Master’s in Communication in Rhode Island

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Rhode Island is home to one school that offers a master's in communication studies program. The University of Rhode Island offers an on-campus Master of Arts in Communication Studies program that can be taken full-time or part-time at the Kingston or Providence campus. Graduates from the program are prepared to take on doctoral study of communication or to further their careers in the communication sector. Major industries in Rhode Island that may provide employment opportunities include healthcare, education, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, and finance and insurance. Major employers in the state include Rhode Island Hospital, Citizens Bank, Brown University, CVS Pharmacy, and United Natural Foods.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island might be small, but it offers impressive graduate communication programs that prepare students for dynamic careers in media, public relations, and digital communication. Our experts at MastersInCommunications.org have carefully evaluated and ranked the top communication master's programs across the state, focusing on academic excellence, faculty credentials, research opportunities, and professional networking potential. These programs provide students with cutting-edge skills in strategic communication, digital media strategies, and advanced communication technologies. Whether you're looking to advance your current career or pivot into a new professional direction, Rhode Island's communication programs offer robust educational pathways. For a detailed breakdown of our comprehensive ranking process, check out our https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.
#1

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI - Public 4-Year - web.uri.edu

Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Rhode Island's Master's in Communication Studies offers a comprehensive graduate program designed for professionals seeking strategic career advancement. With specialized tracks in interpersonal communication, media studies, organizational communication, and public discourse, students gain versatile skills applicable across communication sectors. The program supports academic and professional goals through personalized course planning, flexible scheduling in Providence and Kingston, and small class sizes ensuring individualized attention. Recommended entrance exams include the GRE, though specific requirements may vary. Graduates are well-positioned for doctoral studies or diverse communication roles in business, human services, and media industries.

  • Specializations in four areas.
  • Small class sizes.
  • Flexible scheduling options.
  • Full- and part-time study.
  • Late afternoon/evening classes.
  • Offered in Providence and Kingston.
  • Prepares for Ph.D. studies.
  • Career advancement focus.
  • Personalized course planning.
  • Diverse career preparation.

Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

Concentration: Interpersonal Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website

URI's Communication Studies Master's program with an Interpersonal Communication concentration provides intensive training in understanding human interaction dynamics. Students explore advanced communication theories, research methodologies, and strategic relationship-building techniques across personal and professional contexts. The program's specialized curriculum emphasizes interpersonal communication frameworks, nonverbal communication analysis, and conflict resolution strategies. Small class sizes and evening courses in Providence and Kingston accommodate working professionals seeking targeted skill development. While GRE scores are typically considered, the program maintains flexibility in admissions, focusing on applicants' professional potential and academic background.

  • Master's in Communication Studies
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Full and part-time options
  • Small class sizes: 10-15 students
  • Evening courses in Providence/Kingston
  • Career preparation in communication fields
  • Preparation for Ph.D. programs

Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

Concentration: Media Studies - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Media Studies concentration within URI's Communication Studies Master's program equips students with cutting-edge media analysis and production skills. Coursework explores contemporary media landscapes, digital communication trends, and critical media theory. Students develop advanced research capabilities, understanding media's societal impacts across traditional and emerging platforms. The program's flexible scheduling and small class sizes enable comprehensive media studies exploration, supporting both full-time and part-time learners. Graduates gain expertise in media criticism, content strategy, and communication technologies. GRE scores are typically evaluated, though the program prioritizes applicants' demonstrated communication proficiencies and research potential.

  • Master's in Communication Studies
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Small class sizes (10-15 students)
  • Full and part-time options
  • Evening and late afternoon classes
  • Career advancement focused
  • Preparation for Ph.D. programs
  • Personalized course planning

Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

Concentration: Organizational Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website

URI's Organizational Communication concentration prepares professionals for leadership roles in complex workplace environments. Students investigate communication technologies, conflict management strategies, and organizational development frameworks. The program's curriculum emphasizes practical applications of communication theories in corporate, non-profit, and governmental settings. Tailored to individual career objectives, students develop advanced skills in strategic messaging, team dynamics, and organizational change management. Flexible full- and part-time options accommodate working professionals, with evening classes in Providence and Kingston. While GRE scores are considered, the program focuses on applicants' professional experience and potential for organizational communication excellence.

  • Master's in Communication Studies
  • Flexible full/part-time options
  • Small class sizes (10-15 students)
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Evening and Providence/Kingston classes
  • Career advancement focused
  • Preparation for Ph.D. programs
  • Individual course plan development
Show 3 More Programs ˅
*Data derived from the 2023 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

2026 Affordable Rhode Island Masters in Communication Degree Options

Pursuing a master's degree in communication can be a smart career move, especially when students find affordable programs that match their academic goals. In Rhode Island, aspiring communication professionals have several excellent options that balance quality education with reasonable pricing. The state's educational institutions understand the financial challenges students face and offer programs designed to provide value without overwhelming student budgets. From Providence to smaller regional campuses, these communication master's degrees provide opportunities for professionals seeking advanced skills and credentials. By exploring these options, students can find programs that not only enhance their career prospects but also remain financially accessible. The following table highlights key programs, their unique features, and tuition ranges to help prospective students make informed decisions about their educational investment.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of Rhode Island
  • Master's in Communication Studies
  • Flexible full/part-time options
  • Small class sizes (10-15 students)
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Evening and Providence/Kingston classes
  • Career advancement focused
  • Preparation for Ph.D. programs
  • Individual course plan development
  • $14,000 - $20,900 (Graduate In-State)
  • $25,600 - $38,300 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Data retrieved from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

See below for details about the master's in communication program at the University of Rhode Island.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

The University of Rhode Island offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program that is available on the Kingston and Providence campuses.

What to Know: The Master's in Communication Studies program at the Harrington School of Communication and Media is designed to prepare students for Ph.D.-level study of communication or to further careers in communication or a related field, such as human resources, business administration or human services. Students can choose a specialization for their studies, including interpersonal communication, media studies, organizational communication or public discourse.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees at the University of Rhode Island for the 2018-2019 academic year is $14,924 for Rhode Island residents, $21,538 for regional residents and $27,552 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: Courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate working students and are available at the Kingston and Providence campuses. The application deadline for the program is February 1 for applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid, and July 15 for other applicants.

Rhode Island Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

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Kingston, RI

University of Rhode Island

  • Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

    Campus Based - Website

    • Specializations in four areas.
    • Small class sizes.
    • Flexible scheduling options.
    • Full- and part-time study.
    • Late afternoon/evening classes.
    • Offered in Providence and Kingston.
    • Prepares for Ph.D. studies.
    • Career advancement focus.
  • Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

    Concentration: Interpersonal Communication - Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Communication Studies
    • Multiple specialization areas
    • Full and part-time options
    • Small class sizes: 10-15 students
    • Evening courses in Providence/Kingston
    • Career preparation in communication fields
    • Preparation for Ph.D. programs
  • Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

    Concentration: Media Studies - Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Communication Studies
    • Multiple specialization areas
    • Small class sizes (10-15 students)
    • Full and part-time options
    • Evening and late afternoon classes
    • Career advancement focused
    • Preparation for Ph.D. programs
    • Personalized course planning
  • Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

    Concentration: Organizational Communication - Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Communication Studies
    • Flexible full/part-time options
    • Small class sizes (10-15 students)
    • Multiple specialization areas
    • Evening and Providence/Kingston classes
    • Career advancement focused
    • Preparation for Ph.D. programs
    • Individual course plan development
*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.