Master’s in Communication in Arkansas

Arkansas offers three schools for students interested in pursuing a master's in communication degree. With three on-campus programs and one online program, students can concentrate their studies in journalism, radio/TV, media research and strategic communication among other options. Upon graduation, students in Arkansas will be prepared for careers in academia or one of Arkansas' major industries such as retail, agriculture, transportation, and food manufacturing. Major companies that call Arkansas home and provide potential career opportunities for communications experts include Wal-Mart Inc., Acxiom Corp., Dillards Inc., and J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Arkansas

Discovering the top communication programs in Arkansas just got easier with Masters in Communications' comprehensive rankings. Our expert team has carefully evaluated graduate communication programs across the state, considering factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student outcomes. Whether you're passionate about media relations, digital communication, or strategic messaging, Arkansas offers some compelling advanced degree options for aspiring communication professionals. These programs prepare students to excel in various sectors, from corporate communications to nonprofit advocacy. Our rankings provide an insider's view of the best educational pathways for those seeking to advance their communication career in the Natural State. For a detailed breakdown of our evaluation process, check out our https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Mass Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Master of Arts in Mass Communication provides a comprehensive exploration of media's societal impact. This 33-credit online and on-campus program empowers students with advanced research and strategic communication skills. Designed for aspiring media professionals, the program requires a baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 GPA and offers flexible learning pathways. Students can choose between a thesis or professional project, gaining expertise in multi-platform storytelling and critical media analysis. The curriculum emphasizes scholarly research, preparing graduates for roles in journalism, public relations, and academic research.

• 33 credit hours required
• Thesis or professional project option
• Available online and on-campus
• Focus on media research and theory
• Enhances strategic communication skills
• Baccalaureate degree required for admission
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
• Professional goals letter required
• Resume submission required
• Two recommendation letters needed

Master's - Master of Arts in Mass Communication

Concentration: Media Research - Online Learning - Visit Website

Focused on Media Research, this University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Master of Arts in Mass Communication offers a specialized 33-credit track for professionals seeking deep analytical skills. The program provides an intensive exploration of media theory, research methodologies, and critical analysis techniques. With an online format and flexible learning options, students develop advanced scholarly research capabilities. The curriculum emphasizes understanding media's complex dynamics, preparing graduates for academic, research-oriented careers in communication, journalism, and media studies.

• 33-credit hour program
• Online degree option
• Two specialized tracks
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• $396 per credit hour
• Thesis or professional project option
• Media research track available
• Strategic communication focus
• Professional multi-platform journalism
• Scholarly and professional research skills

Master's - Master of Arts in Mass Communication

Concentration: Professional Mass Media - Online Learning - Visit Website

The Professional Mass Media concentration at UA Little Rock's Master of Arts in Mass Communication prepares students for dynamic media leadership roles. This 33-credit online program equips professionals with advanced multi-platform communication strategies and critical media insights. Designed for working journalists and strategic communicators, the curriculum emphasizes practical skills and theoretical understanding. Students develop expertise in professional media environments, learning to analyze and navigate complex communication landscapes. The program offers flexibility, affordability, and comprehensive training for media professionals seeking career advancement.

• 33-hour online graduate program
• Two concentration options
• Media research pathway
• Professional mass media track
• Thesis or professional project
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• $396 per credit hour
• Flexible online learning
• Critical media analysis
• Multi-platform journalism focus

Show 2 More Programs ˅

*Data compiled from: IPEDS 2023 survey, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

See below for details about masters in communications programs available in Arkansas:

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Arkansas State University offers students a Master of Arts in Communication Studies degree as a traditional on-campus program.

What to Know: The primary focus of the program is on the fundamentals of communication theory and the understanding and use of complex methods of communication research. Students can choose to specialize in journalism or radio/TV studies.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition is $267 per credit hour for Arkansas residents and $534 per credit hour for non-residents. This cost does not include additional mandatory fees or course materials.

Anything Else?: The application deadline is July 1 for admission to the fall semester and November 15 for admission to the spring semester.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville offers an on-campus Master of Arts in Communications degree program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program has a specific emphasis on civic engagement, where students will study how to use communication to create more inclusive organizations, more resilient communities and more informed and engaged citizens.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition is estimated at $9,938 per academic year for Arkansas residents and $25,122 per academic year for non-residents. This cost does not include additional mandatory fees or course materials.

Anything Else?: The application deadlines for admissions considerations are August 1 for the fall semester, December 1 for the spring semester and April 15 for the summer session.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - LITTLE ROCK

The University of Arkansas in Little Rock offers both online and on-campus Master of Arts in Mass Communication programs for students to choose from.

What to Know: Both the online and on-campus Master of Arts in Mass Communication programs offer a Media Research option that prepares students to analyze and conduct scholarly research in mass communication, as well as a Professional Mass Media option that provides students with advanced professional training in multi-platform journalism or strategic communications/public relations. Students will either write a thesis or create a professional project as a capstone experience to end the program.

What Does It Cost?: Cost per credit for the online program is $383. The tuition for the on-campus program is $6,600 per academic year for Arkansas residents and $14,560 for non-residents. This cost does not include mandatory fees or course materials.

Anything Else?: The application deadlines for the on-campus program are July 15 for the fall semester, April 15 for the summer semester and December 10 for the spring semester.

Arkansas Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs