, individuals learn to enhance interdepartmental and employee communication through internal newsletters and company events. For example, students learn to ensure that employees receive notifications about important company changes before presenting those changes to the general public.
Ethics and Legal Issues in Communication
In courses like this one, students examine case studies and learn about laws and regulations that affect communication professionals. Learners also get the chance to develop their own ethical frameworks and learn how to make educated ethical decisions on behalf of an organization.
Communication Theory
In this class, students examine popular communication theories and learn how to apply them in practical situations. This course typically includes a term paper that requires students to choose a theory and explain how it relates to a communications-related current event. Communication theory courses encourage students to take a stance on each theory and incorporate their favorites into their professional practices.
What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Communications?
Senior positions in marketing and advertising often require supervisory skills, critical and creative thinking, and the ability to coordinate departments. Graduates with an online master's in communications have these skills and can secure these positions.
Communications Manager
These professionals oversee an entire communication department. They evaluate public messages, manage crisis communications, maintain relationships with the media, and organize internal communication. Communication managers must have excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills; the ability to multitask is also essential.
Entry Level
$46,000
Mid-Career
$68,000
Experienced
$77,000
Late Career
$76,000
Marketing Director
Marketing directors manage all marketing efforts within an organization, overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of marketing campaigns. These professionals usually work as supervisors, designing and delegating tasks for SEO specialists, social media coordinators, graphic designers, writers, photographers, and advertising coordinators.
Entry Level
$45,000
Mid-Career
$82,000
Experienced
$102,000
Late Career
$109,000
Public Relations Director
These professionals help organizations and corporations cultivate positive public images and maintain relationships with important stakeholders. They do this by responding to social media inquiries, hosting events, creating marketing campaigns, and working with media professionals to obtain media coverage. PR directors often juggle several projects simultaneously.
Entry Level
$54,000
Mid-Career
$82,000
Experienced
$95,000
Late Career
$96,000
Managing Editor
Individuals who love to write often find higher-paying positions as managing editors. These editors collaborate with other editors and journalists to produce publications. They handle big-picture issues, like how stories complement one another or conflict with adjacent advertisements, and they have the final say on whether or not a story gets published.
Entry Level
$46,000
Mid-Career
$61,000
Experienced
$70,000
Late Career
$75,000
Social Media Director
Social media directors use online platforms and blogs, like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, to communicate with target audiences, often working with photographers, videographers, copywriters, and graphic designers to produce content. Social media directors work closely with public relations directors to ensure that the company's social media presence matches its brand.
Entry Level
$45,000
Mid-Career
$83,000
Experienced
$100,000
Late Career
$112,000
Communications Membership Associations
- The American Communication Association The ACA helps members stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in communication fields. The organization provides members with a discussion board and a peer-reviewed journal, and membership is free. The ACA also grants programmatic accreditation for communication programs. Although the ACA membership is primarily American, it encourages people from all around the world to join.
- International Communication Association Although ICA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., it connects communication professionals across the world. ICA hosts conferences and provides its members with educational publications, including a newsletter, a scholarly journal, and annual reports. The organization maintains several divisions that focus on specific topics, like health communication and public relations.
- National Communication Association NCA supports communication professionals through research and education. Members benefit from exclusive journals, regional and national networking events, educational conferences, and communication research data. NCA also provides scholarships to aspiring students and advocates for public policy that supports communication professionals.
- Public Relations Society of America PRSA aims to advance the public relations field and encourage ethical communication practices within the United States. Members benefit from educational webinars, email newsletters, regional and national conferences, and an exclusive job board. Regional chapters also host monthly or quarterly meetings where members can network with one another.
- Association for Women in Communications AWC invites women working in any communications-related field to take advantage of its networking and educational opportunities. AWC maintains an online membership directory and offers annual awards to outstanding professionals. Members also receive discounts on partner products and services and access to an exclusive job board.