30 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Communications

Marist College offers an online program leading to a Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication. The degree program focuses on contemporary digital media and strategic communication. The curriculum consists of 10 courses totaling 30 credits. All courses are offered online asynchronously, meaning students can study at any time at their convenience. Courses include Advertising Management, Brand Management, Global Consumer Insights, and Public Relations Management. Part-time students generally take two courses each semester and complete the program in six semesters or three academic years. Full-time students tend to take four courses per semester and complete the program in three or four semesters.

Marist College was founded in 1905 by the Catholic Marist Brothers. Today, it is a private liberal arts college no longer affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Its main campus is located in Poughkeepsie, New York, on the east banks of the Hudson River. The college also has a branch campus in Florence, Italy, and learning facilities in 26 countries. The school is home to the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, which operates the Marist Poll, one of the nation's first college-operated public opinion polls. The college also partners with IBM and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. U.S. News & World Report ranks Marist at No. 38 in Best Value Schools, No. 8 in Regional Universities North, and No. 2 in Most Innovative Schools.

Northwestern University offers a Hybrid Leadership Program leading to a Master of Science in Communications. The curriculum is tailored to working professionals with management experience. The degree program is structured in five-week sessions, with students taking one course at a time. Courses include Collaboration & Technology, Information Design, and Leading Collaboration. While most courses are offered online, the program also requires four in-residence seminars. Seminar topics include Crisis Communication Management' Cultural Intelligence and Managing Inclusion; Executive Presence and Elegant Communication; and Leading Collaboration. The curriculum includes a three-part capstone project that students work on throughout the program, which serves as the culminating assessment.

Northwestern was founded in 1851 by businessmen, lawyers, and Methodist leaders, to serve the Old Northwest Territory. Today, it is a private research university with the ninth-largest university endowment in the nation. In addition to its main campus in Evanston, Illinois, NU operates schools in Chicago and Doha, Qatar. It also has learning locations in Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. It is noted for its programs in journalism, law, management, medicine, music, and more. A member of the Association of American Universities, NU is home to research centers including the Argonne/Northwestern Solar Energy Research Center and the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University at No. 15 in Best Value Schools and No. 10 in National Universities.

The Queens University of Charlotte offers an online program leading to a Master of Arts in Communication. The 36-credit, 12-course degree program studies both long-proven communication theory and new media. Required courses include Communicating Mindfully; Leadership, Empowerment, and the Management of Meaning; and The Social Creation of Organizing. Students have the option to concentrate in Integrated Digital Strategy, which focuses on digital and social media tools. The concentration requires an additional three-credit course, Digital Experience Design. The curriculum culminates in a hands-on capstone project that examines a communication issue of the student's choice.

The Queens University of Charlotte was founded in 1857 as the Charlotte Female Institute. Today, it is a private, co-educational university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It is located in the historic Myers Park neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. Most students are enrolled in the university's Business and Marketing or Communications and Journalism programs. Its Knight School of Communication is the nation's only communications school to be endowed by the Knight Foundation. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University at No. 32 in Best Value Schools and No. 18 in Regional Universities South.

Texas Tech University offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Innovation. The online degree program is aimed at working communications professionals. The 30-credit curriculum prepares graduates for leadership positions in strategic communications. Students can enter the program in any semester and can take one to three courses per semester. Required courses include Communication in Organizations; Media Management, Entrepreneurship & Consulting; and Strategic Communication in a Global Environment. Elective offerings include Advanced Social Media Practice, Interpersonal Communication, and Multimedia Story Telling. The curriculum culminates in an applied research project.

Established in 1923, Texas Tech is the primary institution of the four-campus Texas Tech University System. The public research university is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having the highest level of research activity. The university has conducted significant research in areas such as atmospheric sciences, grid computing, and wind energy. Located in Lubbock, Texas, the campus is noted for its Spanish Renaissance-style architecture, excellent grounds-keeping, and highly-ranked public art collection. U.S. News & World Report ranks TTU at No. 187 in National Universities and No. 100 in Top Public Schools.

Arizona State University offers an online program leading to a Master of Arts in Communication. Designed for working professionals, the degree program enhances students' communication, leadership, and strategic planning skills. The 30-credit curriculum consists of 10 classes, each spanning seven and a half weeks. Online learning tools include interactive lecture and seminar videos. Required courses include Communication and Gender, Negotiation Theory & Practice, and Social Influence and Persuasion. The curriculum culminates in a three-credit capstone experience tailored to individuals' interests. Students also have the option to pursue a certificate in Conflict Management and Civil Dialogue.

ASU was established as a teacher training school in 1885. Today, it is one of the largest public universities in the United States in terms of student enrollment. It operates five campuses throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area and four learning locations throughout Arizona. A space-grant institution, ASU operates interdisciplinary research facilities including the Biodesign Institute, the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability, and the McCain Institute for International Leadership. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University at No. 115 in National Universities, No. 52 in Top Public Schools, and No. 1 in Most Innovative Schools.

Florida International University offers an online program leading to a Master of Science in Global Strategic Communications. The professionally focused degree program builds globally-minded, socially responsible communication leadership and innovation skills. It consists of six eight-week terms, with students taking two courses per term. Core courses include Applied Research Methods in the Mass Media, Ethics and Social Responsibility, and Global Strategic Communication Management. The curriculum culminates with a Mass Communication Professional Project. Students also have the option to pursue an additional Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Consensus Building. The degree program can be completed in one year.

Established in 1965, FIU has since grown into the largest university in South Florida, the second-largest in the state, and the fourth-largest in the United States. The public university is a member of the State University System of Florida. It operates two primary campuses in the Greater Miami area, including the main campus in University Park. It also operates facilities throughout South Florida as well as in China and Italy. The university is home to the International Hurricane Research Center, the only university research facility focusing on tropical storm damage. U.S. News & World Report ranks FIU at No. 187 in National Universities and No. 100 in Top Public Schools.

The American University offers an online program leading to a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. The 30-credit program consists of 10 courses spanning eight weeks each. Core required courses include Communication Theory, Research for Strategic Communication, and Writing for Strategic Communication. Online students may choose a concentration in Advocacy & Social Impact, which provides course offerings such as Documentary Storytelling for Social Change, Political Communication, and Speech Writing. Each student culminates the curriculum in a research study and project in their area of interest. Part-time students taking at least two courses per semester can complete the program within two years.

American was established by an Act of Congress in 1892. The establishment was due primarily to the efforts of a Methodist bishop who aimed to create a school built upon internationalism, pragmatic idealism, and public service. Today, the private research university maintains its affiliation with the United Methodist Church, though religious affiliation is not required of students. The university's main campus is located near Ward Circle in Washington, D.C. U.S. News & World Report ranks AU at No. 78 in National Universities and No. 64 in Best Value Schools.

Loyola University Maryland offers an online program leading to a Master of Arts in Emerging Media. The 33-credit degree program consists of nine courses and a capstone project. Course offerings include Exploring Digital Culture; Media Innovation; and Social, Political, Economic and Cultural Issues in Emerging Media. Students may also choose to complete an internship in the field. The program also includes annual week-long summer residencies. Each residency involves hands-on learning, expert panels, and field trips. Part-time students can complete the program in 44 months, while full-students can complete it in 12 months. All students must take at least one course per semester.

Established in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is one of the oldest Jesuit colleges in the United States. Although multiple universities in the nation are now named after St. Ignatius of Loyola, Loyola Maryland was the first. The private research university is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Located in Baltimore, the university's campus features Collegiate Gothic architecture and a pedestrian bridge. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school at No. 49 in Best Value Schools and No. 5 in Regional Universities-North.

Mississippi College offers a Master of Science in Communication with a concentration in Integrated Communication. This concentration allows students to explore a wide range of interests in the communications field. Required courses for the online program include Communication Research, Persuasion, and Process and Effects of Communication. Elective offerings include Intercultural Communication, Negotiation, and Science Communication. All students culminate the 31-credit curriculum with a convocation paper.

Founded in 1826, MC is the oldest college in the state of Mississippi. It is also the second-oldest college affiliated with the Baptist Church in the United States. Located in Clinton, MC is the largest private university in Mississippi. It did not hold classes during the Civil War. Instead, U.S. Union General Ulysses S. Grant is reported to have used the campus as a troop hospital and horse stable. Today, the university integrates the liberal arts and sciences, professional skills training, and Christian foundations into its curriculum. U.S. News & World Report ranks MC at No. 32 in Regional Universities South and No. 16 in Best Value Schools.

South Dakota State University offers an online program leading to a Master of Mass Communications. The degree program has theoretical underpinnings and a primary purpose of enhancing students' professional skills. It is designed for mid-career professions in media and communications. Students can choose to take a 36-credit coursework-only route or to take 32 credits and culminate the program with a research paper. Core course requirements include Cross-Platform Campaigns, Cross-Platform Storytelling, and Media Law Case Studies. Elective offerings include Health Journalism, Opinion Writing, and Women in Media.

Founded in 1881, SDSU is South Dakota's oldest continuously-operating university. It is also the largest university in the state. Located on three campuses in Brookings, the public university is home to an extensive library; the McCrory Gardens and South Dakota Arboretum; the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum; and the South Dakota Art Museum. SDSU is a land-, sun-, and space-grant institution with high research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks it at No. 129 in Top Public Schools.

West Virginia University offers a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. Ideal for working professionals, the online degree program integrates information that can be immediately applied to workplace challenges. The 30-credit plan of study consists of 10 required courses that can be completed at students' own pace. Core courses include Audience Insight, Brand Equity Management, and Marketing Research & Analysis. Specialty course offerings include Advanced Creative Concepts, Global Brand Communication, and Political Marketing. The curriculum culminates in a capstone course that involves developing a real-world client campaign. Each academic year consists of five terms that add up to year-round study. The degree program can be completed in two years.

Established in 1867, WVU is the flagship university of West Virginia. In addition to its main campus in Morgantown, the public university operates the Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser and the West Virginia Institute of Technology in Beckley. It also operates a clinical campus in Charleston at the Charleston Area Medical Center. WVU is a land- and space-grant institution with very high research activity. The university partners with the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute for research in Alzheimer's and other brain diseases, and with the FBI in leading biometrics research. U.S. News & World Report ranks WVU at No. 205 in National Universities and No. 112 in Top Public Schools.

Quinnipiac University offers an online program leading to a Master of Science in Interactive Media and Communications. The degree program prepares students to think creatively, lead visually, and create a wide variety of content. Aside from the capstone, the 30-credit curriculum includes two core courses: Foundations in Graduate Studies and Writing for Interactive Media. Elective offerings include Data Visualization, Motion Across Media, and Visual Storytelling. Students have options to complete an internship or independent study, though neither is required. The program culminates in the creation of a practical online capstone portfolio, which graduates can show to future employers. The program can be completed in 21 months if students take two courses each semester, including the summer. Full-time students can complete the program in 16 months.

Quinnipiac was founded in 1929 as the Connecticut College of Commerce at the beginning of the Great Depression. The college closed temporarily in the early 1940s, as almost every student enrolled was drafted into World War II. In 1951, the school was renamed Quinnipiac College to honor the region's Quinnipiac Native American peoples. Today, Quinnipiac is a private university with three campuses in and near New Haven, Connecticut. Its main Mount Carmel campus is located at the foot of the Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Connecticut. It is home to the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, a prominent public opinion polling center. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University at No. 48 in Best Value Schools, No. 13 in Regional Universities North, and No. 3 in Most Innovative Schools.

Stevenson University offers a Master of Science in Communication Studies. Designed for working adults, the degree program can be completed entirely online, with courses offered in eight-week sessions. The 36-credit curriculum builds communication skills applicable to any field. Course examples include Crisis Communication, Cultures and Communication, and Nonverbal Communication. Students can choose to culminate the program with a Communication Architecture Project or master's thesis.

Stevenson was established in 1947 by the Roman Catholic Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Named for Saint Julie Billiart, it was initially a training school for medical secretaries called Villa Julie College. To reflect its expansion and shifting structure, the university changed its name to Stevenson University in 2008. It is now a private university and is no longer affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It operates two campuses in Baltimore County, Maryland: one in Stevenson and another in Owings Mills. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University at No. 81 in Regional Universities North and No. 47 in Best Value Schools.

The University of Missouri offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication through its School of Journalism. The online program is rooted in theory and research. The 37-credit curriculum is built on five principles: a communications toolbox, a global/multicultural perspective, relationship building, strategic planning, and technology. The School of Journalism core curriculum includes courses in Media Ethics and Research Methods and seminars in Mass Media and Professional Skills. The Strategic Communication major core includes courses in Changing Media Business Models, Digital Strategy, and Public Relations. Students can culminate the program with a master's thesis or professional project.

Established in 1839, Mizzou was the first public institution of higher education west of the Mississippi River. Located in Columbia, Missouri, it is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System and the largest university in the state. A pioneer in media and communications, MU is home to one of the nation's first schools of journalism and the first university network TV affiliate. A land- and space-grant institution, the university is a member of the Association of American Universities. Mizzou notably hosts the world's most powerful university research reactor in its Research Reactor Center. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school at No. 129 in National Universities, No. 78 in Best Value Schools, and No. 61 in Top Public Schools.

East Carolina University offers a Master of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Health Communication. Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree, though it does not necessarily need to be in a field related to health communication. The 30-semester-hour program includes two core courses: Communication Theory and Research Methods. Elective offerings include Health Communication Campaigns, Intercultural Communication in Health Contexts, and Media and Health Communication. Students can choose to pursue a master's thesis or take additional electives instead.

ECU was founded in 1907 as a teacher training school. It has since grown into the fourth largest university in North Carolina. The public research university operates four campuses in Greenville, the Field Station for Coastal Studies in New Holland, and an overseas campus in Italy. The space-grant institution also participates in research at the Coastal Studies Institute in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Its additional research centers and institutes include the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center, and the Pediatric Health Weight Research and Treatment Center. U.S. News & World Report ranks ECU at No. 194 in National Universities and No. 106 in Top Public Schools.

Spring Arbor University offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership. The program is unique in that it pairs students with faculty mentors who are experienced in strategic communications. The curriculum integrates a Christian worldview in its approach to communications and media. Featured courses include Communication Theory and Worldview, Communication as Vocation and Calling, and Digital Media Strategies. Students complete the program with an electronic portfolio of their work. The degree program is designed to be completed in 18 months.

Spring Arbor was founded as a theological seminary in 1873 by leaders of the Free Methodist Church. It has since developed into a private Christian university. Located in Spring Arbor, Michigan, it is the second-largest evangelical Christian university in the state. It operates 12 additional learning locations throughout Michigan and one in Ohio. The university publishes The Pulse, a student-run news magazine; holds an annual student film festival called Lumenocular; and has two radio stations. U.S. News & World Report ranks SAU at No. 53 in Regional Universities Midwest and No. 32 in Best Value Schools.

California Baptist University offers an online program leading to a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. Applicants should have a relevant undergraduate background, or a bachelor's degree in any field plus at least five years of managerial work experience. The degree program integrates biblical thought into its study of contemporary communication. The 30-credit curriculum includes required courses in Communication Ethics, Media Effects on Communication Behavior, and Social Influence and Persuasion. Students can expect to work on developing communication campaigns and programs relating to media, public relations, and strategic communication. The degree program is typically completed in 12 months.

