What you’ll learn in this article…
- Tennessee offers communication master's programs from roughly $7,200 to over $42,000 in total tuition depending on the institution.
- Graduate assistantships at public universities can cover full tuition plus a monthly stipend, dramatically reducing out of pocket costs.
- Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis each present distinct salary landscapes for communication graduates in healthcare, media, and corporate sectors.
- Most programs require a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and many no longer mandate GRE scores for admission.
Tennessee's communication graduate landscape has tightened around two anchors: Nashville's healthcare and entertainment corridor, and a steady migration of strategic communication coursework into online and hybrid formats. Programs at UT Martin, Middle Tennessee State, the University of Memphis, and Tennessee Tech now offer concentrations in crisis communication, journalism and strategic media, and corporate communication, with credit loads typically around 33 hours and completion times of two years.
Published tuition tells only part of the story. In-state rates at public universities sit near $10,000 to $14,000 annually, while Vanderbilt and Lipscomb run substantially higher before institutional aid. The real decision points are format, concentration fit, and whether an assistantship is realistically within reach.
Best Master's in Communication Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee's communication master's landscape spans fully online programs built for working professionals, hybrid options in Nashville's booming media market, and campus-based degrees tied to major research institutions. The programs below are ranked primarily by affordability (net price after aid), with graduation rates and format flexibility factored in to help you find the strongest overall value. Program-level earnings data is not yet available for most of these degrees, so institution-wide outcomes serve as a reference point. Keep in mind that all graduation rates listed are institution-wide figures, not specific to communication programs.
- Net price after financial aid
- Institution-wide graduation rate
- Online and hybrid availability
- Concentration and specialization depth
- Median earnings after graduation
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
Austin Peay State University
#1Clarksville, TN · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Budget-focused professionals wanting online flexibility
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville delivers one of the most affordable communication master's options in the state, with a net price of roughly $9,735. Its M.A. in Communication is fully online with asynchronous eight-week terms, and it offers four transcript-designated concentrations: Corporate Communication, Marketing Communication, Media Management, and General Communication. The university's strong military-affiliated student base and state authorization across all 50 states make it especially accessible for professionals who need geographic flexibility.
- 33 credit hours, completable at a flexible pace
- 100% online with asynchronous 8-week course terms
- Four concentrations: Corporate, Marketing, Media, General
- Thesis option available for doctoral preparation
- GRE waiver for applicants with 3.5+ GPA or prior master's
- Faculty advisors drawn from industry backgrounds
- Capstone research project required for all tracks
- State authorization covers all 50 states
- Two-year, five-semester hybrid program
- Hands-on clinical training from the first year
- Aligned with ASHA certification standards
- Eligible for Tennessee state licensure upon completion
- Hybrid final semester blends online and in-person learning
- Accepting applications for Fall 2026 cohort
The University of Tennessee-Martin
#2Martin, TN · $11,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Mid-career communicators earning professional credit
UT Martin's M.A. in Strategic Communication is a 33-credit program delivered almost entirely online, with only a few required on-campus Saturday sessions. Its ACEJMC-accredited curriculum focuses on crisis communication, social media management, and public relations strategy, and it can award credit for approved professional or industry training. A net price around $10,701 and a 52.5% institution-wide graduation rate make it a solid value in West Tennessee.
- 33 credit hours, 95% delivered online
- ACEJMC-accredited curriculum
- Two completion tracks: Portfolio or Capstone
- GRE/GMAT waiver for experienced professionals
- Credit available for approved industry training
- Cohort starts fall and spring semesters
- Small class sizes with faculty who hold professional experience
- Graduate assistantships available for qualified students
Middle Tennessee State University
#3Murfreesboro, TN · $13,000/yr
Best for: Nashville-area students seeking media careers
MTSU's M.S. in Media and Communication is housed within one of the nation's largest media-focused colleges, giving Murfreesboro-area students access to an extensive industry network stretching across Middle Tennessee and Nashville. The campus-based program emphasizes customizable electives, thesis or professional-project tracks, and open enrollment for a trial course. Its net price of about $13,359 pairs with a 53.7% institution-wide graduation rate.
- Campus-based with small graduate class sizes
- Thesis and professional-project tracks offered
- Open-enrollment policy allows a trial course before admission
- Graduate teaching assistantships available
- Elective-driven curriculum spanning advertising, PR, sports media
- Faculty advisor assigned at enrollment
- Up to six years permitted to complete the degree
- Alumni employed at organizations like Apple and The Tennessean
University of Memphis
#4Memphis, TN · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
The University of Memphis offers an M.A. in Journalism and Strategic Media through its nationally recognized department, available both online and on campus. Four concentration options, including News and Storytelling, Integrated Strategic Media, and Visual Media, let students tailor the 33-credit degree to specific career goals. With a net price near $12,397 and delivery through the UM Global platform, it serves learners across West Tennessee and beyond.
- 33 credit hours with online and on-campus options
- Four concentrations: News, Integrated, Visual, and more
- Capstone choices include project, practicum, or thesis
- Core covers media theory, research methods, ethics
- Available through UM Global for remote learners
- Prepares graduates for reporter, editor, and strategist roles
- Department recognized nationally for journalism training
- 15 core hours plus 18 emphasis-area hours
East Tennessee State University
#5Johnson City, TN · ~$16,000/yr (est.)
ETSU's communication offerings span an M.A. in Communication and Storytelling Studies and an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, both delivered on campus in Johnson City. The SLP program is embedded in an Academic Health Sciences Center, giving students interprofessional training alongside medical and nursing students. At a net price of about $15,983, ETSU is pricier than some public peers, but strong Praxis pass rates and diverse East Tennessee clinical placements add tangible career value.
- 36 credit hours with three concentration options
- Full-time and part-time schedules available
- Thesis or capstone completion pathway
- GRE optional; fall entry strongly recommended
- Faculty mentors tailor individual study plans
- Partnership with Heritage Interpretation certificate
- Two-year, full-time campus program
- Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation
- Admits approximately 35 students each year
- Clinical placements in hospitals, schools, and rehab centers
- Pediatric and clinical concentrations available
- High Praxis exam pass rates reported
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
#6Knoxville, TN · ~$19,000/yr (est.)
UT Knoxville's College of Communication and Information pulls from four schools to offer two distinct master's pathways: a campus-based M.S. in Communication and Information with a Journalism and Media concentration, and a fully online M.S. in Strategic and Digital Communication. The online track requires only 30 credits and no prerequisites, making it approachable for career changers. Although its net price of about $18,976 is higher among Tennessee publics, a 73.9% graduation rate and median alumni earnings of $60,249 at ten years signal strong returns.
- 33 credit hours, typically completed in three to four semesters
- Thesis and non-thesis project options
- Test-optional admissions policy
- Up to 9 transfer credits accepted
- Fall-only start with January 15 financial aid deadline
- Cross-disciplinary core in theory and research methods
- 30 credit hours, 100% online and asynchronous
- No prerequisite courses required for admission
- Interdisciplinary curriculum drawn from four UTK schools
- Courses in social media, web design, strategic communication
- Designed for working professionals seeking leadership roles
- Affordable tuition structure for both in-state and out-of-state
Tennessee State University
#7Nashville, TN · $9,000 – $22,000/yr
Tennessee State University, Nashville's only public HBCU, offers an M.S. in Speech and Hearing Science with both traditional on-campus and distance education pathways. The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation and plays a key role in diversifying Tennessee's speech-language pathology workforce. Its net price is approximately $15,796, and the distance option's later June 1 deadline provides added flexibility for working professionals.
- Speech-Language Pathology concentration available
- Campus and distance education delivery modes
- Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation
- Meets ASHA certification requirements
- CSDCAS application system with February 1 main deadline
- Distance education deadline extended to June 1
- 15 hours of prerequisite coursework required
- Clinical experience through university clinics
Trevecca Nazarene University
#8Nashville, TN · $17,000/yr (net price)
Trevecca Nazarene University, a private Nashville institution, launched its M.S. in Strategic Communication with a fully online format emphasizing ethical decision-making, crisis communication, and digital storytelling. Its faith-based framework appeals to professionals in Tennessee's sizable nonprofit and ministry sectors. An institutional net price around $16,813 and a 53.2% graduation rate position Trevecca as a mid-range private option with a clear values-oriented identity.
- Fully online program format
- Curriculum covers media relations, crisis communication, video production
- Emphasis on ethical leadership and strategic storytelling
- Designed for corporate, nonprofit, and government communicators
- Part of Trevecca's catalog of 20+ master's programs
- Nashville-based networking within faith and nonprofit sectors
Vanderbilt University
#9Nashville, TN · $16,000/yr
Vanderbilt's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology is the most selective program on this list, with a 5.9% institutional admission rate and a sticker price that far exceeds any Tennessee peer. However, generous aid brings the net price to approximately $15,846, and outcomes are exceptional: a 93.5% graduation rate, a reported 100% Praxis pass rate, and 100% employment within one year. Specialty tracks in autism spectrum disorders and children with severe hearing loss are rare in the state.
- Full-time, five-to-six semester campus program
- Specialty tracks in autism and severe hearing loss
- Clinical training begins in the first semester
- 100% Praxis pass rate and 100% employment rate reported
- 98% on-time completion rate
- Placements at Vanderbilt Medical Center and partner schools
- No prior SLP background required for admission
- Median graduate debt of $14,000, lowest among listed schools
Lipscomb University
#10Nashville, TN · $25,000/yr
Lipscomb University in Nashville offers three communication-adjacent master's degrees: an M.A. in Public Relations, an M.A. in Health Communication, and an M.A. in Advertising. The PR and Advertising programs use a hybrid format completable in one year, while Health Communication is campus-based over two years. Lipscomb's deep ties to Nashville's PR, entertainment, and healthcare industries give students practical exposure, though a net price near $24,739 places it at the higher end for Tennessee.
- 36 credit hours in a hybrid format
- Completable in one year at a flexible pace
- No GRE required for admission
- Experiential learning with Nashville industry partners
- Optional thesis track and applied research opportunities
- 15-hour graduate certificate also available
- 36 credit hours delivered on campus
- Focus on public health, provider-patient, and risk communication
- Thesis or capstone completion pathway
- Two-year program timeline
- Aligned with Tennessee's healthcare workforce needs
- 12 total courses in the curriculum
- 36 credit hours, hybrid synchronous and asynchronous
- Completable in one year for working professionals
- Covers traditional and digital media strategies
- Emphasis on ethical advertising practice
- Optional 15-credit graduate certificate pathway
- No entrance exam required
Tennessee Tech
#11Cookeville, TN · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Tennessee Tech in Cookeville rounds out the list with two communication-focused master's tracks under its Master of Professional Studies: Corporate Communication (campus) and Media and Strategic Communication (online). A separate M.A. in Professional and Technical Communication adds a writing-intensive option. A net price around $14,246 and a 57.7% graduation rate make Tech competitive among Tennessee publics, particularly for students interested in corporate, technical, or crisis communication.
- Campus-based with focus on internal and leadership communication
- Portfolio-based admission for experienced professionals
- GRE required; provisional admission available
- Covers employee engagement and executive messaging
- Small class sizes with dedicated faculty
- Prepares for HR, corporate communication, and management roles
- 30 credit hours delivered online
- Capstone professional project required
- Coursework in persuasion, PR, crisis response, and AI ethics
- No entrance exam required for admission
- Covers globalization's impact on strategic messaging
- Available on campus or fully online
- 30 credit hours, campus-based delivery
- Thesis and non-thesis options available
- Teaching assistantships available for funding
- Prepares for careers in engineering, business, nursing, and law
- Writing sample and statement of purpose required
- Pathway to Ph.D. studies in rhetoric or technical communication
Online Master's in Communication Programs in Tennessee
Campus vs. Online: Choosing Your Format
For many working professionals, the decision between on-campus and online graduate study shapes the entire experience. On-campus programs immerse you in daily interactions and campus resources, while online and hybrid options trade that for flexibility, letting you earn your master's in communication without relocating or pausing your career. Tennessee offers both fully online and hybrid pathways, each with distinct advantages. If you're open to studying beyond state lines, our guide to the best online master's in communication programs can help you compare options nationwide.
Fully Online Programs for Maximum Flexibility
Three universities in our ranking deliver their communication master's entirely or primarily online: - UT Martin offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication that is 95% online, with limited on-campus weekends. The 33-credit program accepts students twice a year and can be completed in five to seven semesters, making part-time pacing manageable. - University of Memphis provides an online Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media with four concentration options, including News and Storytelling. The 33-credit curriculum includes a capstone project and can be paired with on-campus electives if you're local. - Trevecca Nazarene University launched its fully online Master of Science in Strategic Communication with a focus on ethical decision-making and crisis communication. As a private institution, it charges the same tuition for all students regardless of residence.
These programs are designed with the working adult in mind: asynchronous coursework lets you log in at night or on weekends, and most do not require the GRE.
Hybrid Options Blend In-Person and Digital Learning
If you prefer some face-to-face connection but still want flexibility, hybrid programs combine the best of both worlds. Lipscomb University offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Public Relations that can be completed in just one year, mixing on-campus sessions with online coursework. Students interested in the broader landscape of PR-focused degrees may also want to explore online master's in public relations programs. The 36-hour program includes an optional thesis and a 15-hour graduate certificate option. Austin Peay State University follows a similar pattern with its Master of Speech-Language Pathology, where the first year is fully on campus and the final semester shifts to hybrid delivery, a structure that works particularly well for clinical training.
Cost and Accreditation: What to Expect
Online programs in Tennessee carry the same regional accreditation and, in most cases, identical per-credit tuition rates as their campus counterparts. However, students living out of state should check the fine print: public universities often charge a higher rate for non-residents, even for online enrollment. For example, UT Martin's online strategic communication program lists $11,916 for in-state students and $12,978 for out-of-state. The University of Memphis has a wider gap: $11,628 in-state versus $15,840 out-of-state. Private schools like Trevecca and Lipscomb typically charge a single rate for everyone.
Because these programs share accreditation with their on-campus versions, you graduate with the same credential and are equally prepared for careers in public relations, corporate communication, journalism, and beyond. The flexibility of online learning simply removes the commute, not the quality.
Questions to Ask Yourself
How Much Does a Master's in Communication Cost in Tennessee?
Tuition for a master's in communication in Tennessee varies widely depending on whether you attend a public or private institution and whether you qualify for in-state rates. The table below compares published tuition, institution-wide average net price, and median graduate debt across each ranked school. Keep in mind that the net price shown is an institution-wide average calculated from federal data. It reflects financial aid patterns across all programs at each university, not a guaranteed quote for your specific graduate program. Your actual cost will depend on the aid package you receive, your enrollment status, and any assistantship or scholarship funding. Among the public universities listed, in-state tuition ranges from roughly $10,500 to nearly $16,000 per year, while Vanderbilt's private sticker price tops $57,800. That said, Vanderbilt's generous aid brings its average net price close to what many public schools charge, so sticker price alone can be misleading. The private institutions (Vanderbilt, Trevecca Nazarene, and Lipscomb) charge the same rate regardless of residency, which can actually benefit out-of-state students compared to some public schools' non-resident surcharges.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | Public | $10,518 | $15,702 | $9,735 | $20,547 |
| UT Martin | Public | $11,916 | $12,978 | $10,701 | $21,024 |
| University of Memphis | Public | $11,628 | $15,840 | $12,397 | $23,300 |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Public | $11,718 | $29,700 | $13,359 | $20,000 |
| Tennessee Tech | Public | $12,386 | $15,746 | $14,246 | $15,650 |
| Tennessee State University | Public | $11,188 | $23,808 | $15,796 | $27,000 |
| Vanderbilt University | Private | $57,868 | $57,868 | $15,846 | $14,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Public | $11,366 | $26,486 | $15,983 | $19,442 |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | Private | $10,537 | $10,537 | $16,813 | $18,744 |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Public | $15,972 | $34,760 | $18,976 | $20,500 |
| Lipscomb University | Private | $17,334 | $17,334 | $24,739 | $19,500 |
Related Articles
Communication Master's Earnings: 1-Year vs. 4-Year Post-Graduation
Program-level earnings data at one year and four years after completion are not yet published for communication master's programs at Tennessee schools listed here. While institution-wide median earnings at ten years post-enrollment range from roughly $44,900 at East Tennessee State University to $91,600 at Vanderbilt University, these figures reflect all graduates across every field of study, not communication-specific outcomes. As the College Scorecard releases program-level earnings for these schools, we will update this section with a direct comparison chart.
Career Outcomes and Salary Potential for Tennessee Communication Graduates
Graduates of Tennessee communication master's programs face a choice: pursue traditional public relations and media roles with steady employment, or target strategic corporate communication positions in high-growth industries like healthcare and logistics. Understanding the salary landscape in Tennessee's major metros (Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville) helps clarify which path aligns with your financial and career goals.
What Tennessee Communication Graduates Actually Earn
While program-level earnings data for communication master's degrees in Tennessee remain limited in federal College Scorecard reports, broader employment outcomes paint a clear picture. Graduates entering the workforce immediately after completing their degrees find a job market shaped by Tennessee's diverse economic centers. Nashville's booming healthcare sector and entertainment industry create demand for strategic communicators who can manage brand reputation, navigate crisis scenarios, and translate complex medical information for public audiences. Memphis, home to FedEx and a growing logistics corridor, needs professionals skilled in internal communications, change management, and B2B marketing. For a broader look at what these roles entail, explore careers with a master's in communication.
Public Relations and Media Roles: Metro-Specific Salary Benchmarks
Public relations specialists in Tennessee earn varying salaries depending on location and industry. According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the national median annual wage for public relations specialists stands at $69,780 (or $33.55 per hour).1 Tennessee metros tell a different story: Nashville PR specialists earn a median of $62,870 annually, reflecting the city's competitive communications market and concentration of healthcare, music, and hospitality employers.2 Memphis trails slightly with a median of $55,000, though cost of living offsets part of that gap.3 Knoxville's smaller market typically aligns closer to the Memphis figure, though roles tied to the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory command higher compensation.
Nationally, the BLS projects 5 percent growth for public relations specialists between 2024 and 2034, with approximately 27,600 annual openings.1 Tennessee's growth mirrors this trend, driven by healthcare expansion, corporate relocations, and a maturing tech ecosystem in Nashville.
Corporate Communication and Strategic Roles
Graduates who pivot toward corporate communication director or advertising and promotions manager positions often see higher earning potential. These roles, which require advanced strategic planning and leadership skills, typically demand a master's degree and several years of professional experience. Professionals interested in this trajectory may also benefit from exploring an online master's in organizational communication, which emphasizes the internal messaging and stakeholder engagement competencies these positions require. Tennessee's major employers, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, FedEx, and Nissan North America, hire communication leaders to oversee internal messaging, executive communications, and public affairs. While specific metro-level wage data for these senior roles are not uniformly reported, corporate communication directors in major Tennessee markets often earn in the $75,000 to $95,000 range, depending on organization size and scope.
Return on Investment: Debt, Earnings, and Employment Outcomes
Understanding ROI means comparing what you borrow against what you earn. Tennessee public institutions like Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville offer in-state tuition below $12,000 annually, keeping median debt manageable, often between $15,000 and $23,000 for those who borrow. Private institutions such as Lipscomb University and Trevecca Nazarene University carry higher sticker prices but frequently provide aid packages that bring net costs closer to public levels.
When median debt sits around $20,000 and starting salaries for Nashville-based PR roles approach $63,000, graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years while building equity in their careers. Programs with higher debt loads, particularly those exceeding $25,000, require careful scrutiny: ensure your target role and metro justify the investment. Employment outcomes remain strong across Tennessee programs, with most graduates securing full-time positions within a year of completion and earning above the poverty line, indicating that communication master's degrees translate reliably into stable, middle-class careers.
Market Demand and Industry Drivers
Tennessee's job market for communication professionals benefits from economic diversification. Nashville's status as a healthcare hub, second only to Houston in hospital beds per capita, creates sustained demand for patient engagement specialists, health literacy coordinators, and medical public affairs officers. The city's entertainment sector, anchored by major labels and live music venues, employs publicists, content strategists, and social media managers. Memphis logistics employers need supply-chain communicators who can manage stakeholder relations across global operations. Even smaller markets like Knoxville and Chattanooga offer niches: university communications, regional healthcare networks, and manufacturing PR roles tied to automotive and advanced materials industries.
This diversity insulates Tennessee communication graduates from sector-specific downturns and provides multiple entry points for professionals with varying interests and skill sets.
Specializations and Concentrations Available in Tennessee
Tennessee's communication master's programs span a wide range of specializations, so matching your career goals to the right concentration is essential. If you are drawn to Nashville's booming healthcare ecosystem, a program emphasizing crisis or organizational communication may serve you well. If media production or public relations is the goal, other programs offer more targeted curricula. Below is a side-by-side look at key specializations, the schools that offer them, and whether you can complete them online or on campus.
| Specialization / Focus Area | School(s) Offering It | Format | Best Fit Career Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Communication | UT Martin (MA in Strategic Communication), Trevecca Nazarene University (MS in Strategic Communication) | Online (both programs deliver 95%+ of coursework online) | Brand management, corporate messaging, crisis communication, social media strategy |
| Journalism and Media | University of Tennessee, Knoxville (MS in Communication and Information, Journalism and Media concentration), University of Memphis (MA in Journalism and Strategic Media) | Campus only (UT Knoxville); Online or campus (Memphis) | Newsroom leadership, digital storytelling, media ethics, editorial strategy |
| Media and Communication (broad) | Middle Tennessee State University (MS in Media and Communication, two concentration options) | Campus only | Advertising, public relations, media management; strong ties to Nashville's media market |
| Corporate Communication | Tennessee Tech (Master of Professional Studies, Corporate Communication concentration) | Campus only | Internal communications, employee engagement, organizational leadership |
| Public Relations | Lipscomb University (MA in Public Relations) | Hybrid (mix of on-campus and online coursework) | Campaign management, strategic PR, social media; completable in about one year |
| Speech-Language Pathology (health communication adjacent) | Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University | Hybrid (Austin Peay, final semester); Campus (ETSU, Vanderbilt); Campus or distance (Tennessee State) | Clinical speech-language practice in hospitals, schools, rehab centers; aligns with Nashville's large healthcare sector |
| Crisis and Ethical Communication | Trevecca Nazarene University (embedded in MS in Strategic Communication) | Online | Nonprofit leadership, organizational crisis response, values-driven messaging |
Admissions Requirements and How to Apply
Applying to a master's in communication program in Tennessee is more straightforward than many prospective students expect. Requirements vary by school, but a handful of elements appear consistently across programs.
GPA Expectations
Most Tennessee communication programs set a 3.0 minimum GPA for unconditional admission. Some programs are a bit more flexible: UT Martin requires a 2.5 GPA, and Tennessee Tech also lists 2.5 as its threshold, sometimes with a provisional admission pathway for applicants who fall just short. The University of Memphis uses a holistic review process, with a minimum of 2.75, meaning a lower GPA does not automatically disqualify a strong applicant with relevant experience or other compelling credentials.1 MTSU and UT Knoxville both hold to the 3.0 standard.
GRE and Test Requirements
Test-optional policies have become the norm rather than the exception across Tennessee. UT Knoxville's program is test-optional, and the University of Memphis requires no entrance exam at all.1 UT Martin officially lists GRE or GMAT as options but grants waivers for applicants with meaningful professional experience, so working professionals often apply without a test score. Tennessee Tech still lists the GRE as a requirement, though a portfolio-based admission option exists for some candidates. If you are exploring programs beyond Tennessee that have dropped standardized testing altogether, our guide to online masters in communication no GRE covers several strong options. Always confirm current exam policies directly with each program, as these policies continue to evolve.
Application Materials
Regardless of where you apply, plan to assemble a core set of documents:
- Statement of purpose: Most programs want a focused essay explaining your academic goals and professional interests. Some ask for two to three pages; others specify a shorter personal statement.
- Letters of recommendation: Two to three letters are standard, with most programs preferring writers who can speak to your academic or professional capabilities.
- Writing sample: Communication and journalism-focused programs frequently request a writing sample to assess analytical and compositional skill, though this is not universal.
- Official transcripts: Required by every program for all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Prerequisites and Deadlines
Some programs, including the University of Memphis, prefer applicants with an undergraduate background in communication or a closely related field, though they do not always make it a hard requirement.1 Others, like UT Knoxville, welcome applicants from a range of disciplines thanks to a cross-disciplinary curricular structure.
Deadlines are equally variable. UT Knoxville enrolls new students in fall only and has an early January financial aid deadline. UT Martin accepts students for both fall and spring starts. Some programs operate on rolling admissions, reviewing files as they arrive rather than waiting for a single cutoff date. Starting your application three to four months before your target semester is a reasonable baseline, and contacting each program's graduate coordinator to confirm current deadlines is always worth the extra step.
Funding Your Master's in Communication in Tennessee
Graduate funding in Tennessee has shifted noticeably over the past few years as public universities lean harder on assistantships to compete with online programs that don't carry the same overhead. For communication master's students, that means the sticker price you see on a tuition page is rarely what you actually pay if you're willing to work for the department.
Graduate Assistantships: The Primary Lever
Graduate assistantships are the single most valuable form of aid for full-time communication students in Tennessee, and they typically bundle three things: a tuition waiver covering most or all credit hours, a modest monthly stipend in exchange for 10 to 20 hours of weekly work, and sometimes health insurance.
- University of Tennessee Knoxville: The School of Communication and Information offers teaching and research assistantships that include a tuition waiver and health insurance, with appointments starting at the quarter-time threshold.1 The January 15 financial aid deadline matters here; miss it and you're competing for what's left.
- Middle Tennessee State University: Graduate teaching assistantships are available for the Media and Communication M.S., though capacity is limited and a 3.0 GPA is required to stay eligible.2 Departmental scholarships exist but are similarly constrained.
- UT Martin: The online Strategic Communication M.A. lists graduate assistantships as available, which is less common for fully online programs.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
If you're working in Nashville's healthcare corridor (HCA, Vanderbilt Health, Ascension Saint Thomas) or in the corporate sector (Bridgestone, Dollar General, Asurion), check your benefits handbook before paying out of pocket. Many employers reimburse $5,250 annually tax-free under IRS Section 127, which can knock a meaningful chunk off a part-time degree spread across three years.
What Students Actually Borrow
Debt levels at Tennessee institutions sit lower than national graduate averages. Median debt at graduation runs roughly $19,000 to $23,000 at the major public options (UT Knoxville, Memphis, MTSU, ETSU), and closer to $14,000 to $20,000 at private institutions like Vanderbilt, Lipscomb, and Trevecca Nazarene. These figures reflect total institutional borrowing across all students rather than program-specific numbers, but they serve as a useful ceiling estimate. Students exploring communication master programs in neighboring states will find comparable ranges at most public universities in the Southeast.
Tennessee-Specific Aid
The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship and the broader Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship program are undergraduate-only, which catches some applicants off guard. At the graduate level, state aid is thin: your best Tennessee-specific path is institutional aid through the school itself, federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 per year), and Graduate PLUS loans for the remainder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a communication master's program in Tennessee comes with plenty of practical questions. Below, we answer the ones prospective students ask most often, drawing on program data from Tennessee institutions and broader career research.
- How much does a master's in communication cost in Tennessee?
- Costs vary widely depending on the institution, residency status, and delivery format. Based on published tuition and fee data for Tennessee programs profiled on mastersincommunications.org, estimated net prices generally range from roughly $12,000 to over $40,000 for a full degree. In-state students at public universities like UT Knoxville or UT Martin typically pay considerably less than out-of-state or private-university students. Always confirm current tuition schedules directly with each school.
- Are there online master's in communication programs in Tennessee?
- Yes. Several Tennessee universities offer online or hybrid options. UT Knoxville provides an online MS in Communication and Information, and UT Martin's MA in Strategic Communication follows a hybrid format that blends online coursework with limited campus visits. These flexible delivery modes are designed for working professionals who need to balance graduate study with career and family responsibilities.
- How long does it take to complete a master's in communication in Tennessee?
- Most full-time students finish in about 24 months, or roughly five semesters. Programs typically require 30 to 36 credit hours; UT Martin's MA in Strategic Communication, for example, requires 33 credits. Part-time enrollment extends the timeline, and some students take three years or more depending on course load and whether they complete a thesis or capstone project.
- What can you do with a master's in communication?
- Graduates pursue roles such as corporate communications director, public relations manager, media strategist, and health communication specialist. The University of Memphis, for instance, offers a health communication concentration that prepares students for specialized positions in healthcare organizations. Other common paths include digital marketing leadership, nonprofit advocacy, higher education administration, and government affairs.
- Is a master's in communication worth it for salary and career advancement?
- For many professionals, yes. A graduate degree often qualifies candidates for senior and director-level roles that require advanced analytical and strategic skills. Earnings data for Tennessee communication graduates show meaningful gains in the years following graduation, particularly for those moving into management. The return on investment depends on factors like program cost, your current salary baseline, and how directly the degree aligns with your career goals.
- What are the admission requirements for communication master's programs in Tennessee?
- Requirements vary by school but typically include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA (often 3.0 on a 4.0 scale), a statement of purpose, and two or three letters of recommendation. Some programs ask for GRE scores, though an increasing number have made standardized testing optional. Professional experience and a writing sample may also strengthen your application.
- What is the difference between a master's in communication and a master's in journalism?
- A communication master's program covers a broad range of topics, including organizational communication, media theory, public relations, and strategic messaging. A journalism master's focuses more narrowly on news reporting, investigative techniques, and editorial practice. If your career goals lean toward corporate communications, PR management, or media strategy, a communication degree is usually the better fit. Journalism programs are ideal for those committed to newsroom or editorial careers.
