Master’s in Communication in Virginia

Virginia offers a variety of master's in communication programs across the state, including traditional on-campus programs and online programs that allow students to learn whenever fits their schedule. Students can also choose from a myriad of areas of study to prepare themselves for careers in politics, strategic communication, public relations, digital media journalism, and more.

Due to Northern Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C., the U.S. government and its various agencies provide communications graduates in Virginia with many potential employment opportunities. Other major employers in Virginia include Capital One, Deloitte Consulting, Verizon, and Padilla Public Relations. A few possible career titles for graduates of a master's in communications programs include media strategist, political consultant, speechwriter, journalist, editor, publicist, and marketing director, among many others.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Virginia

Virginia stands out as a hub for exceptional communication graduate programs, offering students cutting-edge learning opportunities across multiple universities. Our team at Masters in Communications has carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top communication master's degree programs based on academic rigor, faculty expertise, and career placement success. These programs prepare students for dynamic careers in media, public relations, digital communication, and strategic messaging. Whether you're seeking to advance your professional skills or pivot into a new communication-focused role, Virginia's universities provide robust educational pathways. Our comprehensive rankings highlight institutions that deliver outstanding curriculum and real-world training. For a detailed breakdown of our evaluation process, review our https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu

Master's - Lifespan & Digital Communication (Strategic Communication)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Old Dominion University's Strategic Communication concentration in Lifespan & Digital Communication offers a transformative graduate experience for communication professionals. This innovative program prepares students to develop advanced strategic communication strategies across generational landscapes. Students explore digital media technologies, relationship dynamics, and targeted communication techniques. The program's military-friendly environment and flexible online and on-campus options make it ideal for working professionals seeking to enhance their communication expertise. Graduates gain critical skills in crafting compelling narratives, understanding intergenerational communication nuances, and leveraging digital platforms for effective messaging.

• Unique U.S. Lifespan Communication focus
• Online and on-campus options
• Three focus area options
• Strategic communication skills
• Digital media and relationships studies
• Award-winning faculty
• Global communication perspective

Master's - Lifespan & Digital Communication (Media Studies)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Old Dominion University's Media Studies concentration within the Lifespan & Digital Communication master's program provides a comprehensive exploration of contemporary media landscapes. Students dive deep into digital communication theories, media analysis, and innovative research methodologies. The program's unique approach combines generational communication insights with cutting-edge media studies, preparing professionals to navigate complex communication environments. With award-winning faculty and flexible learning formats, students develop advanced skills in media effectiveness, strategic communication, and cross-generational media engagement.

• On-campus and online options
• Unique lifespan communication focus
• Strategic communication specializations
• Award-winning faculty
• Three focus area options
• Media studies concentration
• Relationships, health, wellness track

Master's - Lifespan & Digital Communication (Relationships, Health, and Wellness)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Relationships, Health, and Wellness concentration at Old Dominion University's Lifespan & Digital Communication program offers a specialized pathway for professionals interested in communication's impact on personal and societal well-being. Students explore intricate communication dynamics across different life stages, focusing on health communication strategies, wellness research, and relationship development. This innovative program blends digital media studies with interpersonal communication theories, equipping graduates with unique skills to address complex communication challenges in healthcare, community wellness, and personal development contexts.

• Unique Lifespan Communication focus
• Online and on-campus options
• Three focus area choices
• Award-winning faculty
• Strategic communication pathway
• Media studies concentration
• Relationships, health, wellness track
• Innovative communication research

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#2

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Campus Based - Visit Website

#3

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA - Public 4-Year - jmu.edu

Master's - Communication and Advocacy

Campus Based - Visit Website

James Madison University's Health Communication concentration within the Communication and Advocacy Master's program provides comprehensive training in medical communication strategies. Students develop advanced skills in healthcare messaging, patient communication, and public health communication frameworks. The curriculum integrates research methodologies with practical applications, preparing graduates for roles in healthcare organizations, health policy, and medical communication sectors. Participants learn to craft nuanced health communication campaigns, understand complex medical narratives, and develop interventions that effectively translate health information. Potential GRE requirements support admission, with a focus on developing sophisticated communication competencies for healthcare environments.

• Three concentration options
• Advocacy studies focus
• Communication research methods
• Applied communication practices
• Develops specialized competencies

#4

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Liberty University's campus-based Master of Arts in Communication provides a comprehensive academic journey that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical communication skills. Through a distinctly Christian lens, the program prepares professionals to excel in complex communication environments. Students explore advanced communication theories, research methodologies, and professional practices across interpersonal, ministry, business, and educational domains. The curriculum emphasizes scholarly writing, intercultural communication, and leadership development. With a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA requirement and opportunities to transfer up to 15 credits, the program offers flexibility for working professionals seeking transformative graduate education.

• Online and residential formats
• Christian worldview integration
• Transfer up to 15 credits
• 2.5 undergraduate GPA required
• Research and scholarship focused
• Career paths in communications
• Graduate-level communication theory
• Interprofessional communication skills
• Scholarly writing emphasis
• International student options

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

Liberty University's online Master of Arts in Communication delivers a flexible, innovative educational experience designed for dynamic professionals. This 33-credit hour program eliminates standardized testing barriers, enabling students to focus on developing advanced communication competencies. Participants engage with cutting-edge digital communication strategies, intercultural communication techniques, and strategic storytelling approaches. The 8-week course format accommodates busy schedules, while providing affordable tuition options, including special military rates. Graduates emerge prepared for leadership roles in advertising, public relations, corporate communications, and digital media, with a unique Christian worldview perspective integrated throughout the curriculum.

• 100% online master's degree
• 33 total credit hours
• 8-week course format
• No standardized testing
• Transfer up to 50% credits
• Graduate tuition $565/credit
• Military graduate rate $275/credit
• Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
• Multiple communication career paths
• Christian faith integration

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#5

Radford University

Radford, VA - Public 4-Year - radford.edu

Master's - Strategic Communication

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Radford University's Strategic Communication Master's program stands out for its innovative approach to preparing communication professionals. The hybrid program offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to balance academic pursuits with professional commitments. With no GRE requirement and a modest 2.75 minimum GPA threshold, the program welcomes diverse candidates seeking advanced communication skills. Unique features include a SMART lab for research, a robust 6:1 student-teacher ratio, and an impressive 72% job placement rate. Students can choose between thesis and comprehensive exam tracks, gaining strategic insights applicable across various industries and communication landscapes.

• Master of Science Degree
• Multiple campus locations
• No GRE required
• 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Thesis or comprehensive exam option
• In-person, online, hybrid formats
• 6:1 student-teacher ratio
• 72% job placement rate
• Cohort program available
• SMART lab research opportunities

*Source: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 survey data.

Read on for more details about each master's in communications program available in Virginia:

George Mason University

Located near Washington D.C. in Fairfax, Virginia, George Mason University offers a Master of Arts in Communication program in a traditional classroom format.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program offers four distinct areas of study: Strategic Communication/Public Relations, Health Communication, Science Communication and Individualized Communication Studies.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition for in-state residents at George Mason University's College of Humanities & Social Sciences is $595 per credit and $1,416 per credit for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The deadline to apply for the fall semester is March 1.

James Madison University

James Madison University in Harrisonburg offers a Master of Arts in Communication and Advocacy program that prepares students for careers in academia as well as in interpersonal and organizational advocacy.

What to Know: The program is a 36-credit hour program that includes 18 hours of core coursework, nine hours of concentrated study in advocacy topics including environmental, health and strategic communication, and nine hours dedicated to a major project or elective coursework.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition for Virginia residents is $473 per credit hour, and tuition for non-residents is $1,231 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: Applications for admission are reviewed beginning February 15. Applications will then be reviewed on a rolling basis until May 15 or until all available seats in the program are filled.

