What you’ll learn in this article…
- Pennsylvania offers more than a dozen communication master's programs, with net prices ranging from roughly $14,000 to over $40,000 per year.
- Temple, Duquesne, and La Salle rank among the most affordable options after institutional grants and scholarships are factored in.
- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide direct access to top media markets, though only Penn State requires a formal internship for graduation.
- Most PA programs are campus-based or hybrid, so fully online options remain limited for working professionals seeking maximum flexibility.
Pennsylvania is one of the few states where a graduate student can choose between a $12,000-per-year public university program and a $60,000-per-year private research university, all within a two-hour drive of either Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, two of the top-twenty media markets in the country. The state hosts 28 ranked programs and more than 71 graduate communication listings, covering concentrations from strategic communication and masters in public relations to speech-language pathology and communication sciences.
That range creates a real decision problem. Tuition at PA programs varies by a factor of five or more, admissions selectivity runs from open enrollment to under 30 percent acceptance, and career outcomes differ sharply depending on whether a program feeds into a clinical licensure track or a corporate communications pipeline. Choosing by name recognition alone is a costly mistake in a state with this much variation.
Best Master's in Communication Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's strongest communication master's programs cluster around three strengths: flexible online strategic communication degrees, clinically intensive speech-language pathology training, and direct access to the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh media markets. The ten schools below all combine solid completion and retention outcomes with formats that working professionals can actually manage, whether that means evening cohorts, weekend-friendly hybrids, or fully online coursework. Each entry notes the programs offered, how they are delivered, and what graduates are prepared to do next.
How we ranked these
- On-time completion rates
- Graduation and retention rates
- Student-faculty ratio and class access
- Earnings and debt after graduation
- Net price after financial 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
Pennsylvania Western University
#1California, PA · $11,000 – $12,000/yr
Best for: Pennsylvania residents needing flexible clinical placements
Pennsylvania Western University was formed from the California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses, and its speech-language pathology master's carries that reach across the Commonwealth. The 60-credit program can be completed in person at any of the three sites or fully online, and the online route is built to satisfy Pennsylvania licensure requirements. Clinical training blends simulation, teletherapy and external placements with a single on-campus intensive week, which suits students who cannot relocate. In-state tuition and a low overall cost of attendance make it one of the more accessible graduate options in the state.
- 60-credit curriculum with five clinical rotations
- Offered in person at California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses, and online
- Online option meets Pennsylvania licensure requirements
- Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Clinical training blends simulation, teletherapy and externships
- One-week on-campus intensive for online students
- Prepares graduates for certification and licensure
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
#2Bloomsburg, PA · $12,000/yr
Best for: Speech-language pathology students wanting small hybrid cohorts
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania runs its speech-language pathology master's as a tight hybrid cohort of about 28 students, with a face-to-face first year followed by online evening classes. Faculty secure the externship placements rather than leaving students to find their own, and training takes place partly in the on-campus clinic. Graduates are eligible for Pennsylvania licensure, and the program reports strong on-time completion, Praxis pass rates and employment outcomes. Graduate assistantships and scholarships help keep the degree affordable.
- Hybrid delivery: face-to-face first year, online evening courses after
- On-campus clinic plus faculty-secured externship placements
- Cohort limited to 28 students with a fall start
- No GRE required for admission
- Graduates are eligible for Pennsylvania licensure
- Graduate assistantships with tuition waivers available
- Accredited by ASHA's Council on Academic Accreditation
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
#3West Chester, PA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Best for: Aspiring bilingual speech-language clinicians
West Chester University houses its speech-language pathology master's in the College of Health Sciences, where students split their time between the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic and affiliated clinical sites. A bilingual emphasis sequence prepares graduates to serve Spanish-English speakers in Pennsylvania schools and clinics, a credential that is increasingly in demand regionally. Students choose a thesis or non-thesis route, and graduates are prepared for both ASHA certification and Pennsylvania educational specialist credentials. The program is residential, so it is best suited to students who can attend in person.
- Residential, on-campus program with practicum at affiliation sites
- Not offered via distance education
- Thesis and non-thesis tracks available
- Clinical experience at the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic
- Prepares students for ASHA certification and Pennsylvania credentials
- Spanish-English focus for schools and clinical settings
- Bilingual Emphasis Course Sequence carries a contract commitment
- B or better required in specialized bilingual coursework
- Bilingual practicums in school-based and medical settings
- Supplementary application required for the bilingual sequence
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
#4Indiana, PA · $13,000 – $18,000/yr
Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a 36-credit Master of Science in Strategic Communication built around the schedules of working professionals, with full-time students finishing in about 12 months and part-time students in two to three years. The degree splits into an Applied track anchored by a six-credit internship and a Research track with a thesis, so it serves both practicing communicators and future doctoral students. Coursework covers writing, research and multimedia content development, with electives in crisis, health and global strategic communication. It is one of the clearest fits in the state for someone moving up in public relations, health communication or public affairs.
- 36 credits; full-time students can finish in about 12 months
- Applied track uses a six-credit internship
- Research track includes a thesis for doctoral preparation
- Core courses in theory, writing and multimedia content development
- Electives in crisis, health and global strategic communication
- Part-time students typically finish in two to three years
- Minimum 2.8 GPA for admission
- On-campus program with fall start
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
#5East Stroudsburg, PA · $12,000/yr
East Stroudsburg University's communication sciences and disorders master's is a focused clinical program aimed squarely at speech-language pathology practice. Students complete 57 credits and at least 400 supervised clinical hours, much of it through the on-campus Speech and Hearing Center and regional placements across northeastern Pennsylvania. The curriculum spans speech sound disorders, language development, voice and fluency, swallowing, and augmentative communication, with small class sizes and close faculty contact. Admission is for fall only, and the program reports a strong licensure pass rate.
- 57-credit curriculum with at least 400 supervised clinical hours
- Clinical placements include the on-campus Speech and Hearing Center
- Coursework spans speech sound, voice, fluency and swallowing disorders
- Covers augmentative and alternative communication
- Fall admission only with small class sizes
- Accredited by ASHA and CAA
- Prepares graduates for Praxis, licensure and ASHA certification
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
#6Pittsburgh, PA · $28,000/yr
The University of Pittsburgh pairs one of the region's deepest clinical speech-language pathology programs with a traditional rhetoric and communication master's in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. The clinical side draws on more than 100 practicum sites across Western Pennsylvania, including hospitals and schools, and offers optional school certification for students heading into education. The rhetoric track trains researchers and teachers through a proseminar, a teaching practicum and comprehensive written and oral exams. Both live in Pittsburgh, which keeps students inside a dense hospital, university and media ecosystem.
- 60 credits, typically completed in five to six terms
- Clinical practicum at more than 100 sites across Western Pennsylvania
- Thesis option for students pursuing research careers
- Coursework covers autism, dysphagia and neurogenic language disorders
- Optional school certification available
- ASHA accredited
- 60 credits completed over five to six terms
- Summative assessment project instead of a thesis
- Clinical placements at more than 100 community sites in Western PA
- Optional Pennsylvania school certification
- Praxis exams required, with a C- minimum in required courses
- 30 credits with four to five areas of emphasis
- Concentrations include rhetoric, media and cultural studies
- Teaching practicum and proseminar begin in the first fall
- Comprehensive written and oral examinations required
- In-person format through the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
- Prepares graduates for doctoral study and teaching roles
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
#7Shippensburg, PA · $12,000 – $17,000/yr
Shippensburg University's strategic communication master's is a 30-credit, fully online accelerated program with rolling admissions and start terms in fall, spring and summer. The curriculum leans practical, covering social media analytics, crisis communication, digital storytelling, strategic media management and global communication, with internship credits and a professional project option. Faculty ties to PRSA, AEJMC and BEA give students a direct line into professional networks. It is one of the simplest fits in the state for a working communicator who wants to keep a full-time job while studying.
- 100% online accelerated format, 30 credits
- Can be completed in about 12 months
- Rolling admissions with fall, spring and summer starts
- Courses in social media analytics, crisis communication and digital storytelling
- Internship credits and a professional project option
- Faculty connections to PRSA, AEJMC and BEA
- No application deadline
Temple University
#8Philadelphia, PA · $23,000 – $30,000/yr
Temple University holds the broadest communication portfolio in Pennsylvania, spanning journalism, communication management, development and social change, and speech-language-hearing science. The one-year Master of Journalism opens with a bootcamp on the Philadelphia media market and ends with a summer reporting capstone, while the online communication management degree serves entry- and mid-level professionals with several concentration choices. The development and social change program is one of only two of its kind in the country, and its alumni work with organizations such as the UN, UNICEF and Greenpeace. For students who want the largest media market in the state on their doorstep, this is the obvious anchor.
- Two years for students with a CSD bachelor's, three years otherwise
- Clinical training at 80 or more affiliate sites
- Summer sessions are part of the plan of study
- Faculty expertise in aphasia, apraxia, bilingualism and child language
- Prepares graduates for ASHA membership and clinical practice
- 30 credits designed to be completed in one year
- Eight concentration options, including community development
- Capstone field experience required
- Billed as one of only two programs of its kind in the United States
- Focus areas include climate, public health and gender equity
- Alumni work with the UN, UNICEF and Greenpeace
- Study away opportunities abroad
- $1,264 per credit
- One-year, 30-credit program starting with a bootcamp on Philadelphia media
- Seven concentration options, including data and investigative journalism
- Audio and podcasting concentration available
- Summer capstone reporting project
- GRE optional with a writing sample; 3.3 GPA minimum
- Merit scholarships available
- 100% online, 31 credits, one year for full-time students
- Concentrations in public relations, conflict management and cross-cultural leadership
- Capstone project required
- Fall, spring and summer start terms
- Part-time students may take up to four years
- Designed for entry- and mid-level professionals
- $1,264 per credit
Carlow University
#9Pittsburgh, PA · $20,000 – $25,000/yr
Carlow University in Pittsburgh runs a 60-credit speech-language pathology master's over five semesters with an unusual interprofessional bent, sharing coursework with physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing students. A Voice and Aerodigestive Disorders specialization appeals to students aiming at medical settings, and clinical skills labs and simulation begin in the first semester. Externships span school-based and healthcare settings around Pittsburgh, embedding students in Western Pennsylvania's provider network. Graduate assistantships with tuition remission and scholarships help offset the private-university cost.
- 60 credits completed over five semesters
- Voice and Aerodigestive Disorders specialization
- Interprofessional coursework with PT, OT and nursing students
- Clinical skills labs and simulation from the first semester
- On-campus speech-language pathology clinic
- Graduate assistantships with tuition remission available
- July 1 application deadline for fall start
La Roche University
#10Pittsburgh, PA · ~$18,000/yr (est.)
La Roche University's Master of Arts in Communication is a 31-credit hybrid program that pairs online coursework with campus sessions in Pittsburgh. The curriculum centers on digital mediated communication, social media ethics and qualitative research applied to real organizational problems, from corporate messaging to digital advocacy. It is designed for working professionals who want to move into public relations, corporate communication or digital marketing without pausing their careers. The hybrid structure keeps the flexibility of online study while preserving in-person faculty contact.
- 31-credit hybrid program with online coursework and campus sessions
- Emphasis on digital mediated communication and social media
- Qualitative research methods applied to real communication problems
- Coursework addresses ethical issues in social media
- Built for working professionals balancing career and study
- Prepares graduates for public relations, corporate communication and digital marketing
Tuition and Cost Comparison Across PA Communication Programs
Sticker price rarely tells the full story. The net price column below reflects the institution-wide average cost after grants and scholarships, drawn from federal data. Because this figure covers all programs at each school, your actual out-of-pocket cost for a communication master's may differ. Still, net price is a far more reliable planning tool than published tuition alone, especially when comparing public and private institutions side by side. Notice that the gap between the most affordable net price (Commonwealth University at $15,699) and the most expensive (Lebanon Valley College at $26,979) is more than $11,000, a meaningful difference over a two-year program.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | Public | $12,140 | $17,000 | $15,699 | $26,000 |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Public | $12,672 | $18,261 | $16,804 | $26,798 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | Public | $11,790 | $16,650 | $18,134 | $24,218 |
| Pennsylvania Western University | Public | $11,261 | $12,386 | $18,256 | $23,725 |
| La Salle University | Private | $29,220 | $29,220 | $19,409 | $25,000 |
| Carlow University | Private | $24,816 | $24,816 | $20,786 | $25,500 |
| La Roche University | Private | $17,628 | $17,628 | $20,794 | $25,000 |
| Thiel College | Private | $33,158 | $33,158 | $22,347 | $27,000 |
| King's College | Private | $57,109 | $57,109 | $23,093 | $27,000 |
| Penn State Harrisburg | Public | $25,356 | $33,698 | $23,330 | $25,000 |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | Public | $12,652 | $17,512 | $23,331 | $23,500 |
| Marywood University | Private | $12,951 | $12,951 | $23,388 | $26,186 |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | Public | $12,330 | $17,190 | $23,726 | $25,000 |
| Point Park University | Private | $16,704 | $16,704 | $25,942 | $27,000 |
| Lebanon Valley College | Private | $37,061 | $37,061 | $26,979 | $27,000 |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you prioritizing low tuition, schedule flexibility, a specific specialization, or proximity to a major media market?
These factors often pull in different directions. A lower-cost state school may lack the corporate communication concentration you need, while a Philadelphia-area program may offer employer connections worth the higher price tag.
Do you need evening, weekend, or fully online classes to keep working while you earn your degree?
Many PA programs serve working professionals, but hybrid and on-campus evening schedules vary significantly by school. Choosing a format that strains your job or commute increases the risk of not finishing.
Is your goal a career pivot into PR or corporate communications, or are you advancing within a role you already hold?
A pivot typically benefits from programs with strong internship pipelines and industry partnerships, while advancement often calls for a specialization or thesis track that deepens existing expertise.
How important is access to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh's media and business networks during your studies?
On-campus programs near these metros can open doors to internships, guest speakers, and job leads that fully remote programs cannot replicate. If networking is central to your goals, location matters more than it might seem.
Online Vs. On-Campus Communication Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's communication master's landscape skews heavily toward on-campus and hybrid delivery. Of the programs tracked on mastersincommunications.org, the majority are campus-based, with a smaller but growing share offered online or in hybrid formats. Working professionals should weigh cost savings and scheduling flexibility against the networking and internship advantages that come with proximity to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh media markets.
| Factor | Online Programs | On-Campus Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Availability Across PA Listings | A minority of listings are fully online (e.g., Shippensburg, King's College, Point Park, Drexel, University of Scranton, Delaware Valley) | The large majority of PA programs are delivered on campus (e.g., Temple, Pitt, Penn State, Villanova, Duquesne, La Salle, Saint Joseph's) |
| Hybrid Options | Several schools blend online coursework with required on-site components (La Roche, Commonwealth University, Thiel College) | Some campus programs offer occasional online electives, but core coursework remains in person |
| Tuition Range (Graduate, In-State) | Roughly $9,000 (Delaware Valley) to $39,261 (Drexel), with many state-affiliated options under $18,000 | Roughly $11,261 (Pennsylvania Western) to $37,061 (Lebanon Valley College), with public universities generally under $27,000 |
| Schedule Flexibility | Asynchronous or evening formats are common; Shippensburg offers a 12-month accelerated track with rolling admissions and fall, spring, or summer starts | Most follow a traditional semester calendar with daytime or evening cohorts; completion typically takes two years full time |
| Networking and Internship Access | Students can complete coursework from anywhere but may need to arrange internships independently; less organic access to faculty and peer networks | Direct pipelines to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh agencies, newsrooms, and corporate communication teams; programs like Penn State Harrisburg leverage the state capital region |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio (Examples) | Drexel 9:1, King's College 13:1, Point Park 12:1 | Temple 12:1, Villanova 10:1, University of Pittsburgh 13:1 |
| Best Suited For | Working professionals managing full-time jobs, those outside metro areas, or career changers needing maximum flexibility | Students who can relocate or commute and want immersive cohort experiences, on-site clinics, and local employer connections |
Pennsylvania by City
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Specializations and Concentrations Available at PA Schools
Not every communication master's program covers the same ground, and choosing the right concentration can shape your entire career trajectory. The table below maps each Pennsylvania school to its primary focus area or named concentration so you can quickly identify which programs align with your professional goals. If you are targeting a niche like digital communication, PR, or strategic communication, this is the fastest way to narrow your list.
| School | Program Title | Named Concentration or Focus Area | Delivery Format | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | MS in Strategic and Digital Communication | Strategic Communication (also offers a second concentration option) | Online | Required six-month internship; co-op option for on-campus students |
| Point Park University | MA in Public Relations, Advertising & Social Media | PR and Advertising; Social Media | Online | Two distinct concentrations blending PR, advertising, and social media strategy |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | MA in Strategic Communication | Crisis communication, health communication, digital media production tracks | On-campus | 12-month accelerated option; thesis or capstone flexibility |
| King's College | MA in Strategic Communications | Strategic Communications (general) | Online | Only program of its kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania; 4+1 accelerated track available |
| Shippensburg University | MS in Strategic Communication | Strategic Communication (general) | Online | 30 credits, 12-month accelerated format with rolling admissions |
| La Roche University | MA in Communication | Digital mediated communication, social media ethics | Hybrid | 31-credit program with emphasis on qualitative research and ethical issues in digital media |
| Villanova University | MA in Communication | Communication (general, research oriented) | On-campus | NCA Outstanding Master's Program award winner; strong PhD preparation track |
| Penn State Harrisburg | MA in Communications | Communications with international faculty perspectives | On-campus | Capital-region internship access; balances theory and practice |
| West Chester University | MA in Speech-Language Pathology | Bilingual Emphasis | On-campus | Rare bilingual emphasis sequence for working with multilingual populations |
| University of Scranton | MS in Speech-Language Pathology | Healthcare Specialization | Online (blended) | Named healthcare specialization within an SLP framework |
| University of Pittsburgh | MS in Communication Science and Disorders | Speech-Language Pathology | On-campus | Over 100 clinical placement sites across Western Pennsylvania |
ROI Snapshot: What PA Communication Graduates Earn Vs. What They Owe
How do graduate tuition costs stack up against median earnings at Pennsylvania's top communication and communication sciences programs? The chart below compares each school's annual graduate tuition with the institution-wide median earnings reported ten years after enrollment. Program-level earnings shortly after completion are not yet published for these programs, so institution-wide figures offer the best available benchmark.
ROI and Career Outcomes for PA Communication Graduates
Return on investment in graduate education comes down to a simple calculation: what you earn versus what you owe. For communication master's graduates in Pennsylvania, this equation depends heavily on which program you choose, what specialization you pursue, and which metro area you target for employment.
Understanding Program-Level ROI
Program-level earnings data for most Pennsylvania communication master's programs is not yet published in federal databases, which means prospective students must rely on institutional-level indicators and regional labor market data to estimate outcomes. Among the programs with available metrics, Villanova University's Master of Arts in Communication stands out for its relatively modest graduate tuition of $22,335 combined with the university's strong median earnings ten years post-enrollment. Drexel University's MS in Strategic and Digital Communication carries higher tuition at $39,261 but positions graduates for roles in the growing digital communications sector.
When program-specific earnings aren't available, debt loads become the critical variable. Thomas Jefferson University reports median graduate debt around $14,744, while West Chester University of Pennsylvania keeps debt notably low at approximately $23,500 for in-state students. Lower debt creates more flexibility in early career choices, allowing graduates to pursue opportunities that align with their goals rather than chasing the highest immediate salary.
