The Best Online Master’s in Media Communications Programs
Summary of work: More than 34 hours of research. Every online Master in Media Communications program in the US analyzed. 11 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 15 of the best programs identified.
Our Picks
- 1Michigan State University
- 2University of Florida
- 3University of Iowa
- 4Texas Tech University
- 5Washington State University
- 6National University
- 7Florida International University
- 8South Dakota State...
- 9Webster University
- 10Notre Dame of...
- 11Clarion University of...
- 12Edinboro University
- 13Austin Peay State...
- 14Southern New Hampshire...
- 15Spring Arbor University
Overview
Media communications centers on how people communicate with media as well as how media affects communication. This specialized branch of communications studies usually consists of professionals who work in television, radio, film, and journalism. As technology continues to advance and digital media platforms become key sources of information, knowing how to communicate effectively and responsibly is becoming increasingly important. A master’s degree ensures that professionals receive the advanced training they need to do so.
Coursework for a media communications program is similar to a standard communications program, but with more emphasis on the role of media in society. Common subjects include how media communications has an impact on feminism, politics, race relationships, and more. In addition, students will receive practical training in the production of film, radio, and even video games. In other words, the coursework is specifically designed to prepare students for future careers in the field while offering in depth instruction in gauging the positive and negative consequences of their work.
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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER’S IN MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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HOW WELL ACCEPTED IS AN ONLINE MASTER’S IN MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS?
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CAN I GET A MASTER’S IN MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS ONLINE?
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HOW CAN I GET A MASTER'S DEGREE IN MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS?
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IS A MASTER’S IN MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS WORTH IT?
The amount of information that the public has access to is immense. Given that media based information is the most engaging, it is important that we understand how and why people respond to different forms of media communication. Media communication professionals with a master’s degree work to explore why certain communication strategies are effective which can help to deliver socially important messages as well as protect from irresponsible rhetoric. In short, a degree can lead to a fulfilling career that serves a beneficial purpose.
Our Methodology
Best Online Masters in Media Communications Programs
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Media Communications program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and list of the 15 online Media Communications programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Michigan State University
426 Auditorium Rd East Lansing, MI 48824Michigan State University delivers an exceptional Strategic Communication master's program for students looking to expand their careers in digital communications. Students learn the skills to apply digital innovations, such as social media, to marketing campaigns and to become leaders in public relations, advertising and other areas of the industry.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Communication Arts and Sciences
Program Name: Master of Art in Strategic Communication
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's program
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Summer 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: April 1, 2019
Work Experience: 3+ years of experience
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $727 per credit; Out-of-state: $1,428 per credit
University of Florida
1885 Stadium Road Gainesville, FL 32611The University of Florida prepares graduates for successful careers as digital marketers with its online Master of Arts in Mass Communication program. This program includes a specialization in digital strategy and gives students the skills to create and to deliver effective messaging to customers for their respective organizations.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Journalism and Communications
Program Name: Master of Arts in Mass Communication
Available Concentrations: Digital Strategy
Accrediting Body: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous, Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 16 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 1; Spring: November 1; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$427 per credit
University of Iowa
100 Adler Journalism Building Iowa City, IA 52242The University of Iowa offers an in-depth curriculum in the master's in strategic communications program. The professional curriculum covers the fundamentals as well as advanced topics in such areas as crisis communication, political campaign development and event planning, preparing graduates for successful careers in most any area of the field.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Program Name: Master's in Strategic Communication
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2-4 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 15; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$1,500 per credit
Texas Tech University
1901 University Avenue, Suite 513 Lubbock , TX 79410Texas Tech University offers a master's degree program in media communications with a convenient asynchronous learning format for online students. Distance learners can learn the material on their own schedule at any time of day or night and take one, two or three classes per semester depending on their needs and time commitments.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Media & Communication
Program Name: Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Innovation
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$571 per credit
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164Washington State University's master's degree program in strategic communications offers hands-on training in audio and video software, graphic design tools and more. Graduates emerge ready to create multimedia materials that promote the growth of their respective businesses and organizations.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Program Name: Master of Art in Strategic Communication
Accrediting Body: NWCCU
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$587 per credit
National University
