Master’s in Communication in Colorado

Colorado offers prospective communications experts several options for master's in communications programs. Students can choose from on campus, online and hybrid programs, with a number of degree specializations such as marketing communication, public relations, organizational communication and many others. Upon graduation, communication experts will be well prepared to begin their careers in academia or in one of the state's major industries, such as tourism, aerospace, technology, outdoor recreation, financial services or health and wellness.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Colorado

Colorado offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring communication professionals seeking advanced degrees. Our team at Masters in Communications has carefully evaluated and ranked the top communication graduate programs across the state's prestigious universities. These programs provide robust curricula designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in media, corporate communications, public relations, and digital storytelling. From Denver to Boulder, Colorado's universities deliver innovative learning experiences that blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Our comprehensive rankings consider factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, student outcomes, and program flexibility. Prospective students can dive deeper into our selection process by reviewing our https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.
#1

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu

Master's - Communication, MA

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Colorado Denver's MA in Communication offers a comprehensive 30-credit generalist degree that equips students with advanced communication research and practical skills. This innovative program provides a flexible hybrid learning format, allowing professionals to balance academic pursuits with career development. With optional certificate programs in Strategic Communication, Health Communication, and Digital Studies, students can tailor their educational experience. The curriculum emphasizes creating an equitable communication landscape while preparing graduates for diverse career paths in communication management, marketing, public relations, and academic research. Entrance requirements likely include standard graduate program assessments like GRE.

  • 30-credit generalist communication degree
  • Hybrid online and in-person format
  • Five required core courses
  • Five elective courses
  • Optional certificate programs available
  • Evening courses accommodate working professionals
  • Focuses on research and practical skills
  • Prepares for diverse communication careers
  • Faculty expertise in multiple communication domains

Master's - Communication, MA

Concentration: Rhetorical Studies - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Rhetorical Studies concentration within the University of Colorado Denver's MA in Communication program provides an in-depth exploration of communication theory and research methodologies. This 30-credit degree combines theoretical foundations with applied skills, offering students a comprehensive understanding of advanced communication principles. The hybrid format accommodates working professionals, enabling flexible learning through online and in-person courses. Students can enhance their academic credentials by pursuing additional certificates in Strategic Communication, Health Communication, or Digital Studies. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in communication management, academic research, and professional communication sectors. Prospective students should anticipate standard graduate program entrance requirements.

  • 30-credit program
  • Combines online and in-person
  • Offers certificates in specialized areas
  • Prepares for diverse communication careers
  • Flexible for working professionals
  • Focus on theory and applied skills
  • Opportunities for internships
  • Scholarships available for eligible students
  • Faculty expertise in various communication fields
  • Supports intellectual and professional growth

Master's - Communication, MA

Concentration: Media Studies - Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Colorado Denver's Media Studies concentration in the MA Communication program delivers a cutting-edge curriculum designed for professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. This 30-credit degree blends theoretical insights with practical applications, enabling students to develop critical communication skills applicable across diverse industries. The hybrid learning format provides flexibility, with evening classes and online options accommodating working professionals. Students can supplement their degree with certificate programs in Strategic Communication, Health Communication, and Digital Studies. Competitive scholarships enhance accessibility, with opportunities for students maintaining high academic performance. The program prepares graduates for dynamic careers in media, communication management, and strategic communication roles.

  • 30-credit generalist communication degree
  • Hybrid online and in-person format
  • Five required core courses
  • Five elective courses
  • Optional certificate programs
  • Weekday evening class options
  • Research and applied skills focus
  • Career-oriented learning outcomes
  • $1,000 scholarship available
  • Minimum 3.75 GPA for scholarship
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Regis University

Denver, CO - Private 4-year - regis.edu

Master's - Master of Arts Specialization: Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

Regis University's Master of Arts in Communication offers a robust online program designed for professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. Uniquely structured to enhance critical thinking and leadership skills, the curriculum delves deep into strategic communication domains like conflict management and digital media strategies. Students explore comprehensive communication techniques applicable across corporate, public relations, and content strategy environments. The program's flexible online format accommodates working professionals, with a competitive tuition rate of $599 per credit hour. With a noteworthy 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a remarkable 95% graduate employment rate, the program stands out for its practical, career-oriented approach to communication studies.

  • Online program format
  • 12-24 months completion time
  • 33 total program credits
  • Multiple start dates annually
  • 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • 95% graduates work in field
  • $599 per credit hour
  • Licensed educator discount
  • Multiple career pathways
  • Conflict management focus
#3

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Northern Colorado's Master of Arts in Communication offers a robust hybrid program tailored for professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. With 33 total credits, the degree provides comprehensive training in rhetorical theories, research methods, and interpersonal communication strategies. Located in Greeley, the program accommodates working professionals through evening, weekend, and summer class options. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and practical internship opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes leadership skill development and career-focused learning, enabling graduates to enhance their communication capabilities across diverse professional sectors. The flexible format allows students to balance academic pursuits with professional commitments while gaining advanced communication competencies.

  • 33 total credits required
  • Located in Greeley, Colorado
  • Evening and weekend classes
  • Designed for working professionals
  • Flexible summer and online options
  • Small class sizes
  • Close faculty mentorship
  • Internship opportunities
  • Career-focused curriculum
  • Rhetorical and communication theory
*Based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 data collection. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Colorado Masters in Communication Degree Options

Exploring master's degree options in communication across Colorado presents exciting opportunities for students seeking high-quality education without breaking the bank. With campuses located in major regions like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, learners can find affordable programs that align with their career goals. Understanding the importance of accessible education, these schools offer competitive tuition ranges designed to support students' academic journeys. By presenting cost-effective degree paths, these institutions help aspiring communication professionals develop critical skills while managing financial constraints. The following table highlights several Colorado programs that balance academic excellence with reasonable pricing, empowering students to advance their careers without overwhelming student debt.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of Northern Colorado
  • 33 total credits required
  • Located in Greeley, Colorado
  • Evening and weekend classes
  • Designed for working professionals
  • Flexible summer and online options
  • Small class sizes
  • Close faculty mentorship
  • Internship opportunities
  • $11,800 - $17,700 (Graduate In-State)
  • $20,300 - $30,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Regis University
  • Online program format
  • 12-24 months completion time
  • 33 total program credits
  • Multiple start dates annually
  • 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • 95% graduates work in field
  • $599 per credit hour
  • Licensed educator discount
  • $13,000 - $19,400 (Graduate)
University of Denver
  • Fully online flexible format
  • No GRE/GMAT required
  • Multiple concentration options
  • 6 concentrations available
  • Start in as few as 18 months
  • $835 per credit hour
  • 10-week term length
  • Career-focused curriculum
  • $46,700 - $70,000 (Graduate)
*Original data from: National Center for Education Statistics' IPEDS program (2023).

Read on for more details about master's in communications programs available in Colorado.

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Colorado State University in Denver offers two master's-level communications programs, one being a traditional on campus program and the other a hybrid online/on campus professional program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program is offered in a traditional classroom format and offers the following areas of study: Deliberative Practices, Media and Visual Culture, Relational and Organizational Communication and Rhetoric and Civic Engagement. The Master of Communication and Media Management degree is an online hybrid program that is aimed at professionals who want to advance their careers in communications and offers courses in traditional and digital communications tools, strategies and practices.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees for the on campus program is $757 per credit hour for Colorado residents, and $1,557 per credit hour for non-residents. The hybrid program is $709 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission to the fall semester is January 5 for the on campus program. The application deadline for the online program is June 30 for admission to the fall semester.

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO - BOULDER

The University of Colorado in Boulder offers a traditional on-campus Master of Arts in Communication program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program emphasizes three areas of specialization: Community & Social Interaction, Organizational Communication and Rhetoric and Culture.

What Does It Cost?: Full-time graduate level tuition is $6,372 per semester for Colorado residents, and $14,922 per semester for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for program entry in the fall semester is December 1.

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO - COLORADO SPRINGS

The University of Colorado in Colorado Springs offers an online Master of Arts in Communication program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communications program allows students to tailor their course of study to fit their professional goals. Students are encouraged to develop expertise in either professional communication with an emphasis on organizational communication, leadership and strategic communication or advanced general studies with an emphasis on communication competence in their own particular area of interest.

What Does It Cost?: Full-time graduate level tuition is $5,176 per semester for Colorado residents, and $10,468 per semester for non-residents based on a course load of 9 credits per semester.

Anything Else?: The Master of Arts in Communication program admits students on a rolling basis with program starts in the fall and spring semesters.

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO - DENVER

The University of Colorado in Denver offers a traditional on campus Master of Arts in Communication program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication degree is a generalist program with professional and academic tracks. The 33-credit program requires 11 courses including one Introduction course, one methods class, five seminars and four electives.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition is $455 per credit hour for Colorado residents, and $1,243 per credit hour for non-residents. This tuition cost does not include additional mandatory fees and program materials.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline for a fall semester start is February 15. Applications will be considered until May 1, which is the non-priority deadline for fall semester start. October 1 is the priority application deadline for a spring semester start.

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

The University of Denver offers three options for master's-level communication degrees, all offered as on campus programs.

What to Know: The University of Denver offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program, which is a broad generalist program that allows students to concentrate in interpersonal and family communication, culture and communication, or rhetoric and communication ethics. The Master of Arts in Media and Public Communication combines theory and practice and allows students to choose from concentrations in strategic communication or media and globalization. The Master of Arts in International and Intercultural Communication allows students to choose from a wide variety of courses to develop their own tailored areas of concentration.

What Does It Cost?: For the 2017-2018 school year, the cost per credit is $1,320.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline for all three programs is February 15 for a fall semester program start.

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER - UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

The University of Denver's University College offers an online Master of Arts in Communication Management program with several degree concentrations for students to choose from.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Management program offers courses entirely online or on campus in the evenings, and offers degree concentrations in Public Relations, Organizational Communication, Organizational Development, Marketing Communication, Learning and Development and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

What Does It Cost?: Tuition for the entire master's program is $32,928, which does not include related program fees.

Anything Else?: Classes begin June 11. The program is comprised of 48 credits, which are taken as 12 courses.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

The University of Northern Colorado in Greely offers an on campus Master of Arts in Communication program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is designed for working professionals, with flexible class schedules offered in the evenings and weekends with some summer and online availability.

What Does It Cost?: Tuition for the M.A. in Communication program is $5,193 per semester based on a nine-credit course load for Colorado residents. Tuition for non-residents is $10,008 per semester. This tuition cost does not include additional university and course fees.

Anything Else?: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but the priority deadline for fall admissions is March 1.

Colorado Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

Denver, CO

Regis University

  • Master's - Master of Arts Specialization: Communication

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • 12-24 months completion time
    • 33 total program credits
    • Multiple start dates annually
    • 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
    • 95% graduates work in field
    • $599 per credit hour
    • Licensed educator discount

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

  • Master's - Communication, MA

    Campus Based - Website

    • 30-credit generalist communication degree
    • Hybrid online and in-person format
    • Five required core courses
    • Five elective courses
    • Optional certificate programs available
    • Evening courses accommodate working professionals
    • Focuses on research and practical skills
    • Prepares for diverse communication careers
  • Master's - Communication, MA

    Concentration: Media Studies - Campus Based - Website

    • 30-credit generalist communication degree
    • Hybrid online and in-person format
    • Five required core courses
    • Five elective courses
    • Optional certificate programs
    • Weekday evening class options
    • Research and applied skills focus
    • Career-oriented learning outcomes
  • Master's - Communication, MA

    Concentration: Rhetorical Studies - Campus Based - Website

    • 30-credit program
    • Combines online and in-person
    • Offers certificates in specialized areas
    • Prepares for diverse communication careers
    • Flexible for working professionals
    • Focus on theory and applied skills
    • Opportunities for internships
    • Scholarships available for eligible students

Greeley, CO

University of Northern Colorado

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 33 total credits required
    • Located in Greeley, Colorado
    • Evening and weekend classes
    • Designed for working professionals
    • Flexible summer and online options
    • Small class sizes
    • Close faculty mentorship
    • Internship opportunities
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.