Online Master’s in Health Communication Programs in 2025
Healthcare is a hot-button issue in the country. The healthcare industry needs communications experts with a knowledge of medicine, public health, disease, and other health crises to develop solid communications and public relations strategies. A master's in health communication can put you front and center in a field that overlaps medicine and business/media communications. 2024, possibly more than ever, needs more precise, culturally sensitive, and diverse health communication.
Earning a master's in health communication can lead to high-level careers such as:
- A senior communications specialist for a hospital or healthcare system
- Medical communications for a PR firm
- Physician relations representative
- Corporate communications manager for pharmaceutical or health insurance companies
- Health communications specialist
With the high demand for distance education options, many master's in health communication programs are offered online to accommodate busy working professionals looking to climb the career ladder.
2026 Best Online Masters in Health Communication Programs
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL - Public 4-Year - illinois.edu
Master's - Health Communication, MS
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's online Master of Science in Health Communication provides a comprehensive, flexible learning experience tailored for working professionals. This 100% online program enables students to complete their degree in 1-2 years through asynchronous coursework. Emphasizing critical research skills and theoretical frameworks, the curriculum prepares students to effectively communicate health information across interpersonal, organizational, and mediated contexts. No GRE scores are required for admission, and the program maintains a minimum 2.75 GPA requirement. With 32 total credit hours, students gain advanced knowledge in health communication strategies and research methodologies.
- 100% online, asynchronous format
- 1-2 years degree completion
- No GRE required
- 32 total credit hours
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Rolling admissions year-round
- In-state and out-of-state tuition
- Research methods focus
- Health communication specialization
Master's - Health Communication, MS
Concentration: Interpersonal Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on Interpersonal Communication, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's online MS in Health Communication offers a specialized 32-hour program designed for healthcare professionals. Students can complete the degree in 1-2 years through flexible, asynchronous learning. The curriculum emphasizes interpersonal dynamics, strategic health messaging, and research methods. With no GRE requirement and rolling admissions, the program provides accessible advanced education. Students benefit from 24 elective credit hours, allowing customization of their learning path. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles by developing sophisticated professional communication skills in diverse healthcare environments.
- 100% Online Degree
- 1-2 Years Completion Time
- No GRE Required
- 32 Total Credit Hours
- Rolling Admissions
- In-State/Out-of-State Same Tuition
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Research Methods Focus
- 24 Elective Credit Hours
- Professional Communication Skills
Master's - Health Communication, MS
Concentration: Organizational Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's online MS in Health Communication with an Organizational Communication concentration offers a dynamic program for working professionals. This 100% online degree provides asynchronous learning, enabling students to balance full-time employment with advanced education. The curriculum focuses on healthcare communication strategies, research methods, and organizational communication dynamics. Students develop expertise through 32 credit hours, with a minimum of 12 500-level hours. The program requires no GRE, features rolling admissions, and maintains a 2.75 GPA requirement. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in health communication and related professional sectors.
- 100% online asynchronous program
- 1-2 years to complete
- No GRE required
- 32 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions year-round
- Fall and Spring start dates
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Minimum 12 500-level hours
- Research methods focus
- Interpersonal communication emphasis
George Washington University
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - gwu.edu
Master's - Public Health Communication and Marketing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
George Washington University's online Master of Public Health program in Public Health Communication and Marketing offers a dynamic 45-credit curriculum designed to transform healthcare professionals into strategic communication experts. The hybrid program emphasizes practical skills in developing targeted communication initiatives, social marketing strategies, and policy advocacy techniques. Students benefit from interprofessional education components and comprehensive evaluation methods, preparing them to lead innovative health communication efforts. With flexible on-campus and online course options, the program can be completed within five years, offering practitioners a robust pathway to advance their public health communication expertise. While entrance exam requirements are not specified, the program provides a comprehensive approach to mastering communication in healthcare settings.
- 45-credit Master of Public Health program
- Public Health Communication concentration
- Practicum experience required
- Interprofessional education component
- Strategic communication focus
- Social marketing techniques training
- Policy advocacy skills development
- Comprehensive evaluation methods
- On-campus and online course options
- 5-year completion timeline
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ - Public 4-Year - newbrunswick.rutgers.edu
Master's - Master of Health Communication and Information
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers University's Master of Health Communication and Information offers a cutting-edge hybrid program designed for healthcare communication professionals seeking advanced skills. With flexible learning options spanning 15-24 months, students can complete 36 credit hours through online, on-campus, and hybrid formats. The program uniquely prepares learners to develop sophisticated health campaigns, analyze provider-patient communication dynamics, and implement strategic information systems. Military-friendly and accommodating diverse student needs, the program supports part-time and full-time enrollment with rolling admissions. Participants gain multidisciplinary expertise in navigating complex healthcare communication environments, making it an ideal choice for professionals aiming to enhance their strategic communication capabilities in medical settings.
- Hybrid program delivery options
- Complete in 15-24 months
- 36 total credit hours required
- Flexible part-time enrollment
- No language requirements
- Transfer up to 6 credits
- Rolling admission available
- Full and part-time options
- Healthcare communication focus
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - depaul.edu
Master's - Health Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
DePaul University's hybrid Health Communication master's program offers an innovative approach to healthcare communication training. Students can access flexible online and on-campus learning options, developing advanced skills in translating complex medical information into clear, strategic messaging. The comprehensive two-year curriculum prepares professionals for diverse roles in healthcare administration, patient advocacy, and media relations. With a 92% post-graduation success rate, the program emphasizes practical experience through local healthcare network internships and professional portfolio development. Evening classes accommodate working professionals seeking specialized communication expertise in the healthcare sector.
- Two-year master's program
- Weekday evening classes
- Online and campus options
- Healthcare internship opportunities
- 92% post-graduation success rate
- Comprehensive exam required
- Core courses and electives
- Chicago healthcare connections
- Professional portfolio development
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stthomas.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Care Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of St. Thomas offers a dynamic Master of Science in Health Care Communication designed for professionals seeking to excel in complex healthcare communication landscapes. This innovative hybrid program allows part-time students to complete the 30-credit curriculum in just one year, integrating strategic communication skills with comprehensive industry insights. Students engage in advanced digital media strategy, crisis communication training, and applied practicum experiences, preparing them to craft compelling narratives and navigate intricate healthcare communication challenges. The program uniquely combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, developed collaboratively with industry experts to ensure graduates are equipped with cutting-edge communication competencies in healthcare settings.
- 30-credit graduate program
- Hybrid on-campus and online
- One-year part-time format
- Applied practicum experience
- Focus on health care communication
- Digital media strategy included
- Crisis communication training
- Developed with industry experts
Choosing an Online Master's in Health Communication Program
Great care should be taken to choose the right online graduate-level health communication program for you. You'll want to ensure that the school and program chosen have a favorable reputation, skilled and responsive faculty, and learning options that suit your needs. With some research, finding the perfect master's in health communication program is easier than you might think.
Accreditation
Proper accreditation is the key to finding an academically rigorous and respected health communication program. Regional accreditation organizations such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission are good ones to watch for. Schools and programs with accreditations tend to carry extra weight on a resume, so they are worth looking into.
Program Cost
While each master's in health communication program will have its own set of costs due to location, type of school, and other factors, there are a few expenses that students expect to pay, regardless of school. Tuition, mandatory fees, and course materials like textbooks must be accounted for. For example, the online master's in health communication through the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign costs $712 per credit hour, translating to $2,848 for an 8-week course or $1,424 for a 4-week course. This cost is the same for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Financial aid, scholarships, and student loans are typically available for qualified students.
Program Length
Around 40 credits are needed to graduate from an online graduate-level health communication program, though the exact number of credits required depends on the school chosen. These programs can be completed in 1 to 2 years, depending on full or part-time study. The average length of a master's in health communication program is 16-18 months from start to finish.
Admissions Requirements
Generally speaking, students will need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission to a master's in health communication program:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Current resume with applicable work experience
Classes and Courses
Students enrolled in an online master's of health communication program can expect to take a mix of advanced health and communications courses, which typically culminate in a final thesis or project. The curriculum may consist of courses like the following, which are offered as part of the health communication program at Boston University:
- The American Health Care System for Health Communicators
- The Biology of Disease
- Contemporary Health Care Marketing
- Media Relations for Health Communicators
- Health Communication
Advantages of Online Master’s in Health Communication Programs
Online graduate-level health communication programs are cropping up nationwide for a good reason: the sheer convenience of these programs cannot be beaten. Online learning is ideal for those who want to expand their roles or advance their careers. The same is true for those with children, families, or other obligations that would render traditional, classroom-based education impossible. Those in rural areas also find distance education a lifesaver, eliminating the need to relocate or shoulder the burden of a lengthy commute. Regarding commuting and transportation expenses, online health communication programs also cut out these costs, saving students a bundle. Many find that these programs’ flexibility, ease, and reduced cost make higher education a real possibility.
Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Health Communication Programs in 2025
Select Your State:
Illinois
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 801 South Wright Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 333-0035 |
Massachusetts
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Boston University | 1010 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02215 (617) 358-1960 |
Lasell College | 1844 Commonwealth Ave. Newton, MA 2466 (617) 243-2400 |
Mississippi
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Mississippi College | 200 S. Capitol Street Clinton, MS 39056 (601) 925-3229 |
Missouri
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Missouri | 120 Neff Hall Columbia , MO 95211 (573) 882-4821 |
Washington
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Washington State University | PO Box 645220 Pullman, WA 99164 (509) 335-7333 |