11255 N Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, CA 92037National University's master's degree program in strategic communications is ideal for strategically minded professionals who want to increase their analytical skills for career growth. Upon graduation, students will have the knowledge and the skills to develop communications initiatives using traditional methods and emerging technologies such as social media, blogs, podcasts and more.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Letters and Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Strategic Communications
Accrediting Body: WASC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 45 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 1 year
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Private
Tuition
$430 per credit
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th St Miami, FL 33199Florida International University provides an accelerated path to a master's degree with its fully online Master of Science in Global Strategic Communications program. Students can complete the entire program in only 12 months and learn the skills to transform the international communication marketplace.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Communication, Architecture + the Arts (CARTA)
Program Name: Master of Science in Global Strategic Communications
Available Concentrations: Global Strategic Communications
Accrediting Body: SACSCOC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: Few as 12 months
Program start dates: August 26, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: July 15, 2019
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$833 per credit
South Dakota State University
1175 Medary Ave Brookings, SD 57006South Dakota State University encourages student collaboration in its cohort master's degree program in mass communication. Students progress through the program together and work on projects and assignments that build their communicative and teamwork skills for success in their careers.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Communication and Journalism
Program Name: Master of Mass Communication
Accrediting Body: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 32 credit project option or 36 credit coursework/portfolio option
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$451 per credit
Webster University
470 E Lockwood Ave St. Louis, MO 63119Webster University offers a comprehensive Master of Arts in Media Communications program with an in-depth curriculum to hone the students' skills for career success. With courses in international communications, media production management and other advanced topics, students develop the knowledge to succeed as leaders in both the traditional and the digital marketplaces.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts & Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Media Communications
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelors degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: Full-time, Part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.5
School Type
Private
Tuition
$780 per credit
Notre Dame of Maryland University
4701 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21210Notre Dame of Maryland University offers a flexible, fully online Contemporary Communication program for both full- and part-time professionals seeking career advancement. Students can tailor the classes to their schedule and earn their master's degrees at their own pace.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Communication Arts Department
Program Name: Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.5
School Type
Private
Tuition
$550 per credit
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
909 E Wood St Clarion , PA 16214Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers an advanced master's degree program in mass media arts and journalism, making it perfect for professionals who want to gain the experience needed for career success. Graduates emerge with the intellectual and practical skills to boost their marketability and to increase their employment opportunities.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts, Education, & Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Mass Media Arts and Journalism
Accrediting Body: AACSB
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: Fall, Summer, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.75
School Type
Public
Tuition
In-state: $516 per credit; Out-of-state: $557 per credit
Edinboro University
219 Meadville St Edinboro, PA 16444Edinboro University transforms students into communication leaders with its master's degree program in communication studies. Students develop managerial and leadership skills through expert faculty instruction and by working through a curriculum that's designed for career growth.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Graduate Studies
Program Name: Master of Arts in Communication Studies
Available Concentrations: Managerial and Leadership Communication, Integrated Marketing Communication
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: August 26, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$516 per credit
Austin Peay State University
601 College St Clarksville, TN 37040Austin Peay State University is an academic leader in higher education and provides an exceptional media communication master's program. This program is designed for working professionals who want to earn the credentials to advance their careers after college.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and Letters
Program Name: Master of Arts in Communication Arts
Available Concentrations: Marketing Communication, Media Management
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degre
Credit Requirements: 34 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5
School Type
Public
Tuition
$440 per credit
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 North River Road Manchester , NH 3106Southern New Hampshire University excels at delivering a quality education to students across the nation and provides affordable tuition, flexible scheduling and other benefits for students looking to earn their master's degrees in media communications. Students benefit from a large nationwide network, a collaborative virtual learning environment and expert instruction from industry professionals.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Communication
Available Concentrations: New Media
Accrediting Body: NEASC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 15 months
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.75
School Type
Private
Tuition
$627 per credit
Spring Arbor University
106 E Main St Spring Arbor, MI 49283Spring Arbor University's Strategic Communication and Leadership program offers fantastic value in terms of overall affordability and expert instruction. This 18-month program requires no GRE or GMAT scores and provides other benefits such as an e-portfolio upon graduation and mentoring with influencers in strategic communications.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership
Accrediting Body: HLC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Bachelor's degree
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Asynchronous
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Private
Tuition
$717 per credit