Master’s in Communication in Michigan

Michigan State University's Master of Arts in Communication offers a comprehensive program designed for strategic thinkers seeking advanced communication expertise. With two distinct tracks—pre-Ph.D. and career-oriented—students can customize their academic journey. The curriculum emphasizes core communication theory and quantitative research methods, enabling students to develop sophisticated analytical skills. Entrance exam requirements include the GRE, and students can specialize in interpersonal, organizational, or political communication. Graduates emerge prepared for doctoral studies or professional roles across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. The 30-credit program provides flexible learning opportunities with guidance from experienced faculty advisors.

• Two major directions: thesis and final examination.
• Focus areas include interpersonal and organizational communication.
• 30 credit hours required for graduation.
• Core courses: Communication Theory, Quantitative Research Methods.
• Pre-Ph.D. track includes applied statistics.
• Career-oriented track enhances professional communication skills.
• Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising available.
• Flexible curriculum design with faculty advisor.
• Alumni work in government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors.
• Quantitative research methods for social-scientific understanding.

Focused on Interpersonal Communication, Michigan State University's Master of Arts program provides an in-depth exploration of human interaction dynamics. Students choose between thesis and final examination tracks, allowing personalized academic paths. The curriculum integrates quantitative research methods with advanced communication theory, emphasizing persuasion, social influence, and mediated communication studies. GRE scores are typically required for admission. Unique specializations include nonprofit fundraising and intercultural communication, preparing students for diverse professional environments. With 30 credit hours of intensive study, graduates develop advanced communication strategies applicable in government, nonprofit, and corporate settings.

• Two tracks: thesis and final examination.
• Focus areas include interpersonal communication.
• Organizational communication emphasis available.
• Mediated communication studies.
• Persuasion and social influence focus.
• Political communication specialization.
• Intercultural communication studies.
• 30 credit hours to graduate.
• Communication Theory required course.
• Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods required.

Michigan State University's Organizational Communication Master's program equips students with sophisticated communication strategies for professional environments. Designed with two tracks—pre-Ph.D. and career-oriented—the curriculum emphasizes practical skills and theoretical foundations. Students engage in comprehensive coursework exploring communication theory, research methods, and specialized nonprofit fundraising opportunities. The GRE is typically required for admission. Graduates develop advanced abilities to synthesize complex research, design communication strategies, and apply social-scientific scholarship across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. The 30-credit program offers intimate learning experiences with mentorship from experienced faculty.

• Two major directions: thesis and final examination.
• Focus areas include interpersonal and organizational communication.
• Specialization in nonprofit fundraising available.
• 30 credit hours required for graduation.
• Courses in Communication Theory and Quantitative Research Methods.
• Pre-Ph.D. track includes applied statistics.
• Career-oriented track improves professional communication skills.
• Flexible curriculum design with faculty advisor.
• Quantitative research methods emphasized.
• Alumni work in government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors.

Western Michigan University's Master of Arts in Communication offers a comprehensive 30-credit-hour program strategically designed for professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. The hybrid learning model provides exceptional flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree within 2-3.5 years while exploring diverse communication domains. Students benefit from small class sizes, world-renowned faculty, and state-of-the-art media facilities that enhance practical learning experiences. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, public relations strategies, training methodologies, and consulting skills. GRE requirements may apply for admission, with potential pathways to doctoral studies and significant career advancement opportunities in communication-related fields.

• 30-credit hour Master's program
• Hybrid learning format
• 10 total courses
• 7 customizable electives
• Small class sizes (15 students)
• World-renowned faculty
• State-of-the-art media facilities
• Career-focused curriculum
• Potential doctoral program pathway

Calvin University's Master of Media and Strategic Communication provides aspiring communication professionals a comprehensive program that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students develop advanced skills in crafting compelling messages across diverse platforms, with unique opportunities through the Skylight student-run creative media agency. The on-campus program offers an innovative 8-week basics course requiring no prior media production experience, enabling students to quickly build foundational competencies. Rooted in Christian ethical principles, the curriculum prepares graduates to advocate effectively for communities and businesses while emphasizing communication strategy and media production techniques. Professors prioritize message evaluation, integrity, and powerful communication approaches, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as one year.

• On-campus program
• Rolling admissions
• No media production experience required
• 8-week basics course
• Combines strategy and practice
• Real-world experience with Skylight
• Flexible pace
• Taught by Christian professors
• Focus on ethics in communication
• Earn degree in as little as one year

Grand Valley State University's Master of Science in Communication is a strategic professional development program targeting communication professionals seeking advanced leadership skills. Uniquely structured for working adults, the program spans 36 credits and can be completed part-time over two to three years. Evening classes at the Grand Rapids Campus emphasize research-driven decision-making and practical communication theory application. Students benefit from competitive assistantships, flexible scheduling, and strong industry connections. While specific entrance exam requirements aren't detailed, the program prioritizes professional growth, offering individualized projects and internship opportunities that directly enhance career trajectories in communication fields.

• 36 credits required
• Face-to-face format
• Evening classes available
• Designed for working professionals
• Leadership skills development
• Research-based decision-making focus
• Courses at Grand Rapids Campus
• Part-time completion in 2-3 years
• Assistantships available competitively
• Admission requires bachelor's degree

Alma College's Master of Science in Communication and Information Technology offers a cutting-edge interdisciplinary program designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in technology-driven communication environments. The two-year low-residency format uniquely blends online coursework with on-campus intensive sessions, emphasizing cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and a curriculum focused on real-world problem-solving. Notably, the program does not require GRE scores for admission, making it accessible to working professionals. With a 3.0 GPA requirement and comprehensive application process, the program aims to cultivate advanced technological communication skills and prepare graduates for dynamic IT leadership positions.

• 2-year program duration
• Low-residency format
• Focus on cybersecurity
• Cloud computing skills
• Data analytics training
• Leadership development
• Small class sizes
• Faculty mentorship
• Online and on-campus
• Flexible scheduling