Master’s in Communication in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to seven schools that offer master's-level communication programs, including several fully online or hybrid online/on-campus programs that make getting a master's degree more convenient for working students. Programs across the state prepare communication students for Ph.D. programs, teaching jobs in academia, and careers in various communication fields, such as public relations, healthcare communication, marketing, advertising, journalism, and online and social media. With its proximity to Philadelphia and New York City, the nation's media capital, there are tremendous communication career opportunities for graduates of these programs. In addition, the Garden State offers potential employment in any of its major industries, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, information technology, financial services, and transportation and logistics. A densely populated state, New Jersey is also home to many local and regional media outlets, including newspapers, radio, and television stations that may provide job opportunities for aspiring journalists.

2025 Affordable New Jersey Masters in Communication Degree Options

Finding affordable New Jersey Master's in Communication degree options is key for students planning their education in 2025. The table highlights programs across NJ, focusing on tuition and program details. It's important to choose low-cost and cost-effective options to manage expenses while pursuing higher education. This guide helps compare different schools, making it easier to find a program that fits your budget and goals in the Garden State.

School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Rutgers University-Newark
  • 36-credit flexible program
  • No GRE required
  • 7 unique specializations
  • Hybrid learning options
  • 86% graduate in 24 months
  • Weeknight evening classes
  • Optional internship opportunities
  • Full/part-time student friendly
  • $17,900 - $26,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $29,000 - $43,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
The College of New Jersey
  • 6-year dual degree program
  • Requires 3.3 cumulative GPA
  • Application deadline December 1
  • 3.0 minimum science GPA
  • Partnership with Jefferson University
  • Four years at TCNJ, two at Jefferson
  • Supplemental application required
  • Interview part of selection process
  • $14,100 - $21,200 (Graduate)
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
  • Hybrid program delivery options
  • Complete in 15-24 months
  • 36 total credit hours required
  • Flexible part-time enrollment
  • No language requirements
  • Transfer up to 6 credits
  • Rolling admission available
  • Full and part-time options
  • $17,900 - $26,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $29,000 - $43,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

See the listing below for more details about the master's in communication programs offered in New Jersey:

FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on their campus in Madison.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program combines the study of communication theory and practice and culminates in a capstone project in which students apply concepts they have learned during the program toward the creation and completion of a communication-based project.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $1,272 per credit hour. This does not include additional mandatory university and course fees, or the cost of books and supplies.

Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. To learn more about FDU’s program, click here.

KEANE UNIVERSITY

Keane University in Union offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program in an on-campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program has a concentration in organizational communication, in which students can take a traditional approach to study theory and research or a more applied approach. The program culminates in either a thesis or a comprehensive examination.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $8,566 per semester for full-time students who are residents of New Jersey and $10,998 per semester for full-time students who are non-residents.

Anything Else?: Students can begin the program in either the fall or spring semester. The application deadline for the fall is June 30, and December for the spring. To learn more about Keane’s program, click here.

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY

Montclair State University's School of Communication and Media offers an on-campus Master of Arts in Public and Organizational Relations program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Public and Organizational Relations program focuses on developing four areas of expertise: strategic thinking, communication skills, media-savvy, and leadership mindset. The 33-credit hour program typically meets once per week in the evening, and can be completed full-time over 4 semesters, or part-time in 5-6 semesters.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $713 per credit hour for New Jersey residents and $1,029 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: Applications to the program are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. To learn more about Montclair’s program, click here.

RIDER UNIVERSITY

Rider University offers a Master of Arts in Business Communication program on their campus in Lawrenceville, as well as an online Master of Arts in Business Communication - Health Communication Concentration program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Business Communication program is offered weekday evenings on the Lawrenceville campus and is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study (including summer classes).

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is $870 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for the fall semester is August 1, December 1 for spring entry, and May 1 for summer entry. TO learn more about Rider’s program, click here.

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Rutgers University offers a Master of Communication and Media program that is available in a number of formats: on-campus in New Brunswick, online or hybrid of online/on-campus learning.

What to Know: The Master of Communication and Media program is a professionally-focused program that prepares students for various careers in communication, including public relations, marketing, and media. The degree can be completed in as little as 18 months, and courses are offered on campus, online, and in a hybrid format.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for 2018 are $18,984 for New Jersey residents and $30,792 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: Admission is offered on a rolling basis for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. To learn more about Rutgers’ program, click here.

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

Seton Hall University offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on its campus in South Orange.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 36-credit on-campus program that offers three different focus areas: Digital Communications and Communication Technologies, Communication in Organizations, and Public Relations. Enrolled students take courses in Strategic Planning, Internet and Communications, Global Perspectives, and much more.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate-level tuition through Spring 2022 is $1,350 per credit hour for the Communication and Arts programs. This does not include mandatory university fees.

Anything Else?: Admission is offered on a rolling basis for the fall and spring semesters and is completed online. The priority application deadline for the fall semester is May 1, and the priority application deadline for the spring is November 1. To learn more about SHU's program, click here.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in New Jersey

NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark offers an online Master of Science in Professional & Technical Communication program.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Professional & Technical Communication program is designed for working professionals and offers the flexibility of completing coursework whenever it is convenient. Five core courses are taken by all students, and then students can customize their coursework by taking electives in their preferred areas of technical communication.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2017-2018 academic year was $22,690 for New Jersey residents, and $1,248 per credit hour for non-residents (online graduate programs only).

Anything Else?: The application deadline for the fall semester is August 1, and November 15 for the spring semester. To learn more about NJIT’s online program, click here.

RIDER UNIVERSITY

Rider University offers a fully online Master of Arts in Business Communication - Health Communication Concentration program that teaches students how to advance public health policy, influence the health and lifestyle behaviors of individuals and groups and improve overall health outcomes in their future healthcare careers. To learn more about Rider University's online program, click here.

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

Rutgers University offers its Master of Communication and Media program in an online format in addition to a traditional on-campus or hybrid format. The program has seven options for concentrating studies to prepare students for various careers in communication, including public relations, digital media, and health communication. For more information about Rutgers University's online program, click here.

New Jersey Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University

  • Master's - M.A. in Strategic Communication

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 33 graduate semester hours
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Flexible full-time or part-time
    • Expert faculty mentorship
    • Comprehensive exam required
    • Prepares for APR exam
    • Focus on professional interests
    • Access to professional network

Madison, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

  • Master's - MA in Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • 30 credits required.
    • Seven required courses.
    • Three elective courses.
    • Focus on critical thinking.
    • Leadership and ethics emphasized.
    • Cultural intelligence development.
    • Professional writing and editing.
    • Presentation skills enhancement.

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

  • Master's - Master of Communication and Media

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • No GRE required
    • 36 credit, self-paced program
    • Flexible on-campus, online options
    • 7 specialized concentration tracks
    • 86% graduate in 24 months
    • Weeknight classes 6-9 pm
    • 5 core courses, 8 electives
    • Working professionals welcome
  • Master's - Master of Communication and Media

    Concentration: Public Relations - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 15-month accelerated degree
    • 36 total credit program
    • Flexible course formats
    • GRE waiver available
    • Competitive tuition
    • Blended theory and practice
    • Multiple course delivery options
    • Weekend course availability
  • Master's - Master of Communication and Media

    Concentration: Digital Media - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online Digital Media track
    • 36 credit self-paced program
    • No GRE required
    • 86% graduate in 24 months
    • Weeknight classes 6-9 pm
    • 5 core courses, 8 electives
    • Multiple industry career paths

Newark, NJ

New Jersey Institute of Technology

  • Master's - M.S. Professional and Technical Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • 30 total required credits
    • Advanced professional communication skills
    • Leadership and management focus
    • Technology and communication integration
    • Visual design and information design
    • Communication theory expertise
    • Multiple media tool proficiency
    • Problem-solving communication approach

Rutgers University-Newark

  • Master's - Master of Communication and Media

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 36-credit flexible program
    • No GRE required
    • 7 unique specializations
    • Hybrid learning options
    • 86% graduate in 24 months
    • Weeknight evening classes
    • Optional internship opportunities
    • Full/part-time student friendly
  • Master's - Master of Communication and Media

    Concentration: Public Relations - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 15-month degree completion
    • Hybrid learning options
    • GRE waiver available
    • 36 total credit hours
    • Flexible course scheduling
    • Career-ready PR skills
    • Multiple specialization tracks
    • Weekend course options
  • Master's - Master of Communication and Media

    Concentration: Communication and Media Studies - Online Learning - Website

    • 36 credit self-paced program
    • No GRE scores required
    • Seven specialization options
    • Fully online options available
    • 86% graduate in 24 months
    • Weeknight classes 6-9 pm
    • 5 core courses, 8 electives
    • Internship opportunities

South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Concentration: Communication in Organizations - Campus Based - Website

    • 36-credit on-campus program
    • Three specialized tracks available
    • Digital Media Studies focus
    • Communication in Organizations focus
    • Public Relations focus
    • Communication Portfolio course
    • Prepares for employment or further study
    • Emphasizes creative thinking
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Concentration: Digital Media Studies - Campus Based - Website

    • 36-credit on-campus program
    • Three specialized tracks available
    • Focus on theory and practical application
    • Communication Portfolio course
    • Enhances creative thinking skills
    • Uses state-of-the-art technology
    • Digital Media Studies track
    • Communication in Organizations track
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Concentration: Public Relations - Campus Based - Website

    • 36-credit on-campus program
    • Three specialized tracks available
    • Digital Media Studies focus
    • Communication in Organizations focus
    • Public Relations focus
    • Communication Portfolio course
    • State-of-the-art technology used
    • Real-world scenario preparation

Union, NJ

Kean University

  • Master's - Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • Master's degree in Communication Studies
    • Theoretical and practical approaches
    • Multiple career path opportunities
    • Research methods exploration
    • Optional thesis or comprehensive exam
    • Three additional certificate programs
    • State-certified mediation course
    • Organizational communication focus

Wayne, NJ

William Paterson University of New Jersey

  • Master's - Integrated Marketing Communication, MA

    Campus Based - Website

    • 30-credit program
    • Focus on digital content
    • Social media communication
    • Crisis management training
    • Strategic communication research
    • Global strategic communication
    • Corporate social responsibility
    • Content writing and branding
*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2023, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/