What you’ll learn in this article…
- Missouri offers more than a dozen communication master's programs, with the majority available fully online or in hybrid formats.
- Annual tuition ranges from under $7,000 at some public universities to over $20,000 at private institutions.
- BLS data show Missouri public relations specialists and media professionals earn competitive salaries, with demand projected to grow through the decade.
- GPA requirements start as low as 2.5 at several programs, making admission accessible for working professionals changing careers.
A master's in communication in Missouri covers a focused set of graduate degrees: MA programs in communication and leadership, MA and MS tracks in strategic communication, technical communication, and applied speech and communication sciences. Tuition runs from roughly $4,800 to $25,600 per year at in-state rates, and several programs finish in 12 to 18 months.
The practical tension for most applicants is format versus price. St. Louis and Kansas City anchor the state's PR, healthcare communications, and corporate marketing employer base, but more than half of Missouri's graduate communication options are now delivered online or hybrid, putting Springfield, Columbia, and Warrensburg programs within reach of metro workers. GPA thresholds sit between 2.5 and 3.3, and most strategic communication tracks have dropped the GRE entirely.
Best Master's in Communication Programs in Missouri, Ranked
Missouri's communication master's programs span research universities, regional public campuses, and private institutions, with formats that run from full-time residential study to asynchronous online coursework. The ten entries below cover what each school actually offers, from speech-language pathology and technical communication to strategic communication and public relations.
How we ranked these
- On-time completion and graduation rates
- Retention and student-faculty ratios
- Post-graduation earnings outcomes
- Regional cost-of-living adjusted value
- Net price after aid
- Original research on individual programs
- Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
University of Missouri-St Louis
#1Saint Louis, MO · $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.)
Best for: St. Louis professionals moving into communication roles
The University of Missouri-St. Louis anchors this group with a research university setting in the state's largest metro area. Its Master of Arts in Communication takes a social-behavioral science approach, pairing a 15-credit theory and methods core with electives in strategic, interpersonal, mass, and health communication. Students finish with a thesis or an internship, so the degree can be shaped toward doctoral study or a professional pivot.
- 30 credit hours, including a 15-credit required core
- Four concentration options across strategic, health, and mass communication
- Thesis or internship exit option
- 3.3 GPA minimum for admission
- Social-behavioral science approach to communication theory
- Prepares graduates for corporate communication, media, and HR roles
Truman State University
#2Kirksville, MO · ~$12,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Aspiring speech-language pathologists seeking clinical training
Truman State University in Kirksville is a public liberal arts institution whose graduate communication work centers on speech-language pathology. Its Master of Arts in Communication Disorders blends classroom instruction with supervised clinical hours at the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic, and students help choose their medical or school internship placements. Rolling admission and a personalized plan of study make the program workable for applicants from a range of undergraduate backgrounds.
- 48 credit hours at about $588 per credit, roughly $28,224 total
- ASHA-accredited curriculum in speech-language pathology
- On-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic for supervised clinical hours
- Rolling admissions with fall and spring start points
- Study abroad option in Puerto Vallarta
- Financial aid for students enrolled at least six credits per semester
- Personalized plan of study built around ASHA certification
Southeast Missouri State University
#3Cape Girardeau, MO · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Southeast Missouri residents pursuing licensure-track study
Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau runs a cohort-based graduate program in communication disorders with a speech-language pathology concentration. Clinical practicum is built into the 58-credit curriculum, and the department reports strong licensure pass rates alongside near-complete job placement. Graduate assistantships and scholarships help offset the cost for students who relocate to the region.
- 58 credit hours leading to Missouri licensure and ASHA certification
- Speech-Language Pathology concentration
- No GRE required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- CSDCAS application with a January 15 deadline
- Summer semester start each year
- Reported 95% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement
- Cohort of roughly 20 to 22 students
- Graduate assistantships and scholarships available
Northwest Missouri State University
#4Maryville, MO · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville has built its graduate communication offering around working adults. The online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication compresses courses into seven-week terms and can be finished in about a year. Its focus on campaigns, public relations, and research gives the degree a practitioner orientation rather than a scholarly one.
- 30 credit hours at about $407 per credit, roughly $12,210 total
- 100% online, with 7-week course terms
- Finish in as few as 12 months
- Same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students
- 2.5 GPA minimum for admission
- Coursework in campaigns, media relations, and brand management
- Capstone project required
- Statement of purpose and official transcripts required
University of Central Missouri
#5Warrensburg, MO · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
The University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg concentrates its graduate communication work in speech-language pathology. Training happens at an on-site clinic with 15 treatment rooms plus off-site placements in schools and hospitals, and the program has held accreditation continuously since 1977. Students with a communication disorders background finish in six semesters, while career changers take a longer route with leveling coursework.
- 50 credit hours across six semesters
- Total program tuition around $22,560
- 400 clinical hours split between onsite and offsite placements
- No entrance exam required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- Reported 98% licensure pass rate and 100% job placement
- Onsite clinic with 15 treatment rooms
- Parkinson Voice Project training and interprofessional education
- Accredited continuously since 1977
University of Missouri
#6Columbia, MO · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
The University of Missouri in Columbia offers the broadest menu of communication graduate degrees in the state. Students can pursue a traditional research MA in Communication, a strategic communication master's delivered through the School of Journalism, or a clinical master's in speech-language pathology. That range suits applicants who want either a scholarly track or an industry-facing credential.
- 48 credit hours with a B- or higher in every course
- At least 375 supervised clinical practicum hours
- Two-year program; 26 prerequisite credits for career changers
- 3.0 GPA minimum on the last 60 credits
- CSDCAS application with a January 15 deadline
- ASHA-accredited; prepares students for Missouri licensure and Praxis
- Summer entry only
- 30 credit hours, to be completed within eight years
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- No more than 12 credit hours of research coursework
- January 15 application deadline with three recommendations
- Minimum B average required to graduate
- 33 credit hours, delivered 100% online
- Thesis or capstone option
- Strategic communication emphasis inside the journalism master's
Missouri University of Science and Technology
#7Rolla, MO · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla applies communication study to technical and scientific fields. Its Master of Science in Technical Communication covers editing, usability, structured authoring, and information design for complex technologies. Graduates typically move into technical writing, usability, and documentation leadership roles in engineering, science, and information systems organizations.
- 30 to 33 credit hours; finish in about one year
- Thesis or capstone option
- Coursework in technical editing, usability, and structured authoring
- Project management and web-based communication coursework
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Faculty collaborate with students on applied research projects
Missouri State University
#8Springfield, MO · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Missouri State University in Springfield carries the widest set of communication concentrations in the state. Its MA in Communication branches into conflict, organizational communication, and communication and culture, with service-learning and internships built in. The university also trains speech-language pathologists and teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing, and graduate assistantships come with tuition waivers.
- Concentrations in conflict, organizational communication, and culture
- Theory and research balanced with service-learning
- Graduate assistantships with tuition waivers
- Accelerated master's option for current undergraduates
- Faculty are published researchers who advise students individually
- Prepares graduates for consulting, HR, and management roles
- Four semesters plus a summer term
- ASHA-accredited speech-language pathology specialization
- Reported 100% licensure pass rate and 99% job placement
- Externships spanning the lifespan
- Leveling courses for students without a CSD background
- Median earnings reported around $80,000
- Four-semester program training teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing
- Approved by the Council on Education of the Deaf
- Clinical and research foundation
- Prepares graduates for public and residential school settings
Park University
#9Parkville, MO · under $5,000/yr (est.)
Park University in Parkville is a private institution, which makes it unusual among the public universities that dominate this list. The Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership blends communication theory with organizational leadership, cross-cultural communication, and research methods. Its asynchronous classes and part-time pacing are designed for people who are already working full time.
- 36 credit hours with part-time pacing
- Asynchronous online classes
- Coursework in cross-cultural communication and organizational leadership
- Research training in ethnographic and quantitative methods
- Prepares graduates for PR, HR, and marketing management roles
- Financial aid and scholarships available
Maryville University
#10Saint Louis, MO · ~$16,000/yr (est.)
Maryville University in St. Louis focuses its graduate communication portfolio on speech-language pathology. The five-semester, 57-credit program combines online coursework with in-person clinical practicums, and applicants are not required to submit GRE scores. A dedicated clinical coordinator helps students line up placements in school and medical settings.
- 57 credits across five semesters
- No GRE required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- Clinical practicums in the final three semesters
- January and August start dates
- Dedicated clinical coordinator support
- Prerequisite coursework in communication sciences required
- Prepares students for ASHA certification and state licensure
Tuition and Cost Comparison Across Missouri Programs
The figures below come from the U.S. Department of Education's IPEDS and College Scorecard data (2024), paired with total program costs where schools publish them. Park University has the lowest annual graduate tuition here at $4,783, and Northwest Missouri State's fully online strategic communication degree charges the same rate regardless of residency. Out-of-state students should watch the wide residency gaps at public schools like the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the University of Missouri.
| School | Program | Format | Annual Graduate Tuition (In-State) | Annual Graduate Tuition (Out-of-State) | Published Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truman State University | Master of Arts in Communication Disorders | On campus | $12,168 | $12,168 | $28,224 total ($588 per credit) |
| University of Central Missouri | Master of Science in Communication Disorders | On campus | $10,296 | $19,092 | N/A |
| University of Missouri-St. Louis | Master of Arts in Communication | On campus | $15,480 | $36,792 | N/A |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Master of Arts in Communication Disorders | On campus | $7,702 | $7,702 | N/A |
| Avila University | Master of Arts in Strategic Communication | Online | $10,800 | $10,800 | $19,500 total ($650 per credit) |
| Northwest Missouri State University | Master of Arts in Strategic Communication | Online | $8,096 | $8,096 | $12,210 total ($407 per credit, fees included) |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | Master of Science in Technical Communication | Hybrid | $14,944 | $26,056 | N/A |
| Missouri State University | Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Language Pathology Track) | Hybrid | $8,204 | $14,990 | N/A |
| University of Missouri | MHS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (Speech-Language Pathology Emphasis) | On campus | $13,681 | $32,581 | N/A |
| Park University | Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership | Hybrid | $4,783 | $4,783 | N/A |
| Maryville University | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | Online | $16,246 | $16,246 | $57,300 total |
| Saint Louis University | Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences | On campus | $25,590 | $25,590 | $5,820 summer term; $13,580 per fall and spring term |
| Rockhurst University | Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders | On campus | $20,842 | $20,842 | N/A |
| Webster University | MA in Strategic Communications | Online | $13,736 | $13,736 | N/A |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need a fully online program to balance work and coursework, or would you benefit from campus networking in St. Louis or Kansas City?
Missouri's strongest communication programs cluster in these metro areas, where you'll find direct access to agencies, media outlets, and corporate communication teams. Online degrees offer scheduling flexibility but sacrifice face-to-face faculty mentorship and peer connections that often lead to internships and job referrals.
Are you aiming for a research-oriented MA or a practice-focused strategic communication degree?
A research MA typically includes a thesis and prepares you for doctoral study or academic roles, while applied programs emphasize portfolio projects, campaign execution, and employer-ready skills. Your career trajectory determines which curriculum serves you better.
What's your realistic budget, and does the program's median debt justify the expected salary bump?
Missouri public university tuition runs substantially lower than private programs, but total cost of attendance varies by format and pace. Compare each program's debt-to-earnings ratio against your current salary and post-degree earning potential to ensure positive ROI within a reasonable payback window.
Online vs. On-Campus Communication Programs in Missouri
Missouri's communication master's landscape splits roughly into three delivery formats: fully online, fully on-campus, and hybrid programs that blend both. Your ideal format depends on how you weigh flexibility against face-to-face professional connections, so it helps to see the tradeoffs side by side.
- Online programs like those at Northwest Missouri State, Webster University, and Avila University let you study from anywhere in the state on your own schedule, which is ideal if you are balancing a full-time job.
- Fully online tuition is often lower in practice: Northwest Missouri State charges the same $407 per credit regardless of residency, keeping total costs around $12,210.
- On-campus programs at schools such as UMSL, Saint Louis University, and Rockhurst University place you directly in the St. Louis or Kansas City media markets, opening doors to networking events, guest lectures, and internship pipelines with local employers.
- Campus-based cohort models build lasting peer relationships and accountability; programs like the University of Missouri's speech-language pathology track pair classroom learning with hundreds of supervised clinical hours.
- Hybrid options at Missouri S&T and Park University offer a middle path, combining asynchronous online coursework with periodic in-person intensives or practicum placements.
- Online learners can feel isolated from classmates and faculty, and they miss the informal hallway conversations that often lead to job referrals in competitive markets like St. Louis PR and corporate communications.
- Fully online formats provide less direct access to local employer partnerships, which can make securing practicum placements or internships more of a self-directed effort.
- On-campus programs demand commuting to locations that may not be near you, since Missouri's campus options are spread across Columbia, Cape Girardeau, Warrensburg, Springfield, and the Kansas City and St. Louis metros.
- Rigid class schedules at campus programs can clash with work obligations; many on-campus tracks run during weekday business hours and require summer enrollment to stay on pace.
- Hybrid programs require you to plan around occasional on-site residencies, which can mean travel costs and time away from work even though most coursework is completed remotely.
Missouri by City
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What Missouri Communication Graduates Actually Earn
The salary conversation around communication careers has shifted noticeably in the past few years, with employers in corporate communications, healthcare PR, and digital content strategy bidding up wages to attract talent who can navigate an increasingly fragmented media landscape. If you are weighing the return on a master's in communication in Missouri, concrete wage data is the best starting point for an honest cost-benefit analysis.
Where to Find Missouri-Specific Salary Data
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes free Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for every state and major metro area. For communication graduates, the three SOC codes worth tracking are 27-3031 (Public Relations Specialists), 11-2031 (Public Relations and Fundraising Managers), and 27-3099 (Media and Communication Workers, All Other). The most recent release typically covers the prior May, so data from May 2025 should be available or imminent by mid-2026. You can search these codes at bls.gov/oes and filter by Missouri statewide, the Kansas City metro, or the St. Louis metro to see how wages differ across the state.
For national context, the BLS reported a median annual wage of $69,780 for Public Relations Specialists as of May 2024.1 That is a national figure, not a Missouri figure, so do not treat it as a local benchmark. Missouri-specific medians and metro-level breakdowns are published separately and may sit above or below the national number depending on industry mix and cost of living. For a broader look at how these roles translate into careers with a masters in communication, salary benchmarking across geographies and specializations becomes essential.
University Alumni Outcome Reports
Another reliable source is the career services or alumni outcomes pages maintained by Missouri universities. Schools like the University of Missouri, UMKC, and Saint Louis University often publish post-graduation salary reports that break out earnings by major or college. These reports can tell you what communication master's graduates actually earned in their first year or at mid-career, which is far more specific than broad occupation-level BLS data. If the data is not posted publicly, a quick email to career services usually yields it.
Professional Association Salary Surveys
PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) and IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) both conduct periodic salary surveys that include regional breakdowns. The Missouri chapters of these organizations sometimes share localized results or can point you toward member-only reports. These surveys tend to capture a wider slice of communication roles, including internal communications, crisis management, and executive-level positions, than BLS categories alone. Graduates who pursue an online master's in public relations often find these surveys especially useful for benchmarking salaries in agency versus in-house settings.
Metro-Level Comparisons: Kansas City vs. St. Louis
Because Missouri's two largest metros anchor very different industry clusters, wages can vary meaningfully between them. Kansas City's economy leans on logistics, agribusiness, and a growing tech sector, while St. Louis has deep roots in healthcare, financial services, and defense contracting. Local chambers of commerce and regional economic development agencies in both cities occasionally compile wage data organized by industry or occupation. Checking the Kansas City Area Development Council and the St. Louis Regional Chamber can surface reports that layer industry demand on top of raw salary figures, giving you a clearer picture of where communication professionals command the strongest compensation.
Putting the Numbers Together
When you compare multiple data sources, a few practical steps help you avoid apples-to-oranges mistakes:
- Match the geography: Always note whether a figure is national, statewide, or metro-specific before drawing conclusions.
- Distinguish experience levels: BLS medians include all experience levels; alumni reports often reflect early-career wages, which will naturally be lower.
- Factor in industry: A PR specialist in healthcare or tech typically out-earns one in nonprofit work, even within the same city.
- Check the date: Salary surveys age quickly, so prioritize data published within the last two years.
Armed with these resources, you can build a realistic earnings projection tailored to your target role, preferred metro area, and industry of interest, rather than relying on a single national average that may not reflect what Missouri employers are actually paying.
Missouri Communication Graduate Earnings at a Glance
Program-level earnings data (at one year and four years post-completion) are not yet published for these Missouri communication master's programs. The chart below compares each school's median institutional earnings at ten years after enrollment alongside median graduate debt, giving you a useful debt-to-earnings snapshot for ROI planning.
Missouri's Communication Job Market: Growth and Employer Demand
Missouri's communication job market refers to the demand for professionals who manage how organizations talk to the public, to employees, to journalists, and to customers. That includes public relations specialists, corporate communications managers, media planners, marketing communications coordinators, and the growing crop of digital and social media strategists. Understanding where this market is headed in Missouri requires triangulating national projections with state and metro-level signals, because no single source captures the full picture.
Start With National and State-Level Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov/ooh) is the anchor point for long-range growth projections in roles like public relations specialists, advertising and promotions managers, and PR and fundraising managers. These projections run on a ten-year horizon and tell you the broad direction of the field nationally. Exploring the full range of communication masters jobs can help you identify which titles to track.
For Missouri-specific numbers, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (missourieconomy.org) publishes state employment outlooks that disaggregate national trends by occupation and region. MERIC's data is where you confirm whether Missouri is tracking above, below, or roughly in line with national projections for your target role.
Zoom Into Kansas City and St. Louis
Missouri's communication hiring concentrates in its two major metros, so metro-level reporting matters. The Kansas City Area Development Council (kcsourcelink.com) and the St. Louis Regional Chamber (stlregionalchamber.com) regularly publish economic development reports that highlight industry expansions, corporate relocations, and sector hiring forecasts. When a major employer announces a regional headquarters move or a healthcare system expands its marketing footprint, these reports typically flag it first, and communication roles follow. Many of these openings favor candidates with a background in masters in organizational communication, particularly in corporate or healthcare settings.
Read Real-Time Employer Signals
Projections describe the next decade. Job boards describe right now. Set saved searches on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor filtered by Kansas City and St. Louis metros and by titles you actually want: communications manager, PR specialist, content strategist, internal communications lead. Track whether postings are increasing month over month and watch for newer role categories that have surfaced in 2024 through 2026, such as AI communications strategist, ESG communications, or community engagement lead.
Finally, connect with PRSA Missouri chapters and IABC's St. Louis and Kansas City affiliates. Staying current on latest trends in communication through their member surveys, monthly programs, and informal networking conversations surfaces hiring trends well before they show up in published data, and reveals which skills local employers are actively bidding up.
Admissions Requirements and GPA Thresholds Compared
What GPA and test scores do you actually need to get into a communication master's program in Missouri? The answer varies more than you might expect. Missouri programs range from highly accessible entry points to moderately selective thresholds, giving working professionals multiple pathways regardless of undergraduate performance.
GPA Minimums: A Wide Spread
Minimum GPA requirements across Missouri communication programs span nearly a full grade point. At the most accessible end, the University of Central Missouri accepts applicants with a 2.50 undergraduate GPA, while Northwest Missouri State sets the bar at 2.75.12 These lower thresholds open doors for professionals whose undergraduate records may not reflect their current capabilities or career trajectory.
Mid-tier programs expect stronger academic foundations. Missouri State University requires a 3.0 GPA for admission consideration, positioning itself as moderately selective. The University of Missouri-St. Louis maintains the highest threshold in the state at 3.25, though it balances this requirement with test-optional admissions.4
The University of Missouri does not publish a minimum GPA cutoff, instead evaluating applications holistically based on the strength of the overall package, including relevant work experience and professional goals.5
Standardized Test Policies: Mostly Optional
Most Missouri communication programs have eliminated standardized testing requirements, reflecting a broader national trend toward holistic admissions. The University of Missouri, UMSL, and Northwest Missouri State do not require the GRE or any equivalent exam for 2026 admission.542
Missouri State stands as the notable exception, still requiring either the GRE General Test or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). If standardized testing isn't your strength, this requirement may steer you toward one of the test-optional alternatives.
Prerequisite Coursework and Background
Several programs expect applicants to arrive with communication foundations already in place. The University of Missouri prefers candidates with an undergraduate degree in communication or a related field, though exceptions exist for strong applicants from other backgrounds.5 UMSL similarly looks for a baccalaureate in communication or a related discipline.4
The University of Central Missouri takes a more specific approach, requiring 15 credit hours of undergraduate communication coursework.1 If your bachelor's degree lies outside communication, you may need to complete prerequisite courses before matriculating or during your first term. For those still finishing their undergraduate work, exploring a bachelor of communication online degree could help you build the required foundation on a flexible schedule.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary widely by program. The University of Missouri enforces the earliest cutoff at January 15 for fall admission, requiring careful planning for professionals balancing application prep with full-time work.5 Missouri State offers more flexibility with a June 1 deadline, while the University of Central Missouri extends the window to July 15, accommodating later decision-makers or those completing spring prerequisite work.1
How to Choose the Right Communication Master's Program
Choosing the right program often comes down to a tension between what fits your career goals and what fits your budget, schedule, and life. A prestigious research track may look great on paper, but an applied program with asynchronous coursework could deliver a faster return if you are already working full time. Here is a framework to help you weigh the options clearly.
Match the Specialization to Your Career Path
Missouri's communication master's programs generally fall into three lanes:
- MA research track: Designed for students who want to study communication theory, conduct original research, and potentially pursue a doctorate. Best if you are drawn to academia or policy work.
- Strategic or applied communication: Emphasizes organizational communication, corporate messaging, crisis communication, or digital strategy. A strong fit for mid-career professionals looking to move into leadership roles.
- Public relations and media: Focuses on media relations, campaign planning, and reputation management. Ideal if your career centers on earned media, stakeholder engagement, or brand storytelling.
Picking the wrong lane can cost you time and tuition dollars, so map each program's curriculum against the job title you want two to five years from now.
Weigh Earnings Against Debt
The tuition and earnings data presented earlier in this article give you a concrete decision tool. Compare each program's total cost of attendance (tuition plus fees, books, and any travel for residencies) against post-graduation earnings reported for its graduates. A program that costs $10,000 more but consistently places graduates in higher-paying roles may still be the better investment. Conversely, a low-sticker-price program with limited career outcomes data deserves extra scrutiny before you commit.
Prioritize Flexibility If You Are Working
If you hold a full-time job, look for programs that offer asynchronous coursework and do not require on-campus residencies. Several Missouri institutions deliver their entire communication master's curriculum online, which means you can complete readings, discussions, and assignments on your own schedule. Professionals interested in leadership-oriented tracks may also want to explore an online masters in communication management, which pairs well with strategic roles. Synchronous sessions (live class meetings at a fixed time) can create conflicts with shift work, travel, or family obligations. Confirm the delivery model before you apply.
Verify Accreditation Before You Enroll
Accreditation serves as a quality check that matters for employer recognition and future doctoral admission. Every institution on this list should hold regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which signals that the university meets baseline academic standards. Beyond that, two Missouri programs carry specialized accreditation from ACEJMC, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications: the University of Missouri at Columbia (continuously accredited since the late 1940s) and Southeast Missouri State University.12 ACEJMC reviews programs on an eight-standard framework every six years and focuses on profession-oriented journalism and mass communication units.34 If you plan to work in news media or mass communication, ACEJMC accreditation adds a meaningful credential. For broader strategic communication or organizational communication tracks, HLC regional accreditation is the primary box to check.
Take a Concrete Next Step
Research alone will not get you to a decision. Narrow your list to two or three programs, then:
- Request information packets directly from each program so you can compare curriculum maps side by side.
- Ask each admissions office for a detailed financial aid breakdown, including assistantships, employer tuition reimbursement partnerships, and any merit scholarships for working professionals.
- Attend at least one virtual information session or webinar. These events let you hear from current students and faculty, ask pointed questions about career placement, and gauge whether the program's culture matches your learning style.
Taking these steps moves you from browsing to deciding, and that shift is where real momentum begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Master's Programs in Missouri
Choosing a graduate communication program raises plenty of practical questions, from cost and format to career payoff. Below are the answers Missouri applicants ask most often, grounded in current program data and state salary benchmarks.
More Master's in Communication Programs in Missouri
The schools ranked above are not the only options in Missouri. The programs below round out the state's communication master's offerings across St. Louis, Kansas City, and Kirksville. They are grouped by region instead of by rank, so you can weigh them against your own priorities: format, cost, concentration, and the clinical or professional experience each one provides.
St. Louis Metro Area
Webster University
Saint Louis University
Fontbonne University
Kansas City Metro Area
Avila University
Rockhurst University
Northeast Missouri
A T Still University of Health Sciences
State by State
Northeast11
Southeast12
Southwest4
DC & Territories1
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