Liberty University

Liberty University in Lynchburg offers two options for Master of Arts in Communication degrees: one in strategic communications and the other in general communication. Both programs are offered in online or on-campus formats.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program focuses on small group communication, listening and nonverbal communication, interpersonal communication, leadership and strategies of persuasion. The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program provides hands-on experience and real client interactions to help students prepare for careers in public relations, marketing, advertising, web strategies, and social media.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition for the on-campus Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Master of Arts in Communication programs are $545 per credit hour. For the online programs, part-time tuition is $615 per credit hour and $565 per credit hour for full-time students.

Anything Else?: Both programs require 36-credit hours of study, as well as a thesis or capstone project.

Radford University

Radford University offers a Master of Science in Strategic Communication program, which takes a broad approach that allows students to learn multiple communication tactics.

What to Know: Students can take specialized classes in areas such as video production, social media, and analytics, public relations, political communication, training and development, interactive media and more.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees for Virginia residents taking 12 or more credits per semester are $5,778 per semester and $10,264 per semester for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The 36-credit hour program allows full-time students to complete the program in two years while working professionals can take one to three courses per semester while continuing their career.

Regent University

Regent University, a private Christian University in Virginia Beach, offers three Master of Arts in Communications programs that can be taken online, on campus or a hybrid of both online and in-person classes.

What to Know: Students can choose from Master of Arts in Communication - Media & Arts Management & Production, Master of Arts in Communication - Strategic Communication or Master of Arts in Communication - Political Communication

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition cost for Master of Arts programs the Regent University School of Communication & the Arts is $650 per credit hour for a total program cost of $21,450, which does not include fees, course materials or books.

Anything Else?: All three degree options are 33-credit hour programs that are offered as fully online programs meant to suit the schedules of students working full- or part-time, or as online/on-campus hybrid programs with time spent on the Virginia Beach campus.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond offers a Master of Science in program as well as a Master of Science in Mass Communication - Integrated Communications program.

What to Know: The Strategic Public Relations program is a fast-track, one year program, with weekend courses taken as a cohort over four semesters. The Multimedia Journalism program is taken three courses each semester over two years, with two courses taken in the evening and one course taken online.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees for Virginia residents taking a full-time course load are approximately $6,806 per semester, and graduate tuition and fees for non-residents is $13,147 per semester.

Anything Else?: The application deadlines for both the Strategic Public Relations and Multimedia Journalism programs are January 15 and March 15. The Multimedia Journalism program requires an academic degree in journalism or at least two years of professional journalism experience.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Communication program at their Blacksburg campus.

What to Know: The 33-credit hour program offers advanced study in strategic communication and society, media and technology research.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition for Virginia residents is $718.50 per credit hour, and graduate tuition for non-residents is $1,448.25 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: The priority deadline for application is January 19 for consideration for financial aid.

Norfolk Master’s in Communication Programs

Norfolk State University

Norfolk State University offers a Master of Arts in Media and Communication degree as a traditional on-campus program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Media and Communication offers students three sequences to choose from: interpersonal communication, mass communications, and journalism.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees for Virginia residents taking 12 or more credits per semester are $5,778 per semester and $11,856 for non-residents.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University in Norfolk offers a Master of Arts in Lifespan & Digital Communication program, which combines the study of relational communication and digital media studies as it develops over the human lifespan.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Lifespan and Digital Communication aims to prepare students for careers in the areas of applied research and policy, community networking and outreach, education and training and health and wellness.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees for Virginia residents taking 9 credits per semester is $4,614 per semester and $11,391 per semester for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The program requires 36-credit hours of study, generally taken over two years.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Virginia

Liberty University

Liberty offers three online master’s in communications programs. See more about their program offerings here.

Regent University

Regent offers four online master’s in communications programs and specialties. See more about their program offerings here.

Virginia Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs