Online Master’s in Mass Communication Programs in 2022

Choosing to advance your career in mass communications is a big step. A master’s degree in mass communication can give you a competitive advantage for that job or promotion you’ve always dreamed of. Aside from this, a graduate degree in mass communications will help to broaden your writing skills so that you can communicate professionally and effectively to a wider range of audiences, all while honing your research and presenting skills.

Industries that encourage or require a master’s in mass communications to reach management or other esteemed positions include:

• Broadcast news
• Public relations
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Media

Read our Essential Guide to Mass Communication: History, Methods, Ethics, and the Future.

Deciding to earn a graduate-level degree in mass communications is just the first step, however. Choosing the right school to meet your unique goals and desires is an extremely important part of the journey. With online master’s in mass communications programs available, students now have more flexibility than ever when deciding how to earn their graduate degree in the field. See below for a list of online master's in mass communication programs.

Choosing an Online Master's in Mass Communications Program

While many master’s in mass communications programs are available, they are not all created equal. That’s why it’s particularly important to research programs to ensure that they have a favorable reputation and are the right fit. There are a few key elements to be considered when looking into a master’s of mass communications program:

Accreditation

Schools and programs with proper accreditations help students gain some peace of mind about the degree's educational quality, as these programs are held to rigorous academic standards. Schools can be accredited regionally by organizations such as the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission, amongst others. Nationally accredited agencies for graduate-level mass communications degree programs include the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Program Cost

Mass communications graduate degree costs can fluctuate wildly based on location, type of school, and many other factors. In general, students will need to cover the costs of tuition, any mandatory school fees, books and supplies, and other related expenses.

Overall costs for online master’s in mass communications programs are generally lower than traditional, in-person programs, but can also fluctuate wildly. Students enrolled in online programs also don’t have to worry about commuting expenses, such as gas and/or public transportation costs. Florida International University, for example, offers a 12-month online MS in Mass Communications degree with a total cost of $25,000 for both Florida and non-Florida residents.

Program Length

The typical length of a master's in mass communications program is roughly 2 years or around 36 total credit hours. Most of the credit hours are made up through coursework, but a portion of them are typically made up via a thesis or final project towards the end of the degree program.

Admissions Requirements

Generally speaking, the following requirements must be met in order to be eligible for admission into a graduate-level mass communications program:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree with a major or minor in Journalism, Communication, or related field
• GPA of 3.0 or above; those with a GPA under 3.0 may be required to complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with sufficient scores
• Personal statement or resume outlining past educational and professional experience and describing the student's goals
• Two or more letters of recommendation from past professors or professional supervisors

Classes and Courses

Students enrolled in a graduate-level mass communications program can expect to take a mix of advanced communications courses and electives. For example, Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas offers the following course titles as part of its online Master of Arts in Mass Communication program:

• Media Research Methods
• Media Law & Ethics
• Seminar in Public Relations
• Topics in Mass Communication
• Seminar in Broadcasting
• Management Problems in Media

Advantages of Online Master’s in Mass Communication Programs

For those with busy schedules and family/work obligations, an online master’s in mass communications degree is an excellent option. In addition to being able to take coursework from the comfort of your own home, many programs allow you to study at your own speed and can even be customized to fit your specific objectives. As with traditional classroom-based programs, students enrolled in online programs will take applicable coursework followed by a final project or thesis in order to be eligible to graduate.

An online master’s in mass communications program is ideal for those who don’t live close enough to a university to make commuting feasible, and for those whose busy lives couldn’t easily accommodate a traditional graduate program. Online programs are often accelerated, and students can complete them in as little as 12 months. With access to staff and faculty, online students can also collaborate to create a program that has more individual customizations.

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

Select Your State: Select StateArkansasFloridaNebraskaOklahomaSouth DakotaTexasVirginia

Arkansas

Florida

Nebraska

Oklahoma

South Dakota

Texas

Virginia

Organizations for Mass Communication Community

• Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
• Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication