Master’s in Communication in Minnesota

Minnesota is home to nine schools that offer master's-level communication programs. With several online degree programs and the ability to focus studies in various areas including healthcare, technical communication, communication law, public relations and many others, a master's degree is within reach for anyone with career aspirations in communications in Minnesota. Major employers in Minnesota include numerous healthcare agencies, companies, and hospitals, with healthcare employment an estimated 11 percent of total employment in the Twin Cities. In addition to healthcare, major industries in Minnesota that may offer employment opportunities for expert communicators include information technology, retail, financial services, and professional services.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota offers some of the most dynamic and innovative communication graduate programs in the United States. At Masters in Communications, we've carefully evaluated the top universities and compiled a comprehensive ranking of the best communication master's programs across the state. Our experts assessed factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, curriculum design, and career placement success to create this definitive guide for aspiring communication professionals. Whether you're interested in strategic communication, media studies, or digital communication, Minnesota's universities provide exceptional educational pathways. Students can find programs that align perfectly with their career goals and academic interests. For a detailed breakdown of our comprehensive evaluation process, check out our https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

Winona State University

Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu

Master's - Strategic Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

Winona State University's Strategic Communication Master's program offers a comprehensive online degree designed to cultivate advanced communication professionals. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural and inclusive communication strategies, providing students with research-driven techniques and leadership development. Tailored for professionals seeking transformative communication skills, the program integrates synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences. Students explore diverse organizational communication contexts, gaining expertise in developing innovative communication approaches. With a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, graduates emerge prepared to navigate complex communication challenges across various industries and organizational settings.

• Fully online master's degree
• 33 total program credits
• Synchronous and asynchronous classes
• Diverse career preparation
• Flexible course scheduling
• Real-world project focus
• Industry expert instructors
• Customizable elective options
• Multicultural communication emphasis

#2

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu

Master's - MA in Mass Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Minnesota's MA in Mass Communication provides a scholarly and research-driven academic pathway for communication professionals and aspiring academics. Students delve into cutting-edge research across diverse communication domains including advertising, health communication, journalism, and political communication. The rigorous program demands 25 graduate credits and a comprehensive thesis, enabling students to develop advanced research methodologies and critical analytical skills. With opportunities for scholarly conference presentations and potential PhD program transition, graduates are prepared for impactful careers in communication research, academic settings, policy development, and industry leadership roles.

• Research-based academic program
• 25 graduate credits required
• Interdisciplinary research focus
• 10 thesis credits
• Multiple research concentration areas
• PhD transition possible
• Career paths in research/education
• Scholarly conference presentations
• Original independent scholarship

Master's - Professional MA in Strategic Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Professional MA in Strategic Communication at the University of Minnesota delivers a sophisticated graduate experience tailored for mid-career communication professionals. Designed for practitioners in advertising, public relations, and corporate communication, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing digital strategy, media integration, and communication leadership. Requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission and 30 total credits, students gain advanced strategic communication skills through intensive theoretical and practical training. The program equips graduates with sophisticated insights into crafting effective communication strategies, positioning them for enhanced professional opportunities in dynamic communication landscapes.

• 30 total graduate credits
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• $1,665 per credit (resident)
• Twin Cities campus location
• Professional communication focus
• Advertising and PR emphasis
• Digital strategy courses
• Research methods training
• Leadership theory included
• Capstone project option

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#3

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN - Public 4-Year - mnsu.edu

Master's - Communication and Media

Campus Based - Visit Website

Minnesota State University-Mankato's Master of Arts in Communication stands out as a comprehensive graduate program designed for professionals seeking advanced communication skills. The two-year curriculum delves deeply into communication theories, research methodologies, and diverse communication domains including intercultural, interpersonal, organizational, and rhetorical studies. Students engage in rigorous academic exploration through core coursework and a substantial thesis component. The program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and provides flexible elective options, preparing graduates for both academic pursuits and professional communication careers. With an emphasis on quantitative and qualitative research methods, students develop advanced analytical capabilities essential in contemporary communication landscapes.

• Master's degree in Communication
• 2-year program completion
• Thesis-based curriculum
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Diverse communication focus areas
• Core courses in communication theory
• Quantitative and qualitative methods
• Professional and academic career preparation
• Research-intensive program
• Flexible elective course options

Master's - Communication and Composition

Campus Based - Visit Website

Minnesota State University-Mankato's Master of Science in Communication and Composition offers a specialized interdisciplinary program targeting aspiring educators in community and technical colleges. This unique two-year degree blends communication and composition theory with practical pedagogical training. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and complete 30 semester hours in related fields. The program provides a pathway to dual certification in Communication Education and Teaching of Writing. Comprehensive admission requirements include a personal statement, writing sample, recommendation letters, and resume. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, making this program an exceptional opportunity for communication professionals seeking teaching credentials.

