The Best Online Master's in Communications 2020

The online master's in communication at the University of Illinois centers on effective brand content, analysis, and integration; driving revenue growth; leadership and management skills; and responses to changes in emerging media, market trends, and technology.

Designed for working professionals, the 32-credit program prepares graduates to become global brand leaders. The 100% online program delivers coursework synchronously through optional live sessions offered one evening per week. Full-time students can graduate in 15 months.

Course topics include consumer insights, managing projects and teams, measurement and evaluation, and essentials of business management. The program concludes with a professional capstone project in which students demonstrate their knowledge in creating and executing a research plan, strategic repositioning, and campaign evaluation and monitoring.

Applicants submit an online application and a fee, evidence of a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. The program does not require GRE scores.

Syracuse University offers an interdisciplinary, online communication master's degree geared toward public relations professionals interested in career advancement. The program's 36-credit curriculum includes courses from the university's management, communications, and public affairs schools.

Students meet with faculty during five-day residencies held on-site in Syracuse and New York City at the start of each semester, then continue their coursework remotely. Core courses cover accounting, communications law, finance, and public opinion research. Electives cover conflict resolution, crisis communications, and emerging technologies and social media.

The self-paced program generally takes two years to complete. The program delivers all online coursework asynchronously. All learners complete either a master's thesis or an applied research project.

Prospective students apply online and pay an application fee. Additional requirements include a resume, a 500-word personal statement, official transcripts, and three letters from academic or professional references. Candidates also complete an online video interview in which they answer four questions that are sent to them in advance.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers programs that prepare graduates for a changing economy, including an online MA in digital communication. Geared toward full-time professionals pursuing leadership roles, this part-time, 2.5-year program culminates in a thesis project executed in collaboration with a faculty member.

Students complete most coursework online and asynchronously as part of a student cohort. They also participate in two on-campus experiences: a two-day experience prior to the start of the program and a weeklong experience at the end of the first year. Assignments focus on issues faced by communications professionals. Core courses in the online master's in communications include multi-platform storytelling, the psychology of audiences, and media analytics.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA, three years of experience in professional communications, and GRE scores, with verbal scores in the 55th percentile and quantitative scores in the 50th percentile. Prospective students must also submit a statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation.

Michigan State University offers 18 degrees for distance learners, including an online master's in communication. Students can complete the degree completely online through interactive, synchronous, weekly class sessions.

The 30-credit strategic communication curriculum covers content creation and promotion, digital media strategies, ethical concerns and controversies, and strategic messaging. The program's capstone project requires students to tackle a real-world project in a virtual team setting.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a 3.0 GPA, and three years of professional experience in communications. Prospective students must submit three references, a statement of their academic and personal journeys, official transcripts, and a resume. MSU does not require GRE scores.

Accepted students usually work in banking, broadcasting, higher education, technology, the federal government, or the military.

The University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications Online offers eight digitally-oriented, professional specialties as part of its online master's in communication degree.

The program delivers courses 100% online, and students choose from the following concentrations: audience analytics, digital strategy, global strategic communication, political communication, public interest communication, public relations, social media, and web design. The school's website offers an online quiz to help students determine which concentration to pursue. Each concentration employs its own core curriculum and capstone project.

Catering to working professionals, the program takes two years to complete. Graduates can expect an $18,000 average salary increase, and 78% of alumni report receiving a raise and/or promotion after completing the program.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school with a 3.0 GPA and GRE scores of 156 verbal and 146 quantitative.

Catering to working professionals, Purdue's online communication master's degree offers four concentrations, plus the option to design a custom degree. The program takes 12-20 months and has no in-person requirements. The core curriculum teaches students to develop strategic plans, target messages, think critically, and communicate effectively.

Concentration areas include integrated communication and advertising; strategic communication and public relations; communication and leadership; and health communication. Each concentration consists of 30 credits. All students take courses in strategic communication, communication research methods, and strategic communications and ethics, plus concentration courses or electives.

The program delivers all coursework asynchronously, and students use chatrooms, discussion boards, and email to interact with faculty and fellow students.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school with a 3.0 GPA and an online application, plus an application fee. Prospective students must also submit a resume, a 500-word personal statement, official transcripts, and three professional letters of recommendation.

The University of Missouri offers a 37-credit, blended master's in communication with an emphasis in strategic communication. Administered by the School of Journalism — one of the oldest journalism schools in the world — the program consists mostly of online coursework, but also includes a single weekend intensive.

The curriculum centers on developing strategies to solve communication problems through critical thinking. Core courses cover advertising, mass communication, media business models, and public relations. For a capstone, students choose either a thesis focusing on journalistic research or a project seminar that seeks to solve a problem in journalism. Graduates typically pursue positions in fundraising, media relations, and proposal coordination.

Prospective students must have three years of experience in journalism or strategic communications, a bachelor's degree, and a 3.0 GPA for their final 60 undergraduate credits. Applicants submit three references, a resume, and three essays. Essays cover work and volunteer experience, personal interests and professional goals, and research skills.

Students can earn an online master's in communication within two years at the University of Alabama. The 30-credit program blends application and theory to teach interpersonal communication, negotiation, persuasion, and public discussion.

The program delivers coursework both synchronously and asynchronously. Core courses include communication and diversity, gender and political communication, human communication theory, and qualitative research methods. The program offers each student two tracks. The professional track caters to professionals working in the field who want to advance their careers, while the academic track prepares graduates for doctoral programs or professorships.

Applicants must score a 300 on the GRE or be in the 50th percentile of the MAT. They must have earned a 3.0 GPA during their most recent degree. Prospective students also submit an application fee, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and three academic references.

American University's location in Washington, D.C. gives it access to big-name faculty and guest speakers, even for online programs like AU's online master's in communication.

The program prides itself on its placement rate; more than 95% of program alumni earn employment within six months of graduation at organizations like NPR, Microsoft, Reuters, and the U.S. State Department. The curriculum brings together communication and public relations in the contexts of advocacy, political science, and public service. Students can choose between two concentrations: advocacy and social impact or digital communications and analytics.

The program delivers all coursework asynchronously. Interaction among distance learners takes place through online discussions, email, and instant messaging. Students complete 30 credits and can usually finish the degree in 20 months.

Admission requires an undergraduate degree, a statement of purpose, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. American University charges the same tuition for online and on-campus programs.

Washington State University's Global Campus offers several degrees entirely online, including an online master's in communication. The 30-credit, asynchronous program serves aspiring professionals in advertising, communications, corporate communication, and public relations. Its multidisciplinary approach integrates traditional media with emerging ideas to teach the critical thinking skills necessary to develop effective communication strategies.

Core courses cover crisis communication, multimedia contact creation, professional ethics, and research methods. Students can engage in practical training from industry leaders through the program's advanced online platform. Students graduate with a professional, peer-evaluated, online portfolio that can be used for job interviews. Services for distance learners include instructor office hours; student self-assessment tools; and discussion boards, email, and video conferences.

Prospective students can apply online to the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications, where a selection committee evaluates their applications. Requirements include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, academic transcripts, a professional resume with three references, and a statement of purpose. Online students pay in-state tuition and work through the program as a member of a cohort. Alumni have have worked for the Associated Press and Seattle's King 5 news station.

Drexel University offers a robust selection of distance learning options that includes an online communication master's degree. The 45-credit, 100% online program trains communications specialists who can formulate effective messaging in print and virtual media. Graduates can pursue careers in digital media, technical writing, grant writing, journalism, marketing, public relations, and social media.

Students can choose from three concentrations: public communications, science and health communications, and technical communications. Drexel delivers online coursework asynchronously. Students choose from a diverse list of electives and can complete a six-month internship, and graduates leave the program with a complete, professional portfolio.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school, preferably with a 3.0 GPA. Applicants who do not meet this threshold must submit GRE scores. Required documents include an online application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and an essay describing the applicant's academic and professional work, career objectives, and interests.

The University of Denver's 48-credit, online master's in communication teaches communication as an art and a science. Graduates emerge prepared to lead organizational change, develop strategic communications plans with measurable impact, and tell effective, data-driven stories. Students can earn their master's degrees in 18 months and can choose between synchronous, hybrid, and asynchronous delivery methods.

Core coursework focuses on communications plans, challenges, and inclusive practices. There are six available concentrations: dispute resolution, leadership communication, learning and development, marketing communication, organizational development, and public relations.

Core curriculum covers applied critical thinking in communication, business fundamentals for communicators, and storytelling through research and measurement. Students must complete either a thesis or a portfolio capstone in which they reflect on their studies and summarize what they have learned. All students also participate in a zero-credit seminar that addresses the transition back to school, including academic writing, connecting with peers, time management, and university services.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA. They must also submit official transcripts, two references, a resume, and a personal statement.

Primarily serving working professionals, Colorado State University's 30-credit, blended master's in communication combines online and face-to-face learning. Students meet as a cohort in person one evening per week, but complete most of their coursework online. The hybrid program takes two years.

The curriculum employs a case-study model and includes six core courses and several electives. In their first year, all students take digital media writing and production, managing communication systems, and public communication technologies. In their second year, learners study organizational media production, digital media research and evaluation methods, and strategic digital communication. Notable electives include corporate media ethics and issues, media history, and writing for specialized magazines.

While not required, the program encourages students to create a professional portfolio of their work and the case studies they've developed.

Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA, an online application, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Prospective students must also submit three scholarly or professional writing samples.

West Virginia University offers hundreds of classes and programs for distance learners, including an online master's in communication studies. Administered through the Eberle College of Arts and Sciences, the program seeks to develop organizational leaders with strong critical thinking, interpersonal, and writing skills.

Designed for working professionals, the 36-credit program offers three concentrations: communication in instruction, corporate and organizational communication, and communication theory and research.

Students in the first two concentrations take a comprehensive written and oral exam at the end of the program, while communication theory and research students write a thesis instead. Core courses include instructional communication, media in communication and education, and theory and research in mass communication.

To graduate, students must maintain an overall 2.75 GPA and a 3.0 GPA in their communications courses. Prospective students must apply online to the graduate school and submit transcripts. The graduate school prefers applicants with a 2.75 GPA from an accredited college or university, but does not require test scores or letters of recommendation.

Texas Tech University offers an online master's in communication with a focus in strategic communication and innovation. The program consists of 30 credits of courses designed to prepare communications professionals for high-level leadership roles in an increasingly digital and global environment.

The asynchronous, fully online curriculum includes three electives and culminates with a capstone project. Students complete six required courses, including studies in research methods, communications in organizations, and strategic communication planning and writing. Electives cover audience/data analysis, multimedia storytelling, and social and digital media. The capstone project requires students to complete an applied research project.

Applicants apply to the graduate school online. Admission requirements include a personal statement, academic and professional writing samples, three references, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants who do not meet this threshold can submit GRE scores to improve their chances.

Online students pay the same tuition as on-campus students.

Gonzaga University provides Jesuit, Catholic, and humanistic education. Its hybrid master's in communication and leadership emphasizes understanding audiences and communicating clear messages. The program blends asynchronous, online learning with required, in-person experiences.

Students in the program can choose from six concentrations: change leadership, college teaching, digital media strategies, global leadership, servant leadership, and strategic and organizational communication.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school with a 3.0 GPA. Students with lower GPAs can still apply, but should provide an explanation of why their GPAs fell below 3.0. Prospective students must also submit at least one reference, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Start dates are available in January, March, May, August, or October.

The first and only public research institution in Miami, Florida International University offers a fully online master's in communication with a focus in global strategic communications. Graduates become socially-responsible, globally-minded leaders in communication and innovation.

Students can complete this 30-credit program in one year. Courses explore branding, crisis management, professional ethics, and reputation management. Core courses include applied research methods in mass media, theories of mass communication, and a mass communication professional project in which students conduct field research. Electives include change management, conflict resolution, digital age communication, and dispute resolution.