Labor Market Context in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania's two major metros offer distinct employment landscapes for communication professionals. According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from May 2024, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area employs thousands of public relations specialists, marketing managers, and media workers across healthcare systems, financial services, and higher education institutions.1 Pittsburgh's smaller but growing market concentrates communication roles in technology, manufacturing, and nonprofit sectors.
Marketing managers across Pennsylvania earn median wages well above communication specialists, reflecting the management premium that often comes with advanced credentials.1 Public relations and fundraising managers similarly command higher compensation than entry-level roles, making the master's degree a potential stepping stone to leadership positions.2 For a broader look at what these roles entail and how salaries compare nationally, explore careers with a master's in communication.
How Specialization Shapes Your Trajectory
Your concentration choice directly influences which employers recruit you and what salary range you can expect:
- Corporate communication: Graduates often land at Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Philadelphia region, working in internal communications, executive messaging, and stakeholder relations.
- Strategic and digital communication: This track aligns with agency roles and in-house marketing departments, where demand for data-driven content strategy continues to grow.
- Media studies: A more academic focus that prepares graduates for doctoral programs, media criticism roles, or positions at news organizations and public media outlets.
- Health communication: Philadelphia's concentration of hospitals and pharmaceutical companies creates niche opportunities for graduates with this specialization.
Employment outcomes beyond raw salary also matter. Graduates who land full-time positions earning above regional poverty thresholds demonstrate program effectiveness, though this data point isn't consistently reported across all Pennsylvania institutions. If you're also considering flexible formats, best online master's in communication programs can widen your options without requiring relocation. When evaluating programs, ask admissions offices directly about their most recent placement rates and the industries where alumni typically work.
Admissions Requirements and Selectivity at PA Communication Programs
Open-enrollment institution versus competitive research university: the gap between those two poles shapes everything from your application timeline to how much your GPA will matter. PA communication programs span that full spectrum, so knowing where each school sits helps you target your application energy wisely.
Institutional Selectivity at a Glance
Admission rates at the institution level vary considerably across Pennsylvania. Penn State University Park admits roughly 61% of applicants institution-wide, while the University of Pittsburgh sits just below 60%. Temple University is somewhat more accessible at around 80% institution-wide. Keep in mind these figures reflect undergraduate and graduate admissions combined across all programs, so they paint a broad picture rather than a precise gauge of how competitive any specific communication master's program will be.
Drexel, Villanova, and Duquesne each carry their own selectivity profiles at the graduate level, and program coordinators there typically weigh the full application holistically rather than leaning on a single cutoff score.
The GRE Question
The short answer for many PA communication programs in 2026 is: you probably do not need the GRE, but check the specific program page before assuming. If you want to cast a wider net, our guide to online masters in communication no GRE covers national options that have dropped the exam entirely.
Temple's communication programs, including the M.S. in Communication Management, the M.A. in Media Studies and Production, and the M.S. in Communication for Development and Social Change, have all moved to a GRE-optional model.123 Applicants who choose not to submit scores are typically asked to provide an additional writing sample or comparable evidence of academic readiness instead.1 If you do submit scores, Temple's Media Studies program notes preferred minimums around the 60th percentile verbal, 25th percentile quantitative, and a 3.5 analytical writing score, though these are guidelines rather than hard cutoffs.2
For programs at Penn State, Drexel, Villanova, and Duquesne, GRE policies have shifted in recent years alongside a broader national trend toward test-optional admissions. Confirm current requirements directly with each program, since policies can change between application cycles.
GPA Expectations
A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is the standard floor across most PA communication master's programs, including all three Temple programs noted above.123 Programs at research-focused institutions may expect somewhat higher averages in practice, even when the published minimum is 3.0.