• Interdisciplinary program
• Focus on teaching
• Community college focus
• Technical college focus
• Communication theory
• Composition theory
• Pedagogy courses
• Dual certification option
• 30 semester hours required
• Minimum GPA 3.0

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#4

Concordia University-Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - csp.edu

Master's - Strategic Communication Management

Campus Based - Visit Website

Concordia University-Saint Paul's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management is a robust program tailored for communication professionals seeking advanced leadership skills. Students explore comprehensive strategies in digital communication, crisis management, and intercultural communication landscapes. The curriculum emphasizes emerging technologies, corporate social responsibility, and strategic planning techniques. With a 36-credit comprehensive design, the program prepares graduates for dynamic communication roles across diverse industries. By integrating project management, content strategy, and ethical leadership training, students develop critical skills for navigating complex communication challenges. The program is particularly well-suited for working professionals seeking to elevate their strategic communication capabilities and advance into leadership positions.

• 36 total credits
• Focus on strategic communication
• Covers digital communication
• Includes crisis communication
• Leadership communication skills
• Intercultural communication focus
• Project management included
• Corporate social responsibility
• Media strategies training
• Content strategy development

*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

Keep reading for details about the master's in communication programs offered in Minnesota:

METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Metropolitan State University offers a Master of Science in Technical Communication program on its campus in St. Paul.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Technical Communication program is a 32-credit hour program that includes advanced training in the theory and professional practice of technical communication. Students also have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Design of User Experience or in Project Management.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $227 per credit hour for Minnesota residents and $464 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for enrollment in the fall is June 1, October 1 for the spring and March 10 for the summer.

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO

Minnesota State University in Mankato offers two master's-level communication degrees that can be completed online or on-campus.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication & Composition program is designed for students interested in teaching communication and composition at community and technical colleges. The Master of Art in Technical Communication prepares students for doctoral studies, teaching opportunities, and for careers as information developers, technical writers, and editors.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $4,090 per semester for residents taking courses on campus. Online students pay in-state tuition plus $36 per credit hour in online fees. Non-residents taking courses on campus pay varying tuition rates, which can be found online here.

Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

St. Cloud State University offers a Master of Science in Mass Communications - Strategic Media Communications program in an on-campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Mass Communications - Strategic Media Communications program includes coursework in multimedia technology, media convergence, advertising and public relations to prepare students for careers in strategic media communications in a wide range of industries. Students also have the opportunity to gain hands on experience by working at St. Cloud State's 24-hour radio station, campus newspaper, or HD television studio.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $4,110 per semester for Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Manitoba residents, and $5,974 per semester for non-residents.

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

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis offers four options for master's in communications programs, including a Master of Arts in Mass Communication, Professional Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, Master of Arts in Health Communication and a dual MA/JD degree in Communication and Law.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Mass Communication program allows students to tailor their studies within several broad areas, including public relations, journalism, international mass communication, advertising, communication law and others. The program culminates in a thesis and a comprehensive examination. The Professional Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is designed for communication and marketing professionals who are working full-time, and the program is completed in two years of study. The M.A./J.D. in Communication and Law program provides students with a background in mass communication law and students earn a law degree simultaneously with their master's degree.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $1,422 per credit hour for part-time students who are residents of Minnesota, and $2,201 per credit hour for part-time students who are non-residents. Tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year for full-time students is $8,532 per semester for Minnesota residents and $13,206 per semester for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for the M.A. in Mass Communication program is January 15 for the fall semester. The priority application deadline for the Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication is May 15 for admission in the fall. The M.A. in Health Communication program begins in June, and the application deadline is February 1. The dual degree program has a rolling application deadline until March 1 for the following fall.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Minnesota

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY - ST. PAUL

Concordia University - St. Paul offers a fully online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management is a 36-credit hour program that is designed for busy professionals who have career experience or interest in corporate communication, public relations, strategic planning or other communication management fields.

What Does It Cost?: The tuition for the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management program for the 2018-2019 academic year is $475 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: Classes meet one night per week online or on the campus in St. Paul, and courses are completed in 7 weeks.

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO

Both graduate-level communication programs at Minnesota State University in Mankato can also be taken online. For more information on the Master of Science in Communication & Composition program, click here. For more information about the Master of Art in Technical Communication program, click here.

WALDEN UNIVERSITY

Walden University based in Minneapolis offers an online Master of Science in Communication degree program.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication program prepares students for careers in marketing, public relations, digital media, social media or corporate communication.

What Does It Cost?: Tuition for the Master of Science in Communication program in 2018 is $785 per credit hour plus $185 per semester in technology fees.

Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students typically complete the program in 21 months.

Minnesota Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs