Best Masters in Communication Programs in 2024

Brigham Young University was founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is located in Provo, Utah. This private, Christian university offers at least 84 on-campus graduate programs, including a program in mass communications. It is a broad-based master’s program that will prepare graduate students for careers in social media, international media, health communications, public relations, journalism, and more. Approximately ten to fifteen students are admitted into the program in the fall semester and are expected to take two and a half years.

Located in sunny Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida offers a graduate communications program. This Top 10 Public University offers several master’s programs to fit the needs of every student, including on-campus, online and accelerated degree options. The professional master’s programs are perfect for those who currently are working in a communication field or want to increase their chances of obtaining their dream job. Research-focused programs offer outstanding preparation for doctoral studies.

Two campuses make up the spacious University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. It is a mid-sized institution with over 1,300 graduate students and 12 graduate programs to choose from, with some of those degrees being online-based. A Master of Science in Communication at this institution combines work-life scenarios and case studies to better prepare students for their future careers. This is an online degree program, allowing students to further their education from anywhere in Wisconsin or the United States.

They also offer “stackable” 9-credit graduate certificates in strategic communication, social and new media, health advocacy, and organizational communication. A student can earn that standalone graduate credential or can stack together any three 9-credit certificates and combine with a 3-credit professional e-portfolio capstone to earn the entire 30 credit M.S. degree. All fall and spring term courses are offered in 8-week terms, and summer courses are offered in 6 week terms, meaning a student can complete a single certificate in 14-16 weeks and the full degree in 12-15 months, depending on start date.

For over 170 years, Central Connecticut State University has been offering 35 graduate plans on and off its New Britain, Connecticut campus. The Master of Science in Strategic Communication will teach students how to communicate to use research methods to solve some of the biggest communication problems. This degree is ideal for those interested in public relations, advertising, media relations, and non-profit communications careers.

Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, West Virginia University is a large graduate school with more than 5,700 students enrolled in one of their 96 graduate programs. A Master of Arts in Communication Studies can be earned after the completion of 12 courses and 36 credit hours. The courses are taught online and will give students the critical thinking, interpersonal, and written communication skills they need to be successful in their careers and life.

Gonzaga University is a private, Catholic liberal-arts college that can be found in Spokane, Washington. The 30-credit Master’s in Communication and Leadership can be completed in about two years and will help create better corporate communicators in the graduates’ careers. Some of the skills taught are audience analysis, message impact, data interpretation, and cultural awareness.

Founded in 1880, the University of Southern California began with 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, this university has over 27,000 students and 170 graduate programs. The Master of Communication Management online program will allow students to learn about the latest communication trends in both digital and social media and how to apply these trends to real-world communication problems. This program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The University of Maine is a mid-sized university that has more than 2,000 students enrolled from all fifty states. The Master of Arts degree in Communication and Mass Communications was ranked as one of the top M.A. programs in the Eastern United States. Ten faculty members are available to assist students with their degree plans and academic projects. One of two areas of study is available: Communication or Media Studies.

What began as a small branch college in 1957 has transformed into a large institution that has been placed in the top 3% as a research university. The University of Nevada- Las Vegas offers a Master of Arts program in Communication Studies. Relational Communication and Public Communication are the two areas of study students have to choose from with this 36-credit program. Students will learn how to use critical analysis, social and humanistic research methods, oral written presentation skills, and argumentation.

Southern Utah University is located in Cedar City, Utah, and is the perfect college for those who enjoy being in the great outdoors since the campus is only five hours from more than 20 national parks and monuments. The Master of Arts in Professional Communication will allow students to continue spending their time outside because their entire degree can be completed online. The program requires 36 credit hours to graduate and is expected to take as little as 12 months to complete.

Although Boston University is a large university with over 16,000 students, class sizes are small to allow for more one-on-one instruction with the faculty members. A Master of Science in Mass Communication can be earned by completing 48 credit hours and allows students to choose from two areas of concentration: Marketing Communication Research and Communication Studies. Graduate internships are also available for more hands-on experience.

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program at America University will educate students on the latest trends in the industry and how to effectively use strategic tools and insights. The faculty is made up of professionals in the industry, including accomplished writers, documentarians, PR professionals, correspondents, and politicians. Full-time students should be able to complete the program in 10 months, while part-time students should be able to graduate in less than two years.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa began in 1907 with only five freshmen, five preparatory students, and 13 faculty members. Today, there are over 10,000 students and 10 campuses to help students grow academically and professionally. A Master’s in Communication will give students knowledge of strategic communication, social media, intercultural communication, and more. This degree requires 33 credits and at least a 3.0 GPA to graduate.

Ranked as #18 out of 1,408 as being the Best College Campuses in America, High Point University has gained the attention of students from all fifty states. This institution’s Master of Arts degree in Communication will educate students on how to create effective messages, how to develop campaign messages that get results, and research methods to evaluate each campaign. Each student will work on at least one campaign in the community and a final thesis campaign.

The 30 credit Master of Arts in Communication at the Queens University of Charlotte takes only two years to complete and can be done either in person or online. Each class size is small, allowing students to get the mentorship needed from peers and faculty members. Aside from this master’s program, 15 credit Strategic Communication and Organizational Communication Certificates are available.

Concordia University is a private, Christian college in Saint Paul, Minnesota with a wide range of communications majors, minors, and certificates, including a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management. With this degree, students will learn how to solve the most challenging communication problems in corporate, public relations, and government settings. The program can be completed in seven weeks, requires only 36 credit hours, and can be earned both online and on campus.

The Downtown Phoenix campus of Arizona State University offers a Master’s degree in Communication Studies that will educate students on the fine art of using practical applications, communication theories, and research methods with a team and individually. An accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree program are also available, allowing students to earn both degrees in only five years.

Located in the city of Pocatello, Idaho State University is a mid-sized institution that is the educational home of more than 6,000 undergraduate students. The Masters in Communication program was established over 50 years ago, helping students in the program strengthen their creative writing, strategic communication, and research skills. The program requires 30 credits and has three areas of study available: Media, Criticism and Theory, and Strategic Communication.

The Master of Science in Strategic Communication at the Florida Institute of Technology is perfect for those students who want a career in journalism, marketing communications, media, or public relations. The small class sizes will allow students to get to know their professors and peers, while also gaining world-class experience through hands-on learning opportunities. Not only will they be able to learn from some of the best professionals in the business, but they will also be able to have the opportunity to get published.

Portland, Oregon is a bustling city that is filled with bicycle riders, food carts, and culturally creative events. You can get a feel for this lively atmosphere by attending Portland State University. This institution offers a Master of Science in Communication that will provide the knowledge and experience needed to be successful in a communication-centered career. Current undergraduate students are also eligible for the Bachelors and Masters Accelerated program that can be completed in five years.