Cal Baptist was established in 1950 and is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. The private university's academic programs are rooted in the liberal arts and a Christian worldview. Its campus is located in Riverside, California, and is known for its Mission Revival-style architecture. The university's extensive Annie Gabriel Library houses special collections and resources in areas including hymnology and the Holocaust. The school offers summer International Service Projects, which involve three weeks of overseas ministry service. U.S. News & World Report ranks CBU at No. 32 in Regional Universities West, No. 20 in Best Value Schools, and No. 7 in Most Innovative Schools.

The University of Florida offers a Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a specialization in Global Strategic Communication. The online program focuses on preparing graduates to communicate effectively across cultural and geographic boundaries. The 37-credit curriculum consists of three core pillars: Communication, Culture, and Messaging. Core courses include Global Activism, International Issues & Crisis Communication, and Video Storytelling. Students can choose from several specialized tracks, including Audience Analytics, Political Communication, Social Media, and Web Design. The curriculum culminates in a three-credit capstone course, which involves working with a client to solve real-world problems in communications.

Established in 1853, UF is a senior member of the State University System of Florida and the state's flagship university. The public state university is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. UF has a main campus in Gainesville, Florida, and additional facilities throughout the state. It also operates the Beijing Center for International Studies in Beijing, China. As a research university with very high research activity, it conducts significant research in areas such as astronomy, biotechnology, and diabetes. Notably, the sports drink Gatorade was named after the school's sports team, the Florida Gators. U.S. News & World Report ranks UF at No. 55 in Most Innovative Schools and No. 35 in National Universities.

Ball State University offers a Master of Arts in Journalism. The 36-credit degree program can be completed in a fully online or hybrid format. Students can choose to specialize in media analytics and management or reporting and storytelling. The Media Analytics and Management specialization includes courses in content strategy, data management, and social media engagement. The Reporting and Storytelling specialization covers emerging technologies, reporting and research methods, and social media storytelling. The core curriculum is comprised of three courses: Journalistic Judgments and Sociology of News, Media Audiences and Content Strategy, and Studies in Journalism and Communication Theory. Each student will also take a specialized research methods course and complete a capstone creative project, practicum or internship, or master's thesis.

Ball State was established in 1917 by industrialists the Ball brothers. Formerly a teacher training school, BSU is now a public research university. It operates three learning locations in Indiana: the main campus in Muncie, and satellite facilities in Fishers and Indianapolis. The university publishes the Ball Street Daily News student newspaper and the Ball Bearings student magazine. It also supports Cardinal Communications, a student-run advertising and public relations firm, and Cardinal Metrics, a student-run media analytics agency. U.S. News & World Report ranks BSU at No. 171 in National Universities and No. 91 in Top Public Schools.

The University of Alabama offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. The online program examines the role communication plays in organizations, relationship dynamics, and successful leadership. The 30-credit curriculum includes core courses in Gender and Political Communication, Human Communication Theory, and Relational Communication. Specialized Organizational Leadership courses include Conflict and Negotiation and Group Leadership. Each student must also take a course in research methods. Students can choose to culminate the program with an academic or professional option. The academic option involves the completion of a comprehensive exam and an additional elective course. Those who choose the professional option must complete a professional project and capstone portfolio.

Established in 1820, the University of Alabama is the oldest public university in Alabama. It is the flagship institution of the University of Alabama System. The school is noted for its role in training Confederate cadets for the American Civil War, which led to Union troops burning down much of the campus. Located in Tuscaloosa, the university maintains the University of Alabama Arboretum, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and the Alabama Museum of Natural History. As a research university with a very high level of research activity, UA operates centers such as the Alabama International Trade Center and the Center for Advanced Public Safety. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University at No. 129 in National Universities, No. 87 in Best Value Schools, and No. 61 in Top Public Schools.