Beyond Scores: What the Rest of Your Application Needs
Most programs require a similar core package:
- Personal statement: Your goals, research interests, and how the program fits your trajectory
- Letters of recommendation: Typically two to three, ideally from professors or supervisors who can speak to your analytical and communication abilities
- Writing sample: Required or strongly encouraged at nearly every program, and especially important if you are skipping the GRE
- Resume or CV: Relevant professional experience, internships, and skills carry real weight, particularly for applied programs focused on communication management or strategic communication
- Official transcripts: From all institutions attended
Professional experience matters more at some programs than others. Applied or professionally oriented tracks, like communication management, tend to view meaningful work history as an asset. Research-focused tracks lean harder on academic writing quality and any prior research experience you can demonstrate.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh: Internship Pipelines and Media Market Access
Which Pennsylvania communication master's programs include hands-on internships in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh's major media markets? Only Penn State requires a structured internship for graduation, but nearly every program in the state's two largest cities opens doors to influential media outlets, agencies, and corporate communication teams.
Philadelphia: Tapping the Nation's Fourth-Largest Media Market
A communication master's in Philadelphia places you steps away from Comcast's global headquarters, enterprise-level PR firms like Brian Communications, and major newsrooms such as The Philadelphia Inquirer and WHYY. Temple University's program treats internships as an optional elective, but its deep alumni network throughout the city often leads to competitive placements in broadcast production, health communication, and nonprofit advocacy. Drexel University takes a similar approach: internships are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged through the Steinbright Career Development Center, which connects graduate students with corporate employers, from finance giants to tech startups. La Salle University also lists internship opportunities as an available component, though students typically coordinate them with faculty guidance to align with niche interests like strategic messaging or digital analytics.
The city's sheer size (over 1.6 million residents) fuels demand for communications professionals who understand urban markets, making a local degree a strategic move for career changers and new graduates alike. If you're also weighing programs in nearby states, our guide to master's in communication in New York covers another powerhouse media market worth comparing.
Pittsburgh: A Hub for Corporate and Nonprofit Communication
Pittsburgh may be smaller, but its concentration of corporate headquarters and robust nonprofit sector creates unique networking channels. Duquesne University's program in the city's Uptown neighborhood positions students near organizations like PNC Bank, UPMC, and the Carnegie Museums, where communication teams regularly host graduate interns. Point Park University's downtown campus has a direct pipeline to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette through a dedicated internship placement relationship.2 While the master's program does not formally require an internship, faculty advisors coordinate with regional media outlets to arrange applied experiences.
Beyond media, the city's growing tech and robotics scene generates communications roles in investor relations, internal corporate messaging, and community engagement, skills that a graduate degree converts into leadership opportunities.
Earn While You Learn: Assistantships and Scholarships
A practical concern for many working professionals is offsetting tuition costs while building relevant experience. Communication graduate students across Pennsylvania tap graduate assistantships (providing stipends and tuition remission), teaching fellowships, and named scholarships that double as professional development. For example, Penn State's required six-month professional work period often pairs with a department assistantship, effectively funding part of the degree. Temple and Drexel offer assistant positions in university communications offices, where students manage media relations or internal newsletters for real-world portfolio pieces. At Point Park and Duquesne, merit-based awards and part-time campus roles help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Checking individual program websites late in the admissions cycle reveals the most up-to-date funding options, as assistantship availability shifts yearly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Master's Programs in PA
Choosing a graduate communication program raises plenty of practical questions, from cost and format to career payoff. Below are the answers prospective students in Pennsylvania ask most often, grounded in current program data and industry benchmarks.
More Communication Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
Beyond the ranked programs above, these Pennsylvania schools round out the state's graduate offerings in communication and communication sciences, spanning the Philadelphia area, the Lehigh Valley, Central Pennsylvania, the northeast, and the Pittsburgh region. Entries are grouped by region so you can scan the options closest to where you live or work.
Philadelphia Area
La Salle University
Thomas Jefferson University
Widener University
Delaware Valley University
Lehigh Valley
DeSales University
Moravian University
Central Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
Lebanon Valley College
Northeastern Pennsylvania
Marywood University
King's College
University of Scranton
Misericordia University
Western Pennsylvania
Point Park University
Thiel College
State by State
Northeast10
Southeast12
Midwest12
Southwest4
DC & Territories1
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