What you’ll learn in this article…
- Oklahoma public universities offer in-state graduate communication tuition starting below $6,000 per year.
- Programs at OU, OSU, and UCO span specializations from strategic communication to health communication and public relations.
- Full-time students typically complete 30 to 33 credit hours in about two academic years.
- Assistantships at Oklahoma schools often combine stipends with tuition waivers, keeping median debt-to-earnings ratios under 0.5.
Oklahoma's communication graduate market spans seven institutions and price points that range from roughly $5,800 per year in tuition at Northeastern State to about $27,700 at the University of Tulsa, with most public programs landing under $10,000 annually for in-state students. Specializations cut an equally wide path: strategic public relations, mass communications at Oklahoma State, communication sciences and disorders, and speech-language pathology tracks at OU, OSU, UCO, and Tulsa.
Format flexibility matters here. Fully online options exist (NSU's M.A. in Public Relations runs 30 credits across five semesters), alongside hybrid accelerated tracks and traditional campus residencies. The tension for most applicants is not whether Oklahoma offers a credible program, but matching credential goals (ASHA certification versus industry practice) to the right format and cost structure. If you are also weighing masters in public relations online, several of Oklahoma's programs compare favorably on both price and flexibility.
Best Master's in Communication Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's graduate communication landscape stretches well beyond a single flagship. Whether you want to study strategic communication online, dive into health communication research, or specialize in public relations, the state's universities offer distinct paths at price points that keep student debt manageable. Below, we rank each program based on our affordability-weighted methodology, with notes on format, concentrations, and outcomes to help you find the right fit.
- Affordability and net price
- Institutional graduation rate
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Breadth of program offerings
- Graduate debt levels
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
#1Norman, OK · $10,000 – $27,000/yr
Best for: Professionals wanting diverse specialization options
The University of Oklahoma houses the broadest communication graduate portfolio in the state, spanning a research-focused M.A. in Communication, an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication with four concentration tracks, and an online M.A. in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy built for working professionals. OU's Norman campus also stands out for health communication and organizational communication specializations that leverage proximity to the OU Health Sciences Center. The institution's overall graduation rate is 75.3%, and median graduate debt sits at roughly $20,650, a competitive figure for a flagship university.
- Research-focused degree with 2 concentration options
- Thesis or non-thesis track (26 to 30 credit hours)
- Specializations include health, organizational, intercultural, political communication
- Core curriculum covers Research Methods and Intro to Graduate Study
- 3.0 minimum GPA required for admission
- Campus-based program at Norman with faculty research mentorship
- 33 credit hours across 4 concentrations including media management
- Strategic Communication (PR/AD), journalism, and creative media production tracks
- Evening classes designed for working professionals
- Thesis, capstone project, or comprehensive exam route available
- No entrance exam required; rolling fall admissions
- Five-year completion limit; full-time students finish in 4 semesters
- Fully online program completable in 20 months (33 credits)
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework with weekly live evening sessions
- Requires 3 years of professional work experience
- Three embedded certificate options available
- $845 per credit hour; $0 application fee
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted
- Three research areas: interpersonal, campaigns, organizational
- Collaboration with medical residents across OU campuses
- International research opportunities in health contexts
- Located 20 minutes from OU Health Sciences Center
- Faculty expertise in health promotion and campaign strategy
- Graduate-level interdisciplinary course offerings
Oklahoma State University
#2Stillwater, OK · ~$17,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Career changers targeting mass communications
Oklahoma State University pairs a clinically intensive M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a growing suite of mass communications options, including specialty tracks in global communications, brand communication, and sports communication. OSU's CSD program boasts a 95% combined rate for completion, employment, and Praxis exam success, and graduate teaching assistantships with full tuition waivers help offset costs. The institution's overall graduation rate is 68.2%, and median graduate debt is approximately $20,500.
- ASHA-accredited; 51 to 57 credit hours with 400 clinical hours
- Thesis or non-thesis track with comprehensive exams
- On-campus clinic practicum plus off-campus externship
- 95% average rate for completion, employment, and Praxis
- Graduate teaching assistantships include full tuition waiver
- Application deadline January 15; GRE and 3.1 GPA required
- Specialty tracks in global, brand, and sports communication
- Available in online, hybrid, and in-person formats
- Curriculum blends theory, research methods, and professional skills
- Located on the Stillwater campus with industry connections
- Flexible scheduling for students balancing work or family
- Faculty with active research and industry experience
University of Central Oklahoma
#3Edmond, OK · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Best for: Online learners focused on leadership communication
The University of Central Oklahoma offers an exclusively online M.A. in Strategic Communications with a Leadership in Communications concentration, making it one of the most accessible options for Oklahoma professionals who cannot relocate. UCO also runs a campus-based M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology for students pursuing clinical careers. In-state tuition starts around $8,917, and the institution's overall graduation rate is 36.8%, a figure that reflects UCO's open-access undergraduate mission more than its graduate outcomes.
- 36 credit hours delivered entirely online
- Thesis or capstone option for culminating experience
- Focus areas include change management and crisis communication
- Accelerated BA-to-MA pathway available
- Ethics training integrated throughout curriculum
- Designed for working professionals seeking flexible scheduling
- 50 academic hours plus 400 clinical clock hours over 6 semesters
- Competitive admission with January 31 deadline
- Leads to Oklahoma teaching certification and state licensure
- ASHA-accredited; prepares for Certificate of Clinical Competence
- Practicum placements in both educational and medical settings
- 2.75 overall GPA or 3.0 in last 60 hours required
University of Tulsa
#4Tulsa, OK · $15,000/yr (net price)
The University of Tulsa is a private research university that brings a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio to its M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, one of the most personalized learning environments in the state. Despite a sticker tuition of about $27,700, TU's average net price drops to roughly $15,000 thanks to generous institutional aid. The institution's overall graduation rate is 72.3%, and its 92% first-year retention rate is the highest among the schools listed here.
- ASHA-accredited, campus-based program requiring 41 credit hours
- 35 hours of coursework plus 6 clinical practicum credit hours
- Covers aphasia, dysphagia, voice disorders, and autism spectrum disorders
- On-campus and off-site clinical placements in hospitals and schools
- Prepares graduates for ASHA certification and state licensure
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA and 3.5 in communication disorders courses required
- 25 hours of guided clinical observation needed before admission
Northeastern State University
#5Tahlequah, OK · $13,000/yr
Northeastern State University delivers an entirely online M.A. in Public Relations, a 30-credit program completable in five semesters with fall, spring, or summer start dates. The curriculum emphasizes strategic thinking in crisis management, social media, intercultural communication, and brand reputation. NSU's in-state tuition of about $5,771 and median graduate debt of roughly $17,367 make it the most budget-friendly option on this list, though the institution's overall graduation rate of 35.4% reflects its broad-access undergraduate population.
- 30-credit, fully online program with open year-round admissions
- Completable in 5 semesters; fall, spring, or summer entry
- Coursework in crisis management, social media, and media ethics
- Intercultural communication and advocacy communication courses
- 3.0 GPA and 500-word essay required for admission
- Designed for professionals targeting Fortune 500 and nonprofit PR roles
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
#6Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma State University's Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa houses a separate M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders that shares the Stillwater program's ASHA accreditation and 95% outcomes benchmark. The two-year campus program features first-year practicum at the OSU Speech-and-Hearing Clinic followed by a second-year off-campus externship, with thesis (57 credits) and non-thesis (51 credits) options. In-state tuition at the Center starts at about $6,530.
- ASHA-accredited with thesis (57 credits) or non-thesis (51 credits) track
- 400 clinical hours across on-campus clinic and off-campus sites
- Research opportunities in Motor Speech and Sociophonetics Labs
- Graduate teaching assistantships with full tuition waiver and stipend
- 95% combined rate for completion, employment, and Praxis pass
- January 15 application deadline; GRE scores and 3.1 GPA required
Oklahoma Baptist University
#7Shawnee, OK · $21,000/yr (net price)
Oklahoma Baptist University plans to launch a hybrid, accelerated M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology in August 2026, with applications having opened in July 2025. The 16-month, four-semester program lets students complete clinical placements in their home communities across hospitals, schools, and outpatient clinics. The program is currently in pending candidacy accreditation status, so prospective students should confirm accreditation progress before enrolling. OBU's institution-wide graduation rate is 52.4%.
- Hybrid accelerated format completable in 16 months (4 semesters)
- Clinical experiences in the student's home community
- Settings include hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health
- Covers communication and swallowing disorders across all ages
- Pending candidacy accreditation status as of 2026
- Applications opened July 2025; program launches August 2026
Oklahoma Communication Master's Tuition and Net Price Comparison
If you are searching for an affordable communication masters in Oklahoma, the state delivers real value. Graduate tuition at Oklahoma's public universities starts below $6,000 per year for in-state students, while even the private options remain well below many national peers. The spread between the least and most expensive programs is roughly $22,000 in sticker price, but net price figures narrow that gap considerably. Keep in mind that the net price shown here is an institution-wide average drawing on federal data; your actual cost will depend on program level, financial aid, and enrollment status.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern State University | $5,771 | $11,981 | $12,710 | Public |
| Oklahoma State University | $9,092 | $24,595 | $17,447 | Public |
| University of Oklahoma, Norman | $9,353 | $26,142 | $15,300 | Public |
| University of Central Oklahoma | $8,917 | $18,925 | $18,309 | Public |
| Oklahoma Baptist University | $9,900 | $9,900 | $20,958 | Private |
| University of Tulsa | $27,702 | $27,702 | $15,000 | Private |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Online vs. On-Campus Communication Programs in Oklahoma
If you are searching for an online master's in communication in Oklahoma, the good news is that several state institutions offer fully online or hybrid options alongside traditional on-campus programs. The format you choose affects everything from daily scheduling flexibility to how you build professional relationships. Below is a side-by-side look at the three delivery modes available across Oklahoma's communication master's programs, drawing on confirmed program details from OU, UCO, OSU, NSU, and Oklahoma Baptist University.
| Dimension | Online | On-Campus | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Schools Offering This Format | University of Oklahoma (M.A. in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy), University of Central Oklahoma (Leadership in Communications, M.A.), Northeastern State University (M.A. in Public Relations) | University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Tulsa | Oklahoma Baptist University (M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, launching August 2026) |
| Typical Completion Timeline | 12 to 24 months, depending on course load. NSU's online M.A. in Public Relations spans roughly five semesters (about 20 months). | Most campus programs run 2 years (4 to 6 semesters). OSU's Communication Sciences and Disorders M.S. is structured as a 2-year program. | OBU's accelerated hybrid model is designed for completion in approximately 16 months (4 semesters). |
| Scheduling Flexibility | Coursework is fully asynchronous or structured around evening sessions, ideal for working professionals who cannot relocate. | Fixed class schedules during weekdays. Best suited for full-time students who can attend in person at Norman, Stillwater, Edmond, or Tulsa. | Combines online coursework with periodic in-person sessions or clinical placements in your home community. |
| Networking Opportunities | Virtual collaboration with classmates statewide and beyond. Fewer organic, in-person networking moments, though many programs host virtual guest speakers and maintain alumni networks. | Direct access to faculty mentorship, campus events, research labs, and local professional communities in Oklahoma City and Tulsa metros. | A middle ground: you benefit from some face-to-face cohort interaction and local clinical site connections while still studying remotely most of the time. |
| Approximate In-State Tuition (Annual) | Ranges from roughly $5,800 (NSU) to about $9,400 (OU). UCO falls near $8,900. Online students may pay a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency at some schools. | Comparable published rates: OU at roughly $9,400, OSU near $9,100, UCO around $8,900, and the University of Tulsa at approximately $27,700 (private). | OBU lists tuition near $9,900 per year, with the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students. |
| Best Fit For | Mid-career professionals, remote workers, or those balancing family obligations who need location independence. | Early-career students seeking immersive academic experiences, clinical practica, or assistantship funding. | Students who value hands-on clinical training but need the flexibility of mostly remote coursework. |
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Specializations and Concentrations Available in Oklahoma
Which communication master's track actually matches the career you want? That question matters more than almost any other when choosing a graduate program, because Oklahoma's offerings span a surprisingly wide range of disciplines.
Communication Studies vs. Communication Sciences and Disorders
Before mapping specializations to careers, it helps to clear up one of the most common points of confusion among prospective students. Several Oklahoma programs with "communication" in the name are actually in the field of communication sciences and disorders, which prepares graduates for clinical careers as speech-language pathologists. The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, the University of Tulsa, UCO, and Oklahoma Baptist University all offer graduate programs in this area. These programs are healthcare-focused, clinically intensive, and lead to state licensure in speech-language pathology.
If you want to work in public relations, corporate communications, media, or journalism, you are looking for a different category entirely: communication studies, strategic communication, mass communication, or public relations programs. The clinical and non-clinical fields share a name but almost nothing else, so confirming which department a program sits in before you apply saves real headaches.
Strategic Communication
UCO's M.A. in Strategic Communications, offered fully online through the College of Liberal Arts and Mass Communication, is a standout option that many competitor guides overlook.1 The program sits squarely in mass communication, not the clinical side, and is designed for working professionals. It runs approximately 24 months and costs around $16,500 in total, making it one of the more accessible graduate options in the state.2 Fall enrollment carries priority deadlines of May 15 and July 15, with a space-available option through August 1.1 This track suits professionals aiming for roles in corporate communications, public affairs, brand management, or organizational leadership.
Northeastern State University takes a similar career-focused angle with its online M.A. in Public Relations, a 30-credit program covering crisis management, social media strategy, media ethics, and intercultural communication. It admits students each fall, spring, and summer, which adds scheduling flexibility.
Mass Communication and Public Relations
For students drawn to journalism, broadcasting, or digital media, programs rooted in mass communication provide the broadest foundation. The strategic communication and public relations tracks overlap with mass comm at several schools, so reading individual program descriptions carefully reveals where the emphasis lands. PR-focused coursework typically prepares graduates for agency life and corporate communications departments, while a mass comm emphasis suits media production, journalism, and content strategy roles. If you are also weighing programs in neighboring states, our guide to master's in communication in Kansas covers several options worth comparing.
Matching Specialization to Career Path
A quick framework for deciding:
- Strategic communication: Corporate PR, internal communications, executive communications, brand management
- Public relations: Agency work, nonprofit advocacy, government affairs, campaign management
- Mass communication: Journalism, broadcasting, digital media, content production
- Health communication: Public health agencies, hospital communications, health-focused nonprofits
- Communication sciences and disorders: Speech-language pathology clinical practice (requires licensure)
The right specialization does not just shape your coursework; it determines which employers recruit from your program and which professional credentials you can pursue after graduating.
What Oklahoma Communication Graduates Earn: Salary and Career Outcomes
Salary data for communication professionals in Oklahoma can vary significantly by role, metro area, and experience level. The BLS reports a national median annual wage of $66,750 for public relations specialists as of May 2023, but Oklahoma-specific and metro-level figures (for Oklahoma City and Tulsa) should be confirmed directly through the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission reports, or professional organizations like the PRSA Oklahoma chapter. University career services offices at schools such as the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa may also publish program-level graduate outcomes.
Funding, Assistantships, and Scholarships for Communication Graduate Students
Even as competition for graduate funding intensifies nationwide, Oklahoma's public universities have maintained robust assistantship programs that combine stipends with substantial tuition benefits. In Oklahoma, three primary avenues can help cover your expenses: graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, and department scholarships. By stacking these with federal aid or employer support, many students graduate with minimal debt.
Graduate Assistantships: Earn While You Learn
- University of Oklahoma: Qualifying graduate assistants work 10 to 20 hours per week, receive a monthly stipend, and are eligible for a tuition waiver and health insurance.1
- Oklahoma State University: The on-campus Communication Sciences and Disorders M.S. offers teaching assistantships with similar benefits; contact the program coordinator for current stipend ranges.
- Northeastern State University: Assistantships are available on a competitive basis, though positions may be fewer in the online M.A. in Public Relations due to program scale.
Tuition Waivers and Health Insurance
A tuition waiver can cut your net cost dramatically. At OU, qualifying assistants receive a tuition waiver and health insurance, which together can cover a significant share of in-state attendance costs.2 OSU and NSU also offer waivers to many graduate assistants, but coverage details vary by department. Always confirm the waiver's scope: some cover full tuition, others a set number of credit hours. Health insurance is a valuable add-on, especially if you lack employer coverage.
Department Scholarships and Other Resources
- Scholarships: Departments often maintain funds for graduate students. OSU's program lists scholarships among its funding options; awards may be merit-based or tied to research areas like health communication.
- FAFSA: Filing the FAFSA unlocks federal loans and work-study eligibility. Even with assistantships, it provides a safety net.
- Employer reimbursement: If you're pursuing an online degree like NSU's M.A. in Public Relations, check whether your employer covers tuition. Many organizations support continuing education in communication fields.
What to Expect by Program Size
Assistantship availability often reflects program scale. Larger programs, such as OU's speech-language pathology master's, typically have more funded positions. While exact cohort sizes aren't published, larger Oklahoma research universities like OU and OSU generally support multiple assistantship lines, whereas smaller or fully online programs may offer fewer but still provide part-time research or teaching roles that build your professional experience.3 Ask about renewal policies: some assistantships are guaranteed for two years, others require reapplication. Reach out to the graduate coordinator early, as funding decisions are usually made months before classes begin.
Admissions Requirements and Application Deadlines
Applying to a communication master's program in Oklahoma is more straightforward than many applicants expect, but each program sets its own expectations. Here is what the typical application package looks like, plus how to think about timing.
GPA and Test Score Expectations
Most Oklahoma communication graduate programs ask for a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which aligns with the University of Oklahoma Communication M.A. standard for 2025-2026.1 If your undergraduate GPA falls below that threshold, do not assume the door is closed. Programs frequently admit applicants on a conditional or probationary basis when the rest of the application (work experience, strong references, a compelling statement) demonstrates readiness for graduate work.
GRE requirements have loosened considerably across communication master's programs nationally, and Oklahoma is no exception. Many programs now treat the GRE as optional or have waived it entirely. If you are specifically seeking programs that have dropped the exam, our guide to online masters in communication no GRE covers options worth exploring. Confirm the current status directly with the department you are applying to, since policies can shift year to year.
One important clarification: you may see published undergraduate admission rates for OU, OSU, or other Oklahoma institutions and assume those numbers reflect graduate selectivity. They do not. Those figures describe the freshman class. Graduate programs in communication run their own admissions process, evaluate applicants on academic and professional fit, and typically admit smaller cohorts based on faculty capacity rather than a campus-wide rate.
What to Include in Your Application
Expect to assemble most of the following:
- Statement of purpose: A focused essay (usually 500 to 1,000 words) explaining your research interests, career goals, and why this specific program fits.
- Letters of recommendation: Two or three letters, ideally from faculty who can speak to your academic writing and analytical skills. Working professionals can substitute one supervisor letter.
- Writing sample: Some programs request a research paper or professional writing sample, particularly for thesis-track applicants.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from every institution you attended.
- Resume or CV: Highlighting communication-related work, internships, or volunteer experience.
Deadlines to Watch
For fall admission, priority deadlines at Oklahoma programs typically fall between January and April, with final deadlines stretching into June or July for programs with rolling review. Spring admission, where offered, generally closes in October or November of the prior year. If you want to be considered for assistantships or departmental funding, target the earliest priority deadline, since funding decisions are usually finalized well before the final application date.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Communication Master's in Oklahoma?
Most communication master's programs in Oklahoma require between 30 and 33 credit hours, but how fast you finish depends on the format you choose. Full-time on-campus students typically wrap up in about two years, while part-time students may need three to four years. OU's online M.A. in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy offers one of the fastest paths at roughly 20 months, making it a strong pick for working professionals who want to accelerate their timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Master's Programs in Oklahoma
Choosing a graduate program raises plenty of practical questions, from cost and format to career payoff. Below are straightforward answers to the questions Oklahoma applicants ask most often.
- How much does a master's in communication cost in Oklahoma?
- Total tuition varies by school and residency status. At the University of Oklahoma, in-state graduate tuition runs roughly $230 to $280 per credit hour, while out-of-state rates are notably higher. Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma offer competitive pricing as well. Many students reduce net cost through assistantships, tuition waivers, or employer reimbursement, so the sticker price rarely tells the full story.
- Are there online master's in communication programs in Oklahoma?
- Yes. The University of Oklahoma offers a fully online M.A. in Communication, and several other institutions provide hybrid or mostly online options. Online formats are especially popular with working professionals who need schedule flexibility. Coursework, faculty, and degree credentials are typically identical to on-campus counterparts, though some programs may require a brief residency or campus visit for orientation.
- What can you do with a master's in communication?
- Graduates move into roles such as public relations manager, corporate communications director, media strategist, political campaign consultant, higher education administrator, and UX researcher. Many also pursue doctoral study or teaching positions. The degree sharpens skills in persuasion, audience analysis, and strategic messaging, all of which translate across industries from healthcare to tech to government.
- Is a master's in communication worth it for career advancement?
- For most professionals, the answer is yes. A graduate credential can unlock management-level positions, higher salary bands, and specialized roles that a bachelor's alone may not reach. According to BLS data, many communication-adjacent management occupations carry national median salaries well above the overall workforce median. The degree also builds a professional network and sharpens critical thinking, both of which compound over a career.
- What is the difference between communication studies and communication sciences and disorders?
- These are separate disciplines. Communication studies focuses on human interaction, rhetoric, media, and strategic messaging. Communication sciences and disorders (CSD) is a clinical field that trains speech-language pathologists and audiologists. CSD programs require supervised clinical hours and lead to healthcare licensure. If your goal is media strategy, public relations, or organizational communication, you want a communication studies program, not CSD.
- Do Oklahoma communication master's programs require the GRE?
- Requirements vary. The University of Oklahoma's communication program has moved toward GRE-optional admissions for many applicants, and several other Oklahoma schools have followed a similar trend. Some programs still require or recommend the exam, particularly for applicants seeking funding. Check each program's latest admissions page, because policies have shifted considerably since 2020 and may continue to evolve.
