Best Online Master’s in Communications

A 100% online curriculum makes Marist College’s MA in Integrated Marketing a good fit for all schedules and availability. Throughout this program, ten of the courses focus on the integration of marketing and communication, which is the main priority of this degree. Students here also have the option to choose between a full- or part-time curriculum. 

The online Master of Arts in Communications from Webster University teaches students via hands-on experience within the field. This program’s focus is kept broad so that learners and faculty advisors can work together to figure out a plan specific to the individual. What’s more, students here will not have to worry about completing a final project to graduate.

The online Master of Science in Communications Innovation degree from Ithaca College values peer collaboration. Most of the classes are offered online, however, in-person workshops are integrated in order to encourage peer interaction and foster real-world experience. Prospective students must have five or more years of professional work experience in the field to apply to this program. 

Asbury University offers three online, master’s-level programs in communications: an MA in Digital Storytelling, an MFA in Screenwriting, and an MFA in Film & Television Production. Each program focuses on becoming a master storyteller through the use of new technology, optional hands-on experience, and rigorous coursework. Graduates of the MFA degree will participate in a two-week summer workshop at the Los Angeles Media Workshop. 

The online MS degree in Communications at Northwestern University can be earned either through the custom leadership program or the hybrid leadership program. The former offers a part-time approach at all levels, while the latter follows a more standard curriculum for experienced individuals. Both are considered to be highly interactive programs that encourage collaboration between peers. 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online Master’s in Digital Communication that emphasizes applied research and critical thinking. A broad curriculum and small class sizes in this program allow for close relationships with faculty, so each student gets the attention they need to excel. Two on-campus experiences are required, one of which is a five-day summer residency. 

Academy of Art University offers an online MA in Communications and Media Technologies with a focused curriculum. This program aims to cultivate skills in short-form production, on-camera performance, and multimedia writing. Courses are highly interactive and feature slideshows, interviews, and instructional videos. 

The educational philosophy behind the Master’s in Communications program at Mississippi College is to meld theory and practice. There are several concentrations for students to choose from here, tailored to different strengths and interests. Some of the concentrations offered are in journalism, theater, and sports. 

Gain practical skills and hands-on experience through the Master’s in Communications program offered by Liberty University. This degree keeps up with today’s changing world and places an emphasis on branding through the use of social media platforms. Featured courses include Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Strategic Storytelling, and Effective Social Media.

The Master’s in Strategic Communications at California Baptist University explores the inner workings of communication – specifically, its historical, cultural, and political facets. CBU also prioritizes its Christian focus and integrates Biblical thought throughout the curriculum. What’s more, students at CBU are prepared beyond the digital classroom as online career services provide students with assistance in resume writing, career assessment, and interview skills.

The Master’s in Communications at the University of Illinois values a balance of group dynamics and individualized programs. Since Communications students follow a broad curriculum, they are asked to get specific about their interests with their advisors to best prepare for their personal career goals. Additionally, at Illinois, interdisciplinary programs are not only available but are also often encouraged.

National University offers a Master’s in Strategic Communications, which has an all-encompassing curriculum ranging from more traditional courses to courses based on modern-day communication platforms like social media. This program values convenience, offering year-round enrollment and four-week classes that help speed up the process to the graduation. Best of all, a combination of intellectual, managerial, and communication skills are promised upon degree completion. 

Florida International University offers an MS in Mass Communication that can be completed over the course of a year. Students here can choose from a variety of electives such as Media Planning, Strategic Facilitation, and Digital Content Creation. Overall, this program has a globally-minded approach and places emphasis on social responsibility and professional ethics. 

The Master’s in Information and Telecommunication Systems at Ohio University is unique in that it is a content-driven degree that focuses on all aspects of the IT industry. This degree helps to hone skills related to the ever-changing IT environment, primarily by teaching its students to apply IT technology to business solutions. The program ends with a case-study-based course featuring the completion of a professional project that applies to real-life concepts. 

The University of Florida offers a Master’s in Mass Communications that gives students a generous option of eight specializations to choose from, ranging from Global Strategic Communication to Social Media; work with an advisor or take the program’s online quiz to find out which could be a good fit for you. Whichever specialization you choose, curriculums are built around three core subjects: messaging, communication, and culture. 

The Master’s in Strategic Communications from Michigan State University provides the option of two major tracks: the thesis-option, pre-PhD track and the final-examination-option, career-oriented track. Both require the additional choice of a focus area, like Interpersonal Communication or Social Influence. There are only two courses that every student is required to take: Communication Theory and Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods.

The Master’s in Corporate and Organizational Communication from NUPAN offers six concentrations to choose from, ranging from Leadership to Cross-Cultural Communication. Electives within these concentrations include Crisis Communication and Web Creation Boot Camp. The University believes in the power of experiential learning opportunities and real-world practices, which can be achieved through its virtual public relations firm. 

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master’s in Communications that allows students to choose between two concentrations: New Media & Marketing and Public Relations. The former focuses on emerging and evolving platforms such as social media, whereas the latter focuses on brand management and interpersonal communication. Best of all? This online degree can be completed in as little as 15 months. 

The Master’s in Emerging Media from Loyola University Maryland is all about innovation and exploring new trends in communication. The program claims to encourage even more peer interaction than a traditional classroom through the use of social media tools like discussion forums and VoiceThread. What’s more, class sizes are typically limited to 20 students. 

GCU’s Master’s in Communication with an emphasis in Education degree focuses on adult learning theory. Throughout this program, students will learn to become teachers in communications at the post-secondary level. The curriculum provided here is based on three specific principles: pedagogy, theory, and practice. 

Texas Tech University offers an MA in Strategic Motivation and Communication that is designed specifically for communication professionals. The degree can be completed entirely online, further catering to students who may already be in the field. Additionally, online courses at TTU follow the same schedule as on-campus classes. 

The MA in Strategic Communication at Washington State University is a great fit for those new to the field and seasoned professionals alike. The fully online program takes a multidisciplinary approach, preparing students with traditional skills and new, modern-day experiences. Individualized coursework propels each student towards their desired career and caters to their specific job needs. 

American University offers a Master’s in Strategic Communication that encourages the application of both creative and analytic knowledge. Having the option to choose your concentration allows students to tailor their educational experience in a way that supports their future endeavors. For instance, the Advocacy and Social Impact concentration focuses on how to best apply strategies to issues involving social justice, and the Digital Strategy and Analytics concentration focuses on the analytical side of communications and its latest developments. 

The Master’s in Communications from Queens University of Charlotte provides a broad and diverse curriculum that tackles traditional methods and studies modern perspectives. The optional integrated Digital Strategy concentration specializes in the latter, exploring the role of digital technology and how it affects our communities and environments. This fully online program utilizes the site MyCourses to create a highly collaborative, hands-on learning environment. 

The University of Southern California presents an online Master’s in Communications that is broad enough to cover all areas of the communications fields. Experiential learning and extensive coursework are featured in this program and present a wealth of knowledge on everything from data synthesis to strategies for emerging media. Upon completion, students will have gained practical training that applies to real-world experience in a leadership role. 

The MA in Communication and Leadership at Park University emphasizes interpersonal success, innovation, and organizational skills. The program is designed for professionals who are looking to advance in their careers, and the curriculum intends to groom students for leadership roles. Upon completion, students will be able to apply communication skills to a multitude of environments and on a global level. 

Students enrolled in the Master’s in Mass Communications program from Murray State University will study communications from an ethical point of view. MSU dives into today’s communications climate through the lenses of social understanding, cultural norms, and mass media. This flexible and interactive online program also allows you to make your own hours without sacrificing the benefit of small classes and qualified professors. 

Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers an MA in Communications and Media Management that zeroes in on digital media and its varying applications. The curriculum requires face-to-face meetings and group projects, making peer interaction a strong value of this program. A wide variety of electives also lets students customize their experience based on their unique interests. 

West Virginia University places emphasis on corporate and organizational communication through its MA in Communication Studies. Through this emphasis, students will learn about the role that communications have in communities and other organized groups. The program is designed for working professionals who want to further excel in their current careers. 

Gaining an MS in Strategic Communication through Troy University will allow you to develop critical skills and an evolved point-of-view in as little as one year. Although challenging, this curriculum will provide you with advanced knowledge of communication technologies, crisis communication management, and the strategic use of social media. Should you choose to follow the doctoral path offered, this degree will provide you with the steps to do so.