Ready to launch or advance your career in communications? An accredited master’s degree in communications can help you develop advanced strategic, written, and verbal skills while studying through a flexible online format.
Author: Michael Hoffman, JD, MA
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent SuccessEditor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Pavel Shlossberg, PhD, MA
Expertise: CommunicationOnline LearningGraduate Ed.- Program Spotlights
An Inside Look at 3 Reputable Communications Master's Programs
Read more - Degree Advantages
Advantages of Earning an Online Master's in Communication
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in a Communications Master's Program
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation for Master's in Communications Online Programs
Read more - Career Options
What You Can Do with a Master's Degree in Communications
Read more - Top Schools
Top Online Master’s in Communications
Read more
Online programs help you build strategic written and verbal communication skills — all while studying on your own schedule. Communications is one of the most versatile graduate degrees available. Graduates work in:
- Digital media
- Public relations
- Marketing
- Journalism
- Corporate communications
- Government and nonprofit sectors
If any of these paths sound right for you, use this guide to find your online master’s in communication program.
Inside 3 Reputable Online Communications Master’s Programs
There are many strong programs available, which is great, but sorting through them takes time. Below are three fully accredited examples to help you start your search.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s online Master of Arts in Communication provides advanced training in communication theory and practice. It’s designed both for working professionals seeking advancement and for individuals looking to transition into communication-focused roles.
The 30-credit curriculum includes core coursework in communication theory and research methods, along with electives in areas such as workplace communication, gender and communication, crisis management, and negotiation theory. Students complete a capstone project tailored to their professional goals. All coursework is delivered 100% online.
Applicants must hold a previously earned bachelor’s degree in a communications-related field or a master’s degree in any field. The program offers multiple start dates and charges the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
Liberty University
Liberty University’s online Master of Arts in Communication emphasizes flexibility. The 33-credit program is delivered in eight-week, asynchronous courses and does not require a thesis.
Students may transfer up to 50% of the required credits, potentially reducing both cost and time to completion. Many students finish in about one year.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution. A 2.5 GPA is typically expected, though applicants with lower GPAs may be admitted with additional review.
Purdue University
Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Communication focuses on advanced strategic communication skills. The 30-credit program includes core coursework and electives, and students may choose a concentration in leadership, health communication, integrated communication and advertising, or strategic communication/public relations. There is no thesis or capstone requirement.
The program is delivered fully online, with an estimated weekly commitment of 15 to 20 hours. Most students complete their degree within 12 to 20 months.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit a resume, three professional recommendations, and a personal statement. Start dates are available in fall, spring, and summer.
Why Earn an Online Master’s in Communication?
Pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment. For many professionals, however, an online master’s in communication offers clear advantages.
Greater Knowledge and Skill Development
The communications industry continues to evolve, particularly in digital and social media environments. Graduate-level coursework strengthens your ability to conduct research, interpret data, craft messaging strategies, and respond to complex organizational challenges.
Expanded Career Options
Organizations in nearly every industry rely on skilled communicators. A master’s degree can open doors to leadership roles in marketing, public relations, corporate communications, human resources, government, nonprofit management, and academia.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
Most online programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Asynchronous coursework allows students to complete assignments on their own schedule, making it easier to balance professional and personal responsibilities.
What You’ll Learn in a Communications Master’s Program
Effective communication is central to organizational success. As a result, online master’s programs in communication typically offer broad, interdisciplinary curricula.
Students commonly develop expertise in:
- Communication research and audience analysis
- Messaging strategy and content development
- Conflict resolution and problem solving
- Internal and external organizational communication
- Leadership and management principles
Most programs are non-thesis and culminate in a capstone or applied project.
Common Courses
Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations
Focuses on strategic campaign development, brand management, and evaluation of marketing efforts.
Communication and Gender
Examines how gender identity, bias, and perception influence communication patterns and messaging.
Communications Research
Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methods, sampling techniques, and ethical considerations.
Digital and Social Media Communications
Explores emerging media platforms, digital campaign strategy, and analytics.
Law and Ethics in Communications Practice
Addresses censorship, libel, intellectual property, and professional ethical standards.
Specialization Options
Because communication is such a broad field, many programs offer specialization options. If a formal concentration is not available, students often tailor their studies through electives.
Common specializations include:
- Advertising
- Digital Communication
- Leadership
- Public Relations
- Strategic Communication
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a college or university meets established academic standards.
Institutional accreditation is especially important for communications programs, since program-specific accreditation is not common in this field. Always confirm that the school you’re considering is recognized by a U.S. Department of Education–approved accrediting body.
Proper accreditation affects financial aid eligibility, credit transferability, and employer recognition.
Career Paths with a Master’s in Communication
Graduates of communications master’s programs pursue roles across industries. Popular career options include marketing manager, human resources manager, public relations manager, public relations specialist, and technical writer.
For example:
- Marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $136,850.
- Human resources managers earn a median annual salary of $116,720.
- Public relations and fundraising managers earn a median annual salary of $116,180.
- Technical writers earn a median annual salary of $72,850.
Career outcomes vary by experience level, location, and industry.
Costs and Financial Aid
Online communications master’s programs are often competitively priced compared to other graduate degrees. However, most students still rely on financial assistance.
Common funding options include federal loans, scholarships, grants, fellowships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.
| Program | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University | 30 | $980 | $29,400 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 36 | $627 | $22,572 |
| University of Alabama | 30 | $420 | $12,600 |
Online Master’s Q&A with a Professor of Communications
Dr. Pavel Shlossberg is an Associate Professor of Communication & Leadership Studies and Department Chair at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He is the author of the book *Crafting Identity* (published by the University of Arizona Press) and currently serves as Associate Editor for The Latin American Research Review, as well as an editorial board member for the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication and the Journal of Hate Studies. He earned his BA (cum laude) from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and received his Ph.D. and MA from Columbia University in New York City. Before joining Gonzaga, Dr. Shlossberg was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of New Mexico and a lecturer at the University of Virginia.
What kind of student is Gonzaga’s online master’s in communication & leadership designed for?
[The program is] built for a range of students. It’s certainly designed with working professionals who are balancing multiple roles and responsibilities – working, studying, and continuing to pursue their educations – often with family and other responsibilities and commitments as well. So, we try to be flexible. That’s really important, especially in an online context. Being timely, relevant, and applicable so that people can take the learning they’re getting in the classroom and apply it directly to their current career or career goals.
Speaking of current careers, what are the types of students you have coming in? What are they doing currently?
I’d say that about half of our students or so already have a career in the field of communication, broadly defined, which could be everything from public relations and journalism to corporate communication and marketing. We also have folks in other industries. For example, we have quite a few students in education and the nonprofit sector who are looking for opportunities to enhance their communication skills.
Are you seeing students coming into the program to obtain up-to-date skills in digital and social media?
Yes, absolutely. We have very intentionally increased our own offerings around digital communication. It crosses through all of the other areas, whether it’s strategic and organizational, intercultural communication, or applied communication. Digital is and will continue to be of increasing relevance and importance. It’s not an option anymore.
Is there any particular advice you might have for prospective students regarding issues they may not have thought of prior to starting their online degree programs?
A couple of things that I would suggest to them. With an online, professionally-focused master’s degree, you want to have access to faculty, student services, and advisors. Something that we certainly pride ourselves on is accessibility. Also, having on-campus residencies. Something that students really appreciate is having the chance to meet their peers and faculty face-to-face.
One other thing I’ll mention [regarding admissions] is that students shouldn’t assume, especially if they have a couple of years of experience, that the most important thing is their GPA and their recommendations from faculty. Those certainly matter. But we also recognize that people develop and grow, for example, from where they were at 22 to now, five or ten years after graduation from their undergraduate programs. That really matters as well.
So you consider personal and professional experience in your admissions choices?
Absolutely. Those things are relevant. We have individuals who are academic superstars, and we love having those students. But we also have very successful students who have a good combination of academic background with some really interesting, impactful experiences in work and life after school.
Do you have any advice for prospective students concerning online study?
I would say to reach out to your department chair and faculty members who are teaching classes you’re interested in. Have those conversations. See if the admissions specialists can connect you, not just with faculty members, but with a student or alum of the program that has similar interests and needs. See what that fit is like, how the program resonates with your interests. It’s also a way to check how engaged, accessible, and relational the program is. Those things are always very important, but even more important when you’re a student in an online context.
FAQs About Online Master’s in Communication Degrees
Top Online Master’s in Communications
With so many possible career paths and programs to choose from, getting started is half the battle. From digital media strategies to interpersonal communication, our curated list of the best online master’s degree programs in communications spotlights programs designed to help you develop engaging written and verbal speech. Keep reading to discover the ideal program to shape your expertise as a communicator in a world where effective messaging is paramount.