Prospective students complete an online application and pay a fee. All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Applicants submit GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay that describes their academic and professional goals. Admissions may waive GRE scores for those with demonstrated professional accomplishments, a master's degree, or an exceptional academic record.

Admitted students can start in fall or spring. Online students pay the same tuition regardless of residency.

Regent University is a private, Evangelical Christian school. It offers more than 130 areas of study for distance learners, including an online master's in communications. Regent offers several resources for online students, including peer mentoring, tutoring, and post-graduate internship and career support.

Communications students can choose one of three 33-credit, fully online concentrations: media and arts management and promotion, political communication, or strategic communication. In each case, Regent delivers all coursework asynchronously.

Core courses encompass business and finance, law and government, and communications. All concentrations include a capstone course taken in the final semester. Depending on their concentration, students complete either a project or a thesis. Political communications students can choose to complete an internship instead.

Regent offers nine start dates throughout the year. Learners graduate with skills in social media and internet marketing, applying research methods and analysis, and crisis communication.

Prospective students submit an online application and a fee, among other materials. Regent charges the same tuition regardless of residency, but also imposes a substantial online services fee.

In a bid to become a leading university in communications, South Dakota State University offers an online master's in communication. The program serves both working professionals and students seeking professional communication skills. Program graduates are prepared for careers in advertising, marketing, public relations, and print or broadcast media.

The curriculum focuses on practical skill-building. All students must present and defend a professional master's project at the end of their studies. Core courses cover topics like conducting professional research, cross-platform storytelling, and media law case studies.

Students enroll in the 32-credit program in a cohort of 10-15 peers and they typically graduate in two years. Working professionals can opt to add four credits to the program to complete a professional portfolio. Students complete their degrees completely online, using faculty-posted lectures, assignments, and discussion boards.

The school prefers applicants with undergraduate GPAs of at least 3.0. South Dakota State's online tuition is about half that of typical online master's programs.

More than 75% of students at Sam Houston State University work while pursuing degrees. SHSU's distance learning options include an online master's in communication studies tailored to professionals and aspiring doctoral students. Students in the program learn about conflict resolution, gendered communication, interpersonal and family communication, and organizational communication.

The 36-credit curriculum is offered through the department of communication studies and requires six core courses, including advanced communication theory, statistical methods for communication, and advanced interpersonal communication. Students can complete their studies and exams fully online. SHSU's support resources include a distance learning center, discussion boards, and wikis. The program culminates in an eight-hour, comprehensive written examination that must be taken on campus or at an approved testing center.

Applicants submit an online graduate application, a fee, transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, GRE or MAT scores (waived for candidates with graduate degrees), and three letters of recommendation. Admitted distance learners taking classes 100% online may be eligible for $1,000 scholarships.

A Lutheran, liberal arts-focused university, Concordia University St. Paul seeks to increase access to its programs through distance learning and affordable tuition. The university's online master's in communication delivers all coursework asynchronously and eliminates in-person requirements. Furthermore, a 2013 tuition reset decreased fees by nearly 25%.

Geared toward students with experience in the field, the 36-credit curriculum focuses on emerging technologies, innovation, leadership, and intercultural communication. Students can complete their intercultural communication courses abroad. Core courses include digital communication, leadership communication, corporate social responsibility, and ethical leadership. The program concludes with a capstone course that includes a strategic leadership project.

Prospective students must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also submit a personal statement.

The liberal-arts-focused Marist College houses a center for social media and a center for sports communication, which collaborate to offer an online master's in communication. The program targets working professionals, recent graduates, and professionals seeking a career change. The curriculum centers on digital interactive marketing and strategic communication, with the goal of training current and future professionals to develop cross-platform, consistent marketing plans that reflect brand values and company missions.

The program delivers all coursework asynchronously. Core courses include analytical tools for decision-making, brand management, and global consumer insights. Part-time students can finish in six semesters, while full-time students graduate in 3-4 semesters. The program culminates in an integrated marketing communication capstone in which students create an integrated brand experience.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA along with transcripts, a current resume, three references, and a personal statement. Prior to applying or accepting an offer of admission, students can try the online platform free of charge.