Online Master’s in Communication Studies Programs in 2022

With a keen interest in general communications, and a passion for higher education and teaching, a master's in communication studies may be the graduate-level degree option for you. Many schools offer this master's degree, which gives students a broad foundation in high-level communication theories and practices. In fact, some students in this field choose to go on to earn doctoral degrees and/or teach in the discipline. In any event, choosing a school with a quality online master's in communication studies program is of paramount importance, as it will set the stage for your future career.

A master's degree in communication studies can lead to careers in:

• Education/teaching/research
• Publishing
• Public relations
• Advertising/marketing
• Media
• Consultancy
• Government and non-profits
• Sales

For those concerned about going back to school, master's level communication studies programs are offered in a variety of formats, from traditional classroom-based to online. This allows students to fit their education into their own busy lives and schedules.

Choosing an Online Master's in Communication Studies Program

With the abundance of graduate-level communications studies programs available online, it may seem nearly impossible to narrow them down. However, a few key assurances should help you feel confident about choosing the right school. Be sure to consider the following when researching schools with master's in communication studies programs:

Accreditation

Those interested in entering a master's of communications studies program should look for a school that is properly accredited. A few regional accrediting associations to keep an eye out for are the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission. Accredited programs are generally the most trustworthy, and you don't want to take a gamble on your education.

Program Cost

Total expenses for online master's in communication studies programs depend on a number of factors, including location, type of school, and more. Students will need to cover the costs of tuition, course materials, and any other mandatory school fees. As an example, the Master of Arts in Communication Studies degree through the University of Alabama's Bama by Distance online program will cost you roughly $420 in tuition per credit hour, with 30 credits required.

Online master's in communication programs also save students money in transportation costs, such as gas, parking, and/or public transportation expenses.

Program Length

Most online master's in communication studies programs require around 30-36 credit hours. Typically designed for working professionals, some online programs are broken into 8-week sessions. Generally, students can complete these online programs in 1-2 years, depending on how many courses they are able to take at a time.

Admissions Requirements

The following requirements will generally need to be met in order to gain admission into an online master's of communication studies program…and remember, exact requirements vary by school:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Official transcripts from all universities attended
• Personal goal statement or essay

Classes and Courses

The curriculum of a master's in communication studies program will consist of courses that culminate in a final capstone project or thesis. Class titles may be similar to the following, which are offered as part of Stevenson University's online master's in communication program:

• Communication Theory and Applications
• Research Writing and Methods
• Communication Ethics in the Public Sphere
• Conflict Communication and Leadership
• Contemporary Organizations and Communication

Advantages of Online Master’s in Communication Studies Programs

An online master's in communication management is convenient and ideal for many potential grad students. Taking courses from home, on your own time schedule, is a life-saver for many working professionals and those with family obligations who wish to complete their graduate degrees. Aside from the flexibility, online options are typically less expensive overall, as students don't have to deal with the transportation costs of commuting and parking. An online master's in communication management program is also essential for those in more rural settings who don't have access to a nearby university. Many students appreciate utilizing technology to complete this degree in a way that fits into busy lifestyles.

Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Communication Studies Programs in 2022

Select Your State: Select StateAlabamaFloridaMarylandMinnesotaPennsylvaniaTexasWest Virginia

Alabama

Florida

Maryland

Minnesota

Pennsylvania

Texas

West Virginia

Organizations for Communication Studies Community

• National Communication Association
• International Communication Association
• Western States Communication Association
• Rhetoric Society of America
• American Forensic Association
• International Association for Intercultural Communication Studies