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
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu
Master's - Lifespan & Digital Communication
Concentration: 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
Concentration: 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
Concentration: 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
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA - Public 4-Year - jmu.edu
Master's - Communication and Advocacy
Concentration: Environmental Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
James Madison University's Master's in Communication and Advocacy with Environmental Communication concentration offers a targeted program for students passionate about ecological communication strategies. Designed to develop advanced advocacy skills, this concentration equips students with specialized research methods and theoretical frameworks for addressing environmental communication challenges. Students explore complex environmental discourse, learn strategic communication techniques, and gain practical skills for influencing policy and public perception. The program uniquely prepares graduates to become effective environmental communicators across academic, governmental, and non-profit sectors. A GRE may be required for admission, with a curriculum emphasizing research-driven approaches to environmental communication challenges.
- Three concentration options
- Focus on advocacy studies
- Includes communication research methods
- Prepares for diverse advocacy careers
- Core and elective courses available
- Environmental Communication concentration
- Health Communication concentration
- Strategic Communication concentration
- Develops specialized competencies
- Practical and theoretical focus
Master's - Communication and Advocacy
Concentration: Health Communication - 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
Master's - Communication and Advocacy
Concentration: Strategic Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
James Madison University's Strategic Communication concentration in the Communication and Advocacy Master's program offers a dynamic approach to professional communication landscapes. Students gain advanced skills in organizational messaging, brand development, and strategic communication planning. The curriculum emphasizes practical techniques for developing compelling communication strategies across corporate, nonprofit, and media environments. Participants learn to analyze complex communication challenges, design targeted messaging campaigns, and leverage communication theories for strategic outcomes. With a focus on developing adaptable communication professionals, the program prepares graduates to excel in rapidly evolving communication roles. GRE may be required for admission, supporting a rigorous academic approach to strategic communication.
- Three distinct concentration options
- Advocacy studies core focus
- Communication research methods
- Practical applied contexts
- Develop specialized communication competencies
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
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
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA - Public 4-Year - vcu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Mass Communications
Concentration: Media Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Science in Mass Communications delivers a cutting-edge online program tailored for communication professionals seeking strategic leadership development. The Media Leadership concentration empowers students with advanced skills in organizational communication, positioning graduates for executive roles in media industries. Uniquely structured to accommodate working professionals, the program allows completion in as little as 14 months through flexible part-time or accelerated tracks. With no GRE requirement, the program reduces traditional barriers to graduate education. Students explore integrated communication strategies, management techniques, and leadership principles that prepare them to navigate complex media landscapes and drive organizational innovation.
- Fully online program.
- No GRE required.
- Graduate in 14 months.
- Flexible part-time option.
- Integrated Communication concentration.
- Media Leadership concentration.
- Designed for working professionals.
- Strategic management focus.
- Leadership skills development.
- Accessible to wide range of applicants.
2026 Affordable Virginia Masters in Communication Degree Options
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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
Harrisonburg, VA
James Madison University
- Master's - Communication and Advocacy
Concentration: Environmental Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Three concentration options
- Focus on advocacy studies
- Includes communication research methods
- Prepares for diverse advocacy careers
- Core and elective courses available
- Environmental Communication concentration
- Health Communication concentration
- Strategic Communication concentration
- Master's - Communication and Advocacy
Concentration: Health Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Three concentration options
- Advocacy studies focus
- Communication research methods
- Applied communication practices
- Develops specialized competencies
- Master's - Communication and Advocacy
Concentration: Strategic Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Three distinct concentration options
- Advocacy studies core focus
- Communication research methods
- Practical applied contexts
- Develop specialized communication competencies
Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk State University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Media and Communications
Concentration: Interpersonal Communication - Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- In-person and online formats
- Average class size of 20
- Two focus areas: Media Management and Journalism
- Internship or thesis option
- Professional media organization opportunities
- Experienced faculty mentorship
- On-campus media facilities
- Master's - Master of Arts in Media and Communications
Concentration: Journalism - Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- In-person and online formats
- Average class size of 20
- Two focus areas: Media Management and Journalism
- Internship and thesis options
- Professional organization networking opportunities
- On-campus media facilities
- Core courses in Media Research, Theory, and Law
- Master's - Master of Arts in Media and Communications
Concentration: Mass Communications - Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- In-person and online formats
- Average class size of 20
- Media Management and Journalism tracks
- Internship or thesis option
- Professional organization networking opportunities
- On-campus media facilities
- Three core courses for all students
Old Dominion University
- Master's - Lifespan & Digital Communication
Concentration: Media Studies - Online Learning - Website
- 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
Concentration: Relationships, Health, and Wellness - Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Master's - Lifespan & Digital Communication
Concentration: Strategic Communication - Online Learning - Website
- 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
Radford, VA
Radford University
- Master's - Strategic Communication
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
Richmond, VA
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Master's - Master of Science in Mass Communications
Concentration: Media Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program.
- No GRE required.
- Graduate in 14 months.
- Flexible part-time option.
- Integrated Communication concentration.
- Media Leadership concentration.
- Designed for working professionals.
- Strategic management focus.