Best Master's in Communication Programs in Kansas (2027)

What does it really cost to earn a master's in communication in Kansas, and which programs offer the format and specialization you need to advance your career? Kansas hosts a compact but notably diverse set of graduate communication pathways: fully online degrees in communication and leadership, campus-based clinical programs in speech-language pathology, and interdisciplinary tracks blending strategic communication with organizational theory. Net prices range from roughly $12,600 to $18,000 per year, and delivery formats span eight-week online modules to full-time, on-campus cohorts.

All four ranked programs in Kansas are housed at public universities, which keeps baseline tuition relatively affordable, but the cost spread is wider than you might expect. Fort Hays State University and Wichita State University both report net prices below $13,200, while Washburn University and the University of Kansas sit above $15,000. Format matters, too: Washburn's fully online M.A. in Communication and Leadership rotates courses every eight weeks, letting working professionals build skills without pausing a paycheck, while the three clinical speech-pathology programs require full-time, campus-based study over five to six semesters.

Kansas employers value communication credentials that directly address workforce gaps in healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and organizational change management. Speech-language pathology programs prepare you for ASHA certification and Kansas state licensure, while the online leadership track at Washburn attracts mid-career professionals aiming for director and senior management roles in corporate, government, and nonprofit settings. If you are also exploring national options, the best online master's in communication programs can help you compare Kansas offerings against top-ranked programs elsewhere.

Best Master's in Communication Programs in Kansas

Kansas graduate communication programs cluster at five public universities, and they differ from one another more than the shared state name suggests. Some run fully online and are built around working adults, while others are campus-based clinical programs with practicum hours and accreditation requirements. Use the cards below to compare delivery format, concentrations, and program structure before you narrow your application list.

Tuition and Cost Comparison for Kansas Communication Master's Programs

Tuition varies significantly across Kansas institutions, so comparing costs side by side can help you budget more effectively. The net price figures shown below are approximate institutional averages (reflecting typical financial aid packages) and your actual cost will depend on your individual aid offer, residency status, and course load. Program-level median debt and monthly repayment figures are not yet available for these specific programs, but institution-wide median debt at graduation ranges from roughly $18,100 to $21,000, which translates to manageable monthly payments on a standard ten-year repayment plan, often in the $190 to $220 range. Keeping total borrowing within that range can help ensure your degree pays for itself relatively quickly.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Online Vs. On-Campus Communication Master's Programs in Kansas

Choosing between an online and on-campus format is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as a graduate student. Kansas institutions offer both options, so your ideal fit depends on how you balance flexibility, networking, and hands-on learning. Washburn University, for example, delivers its Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership entirely online with convenient eight-week course rotations, while programs at the University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University, and Wichita State University are structured for on-campus attendance. Understanding the trade-offs can help you invest your time and tuition wisely.

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Career Outcomes and Salary Potential for Kansas Communication Graduates

Understanding the financial return on a graduate degree is essential for prospective students. While comprehensive program-level earnings data for Kansas communication master's graduates are not yet available in federal College Scorecard reports, broader occupational wage data and local labor-market signals provide a clear picture of the earning power and career trajectories awaiting degree holders in the state.

Median Wages for Communication Professionals in Kansas

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that communication-adjacent occupations in Kansas offer competitive wages that reward advanced education and specialized skills. Nationally, media and communication workers earn a median annual wage of $70,300 as of 2024, providing a benchmark for graduates entering the field.¹ Kansas-specific data for public relations specialists, media and communication workers, and marketing managers reflect a robust labor market for communication professionals who can navigate strategic messaging, digital platforms, and stakeholder engagement.

Public relations specialists in Kansas, one of the most common landing spots for communication master's holders, typically earn median annual wages in the mid-to-upper $50,000 range, with experienced professionals and those in corporate or agency leadership roles reaching $70,000 or more. Marketing managers, who often hold graduate degrees and oversee integrated communication campaigns, command significantly higher salaries, frequently exceeding $100,000 annually in larger metropolitan areas such as Wichita and the Kansas City metro.

Employment Outlook and Job Growth

Kansas employers across healthcare, education, manufacturing, and professional services continue to expand their communication and marketing teams, driven by the need for digital content strategy, crisis communication, and brand management. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections indicate steady growth for public relations specialists and media-related occupations over the next decade, with demand particularly strong for candidates who combine strategic thinking, data literacy, and multimedia production skills.¹

State labor department data underscore that Kansas communication graduates enjoy employment stability, with many securing positions before or shortly after graduation. The state's diverse economy, anchored by aviation, agribusiness, healthcare systems, and higher education, creates demand for communication professionals who can translate complex ideas into compelling narratives for varied audiences.

Job Titles and Salary Ranges

Kansas communication master's graduates pursue a range of roles that leverage their advanced training in research, persuasion, and digital media. For a broader look at careers with a masters in communication, the earning potential varies considerably by role and industry. Common job titles include:

• Public Relations Director: Overseeing media relations, community engagement, and reputation management for corporations, nonprofits, or government agencies, with salaries ranging from $65,000 to $95,000 depending on organization size and location.
• Corporate Communications Manager: Developing internal and external messaging, executive communications, and crisis response strategies, typically earning $60,000 to $85,000 annually in Kansas markets.
• Media Strategist: Designing integrated campaigns across traditional and digital platforms, analyzing audience data, and optimizing content performance, with salaries ranging from $55,000 to $80,000 for mid-career professionals.

Students interested in leadership-focused roles may also explore online masters in organizational communication programs to complement their Kansas-based training. These roles reward graduate-level expertise in communication theory, ethical practice, and applied research, positioning Kansas master's holders for leadership and strategic influence across industries.

Kansas Communication Graduate Earnings at a Glance

How do institutional median earnings stack up against median graduate debt at Kansas schools offering communication-related master's programs? The snapshot below pairs each school's median earnings ten years after enrollment with its median graduate debt, giving you a quick sense of return on investment.

Admissions Requirements and Deadlines for Kansas Communication Programs

Getting into a communication master's program in Kansas starts with assembling a focused application package, and the specifics vary more than you might expect from one school to the next. Here is what each program asks for, when you need to apply, and where the GRE fits in.

GRE Requirements: Mostly Off the Table

Good news for busy professionals: none of the major Kansas communication master's programs currently require GRE scores as a condition of admission. The University of Kansas M.A. in Communication Studies and M.S. in Journalism and Mass Communications both offer GRE waivers for fall 2026.¹² Kansas State University's online Master's in Mass Communications likewise does not require the GRE, and Fort Hays State University's Master of Professional Studies in Applied Communication has waived the exam as well.³ Washburn University's M.A. in Communication and Leadership similarly does not list a GRE requirement. If you have strong scores from a recent sitting, submitting them is rarely discouraged, but no Kansas program will hold it against you for skipping the test. This trend mirrors the broader shift happening across the field; you can explore online masters in communication no GRE options nationally if you want to cast a wider net.

GPA Thresholds and Application Materials

Most programs set a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. KU's Communication Studies M.A. and K-State's online mass communications degree both hold to that benchmark.¹⁴ If your GPA falls slightly below, some programs will still review your file holistically, weighing professional experience and other credentials.

Typical application materials include:

• Statement of purpose: A focused essay explaining your research interests or professional goals.
• Letters of recommendation: Usually two or three, with at least one from a faculty member familiar with your academic work.
• Writing sample: KU's M.A. in Communication Studies, in particular, asks for an example of scholarly or professional writing.
• Official transcripts: From every institution where you earned college credit.
• Resume or CV: Highlighting relevant professional and academic experience.

Washburn's Communication and Leadership program is notably streamlined: it welcomes applicants from any undergraduate major and charges no application fee.

Deadlines You Need to Know

Timelines differ significantly across Kansas programs:

• University of Kansas M.A. in Communication Studies: Priority deadline of January 6, 2026 for fall entry. Late applications may be considered if spots remain.¹
• University of Kansas M.S. in Journalism and Mass Communications: Operates on a rolling admissions basis, so you can apply year-round, though earlier is always better for funding consideration.²
• Fort Hays State University MPS in Applied Communication: Final deadline of July 15 for fall enrollment, giving you more breathing room.
• Kansas State University Master's in Mass Communications (Online): The online format supports multiple start dates throughout the year, making it one of the most flexible options in the state.³
• Washburn University M.A. in Communication and Leadership: Offers rolling admissions with eight-week course rotations, so you can begin in several terms.

A Quick Note on Institutional Selectivity

Federal data shows institution-wide admission rates for several Kansas schools. Fort Hays State admits roughly 90% of applicants at the undergraduate level, Wichita State about 94%, and KU around 93%. Keep in mind these figures reflect university-wide acceptance and not the specific competitiveness of their graduate communication programs, which may be more selective depending on cohort size and funding availability. Graduate admissions committees weigh your statement, writing sample, and letters far more heavily than any single metric.

If you are balancing a full-time job, programs with rolling admissions or multiple start dates (KU's journalism degree, K-State's online option, Washburn's eight-week rotations) give you the most flexibility to apply when you are truly ready rather than racing a fixed deadline.

How Long Does a Master's in Communication Take in Kansas?

Full-time enrollment versus a part-time pace is the single biggest factor that determines how quickly you finish a communication master's in Kansas, but credit requirements and capstone format also play a role. Here is what to expect as you map out your timeline.

Credit-Hour Requirements Across Kansas Programs

Most Kansas communication master's programs fall in the 30 to 36 credit-hour range. The University of Kansas M.A. in Communication Studies and Kansas State University's M.S. in Mass Communications each require 30 credits, while KU's M.S. in Journalism comes in at 36 credits.¹²³ Fort Hays State University's M.S. in Communication Studies sits at 30 credits for the thesis track and 32 for the research-report track.⁴ That relatively narrow band means your schedule flexibility, not your school choice, is the primary driver of completion time.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Timelines

Full-time students typically finish in about two years. Kansas State's on-campus M.S. in Mass Communications is designed for a 24-month completion, and KU's journalism master's lists an expected timeline of roughly 30 months for students who carry a standard course load.²³ Part-time students, including many working professionals balancing jobs and coursework, should plan on three to four years depending on how many credits they take each semester.

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Tracks

Choosing between a thesis and a non-thesis (or coursework-only) path can shift your timeline by a semester or more. A thesis requires original research, committee meetings, and a defense, all of which add scheduling variables. Fort Hays State, for example, offers both a thesis track and a research-report track; the latter carries two additional credit hours but typically offers a more predictable completion window.⁴ Kansas State's online M.S. in Mass Communications follows a non-thesis format, which keeps the program on a straightforward 24-month schedule.⁵

Online and Year-Round Enrollment Options

Online programs often build in rolling or year-round enrollment periods that let you take summer courses and avoid the idle months that stretch on-campus timelines. K-State's fully online mass communications master's, for instance, maintains the same 30-credit, two-year structure as its campus counterpart while giving students the flexibility to study from anywhere in the state.⁵ If you can commit to summer terms, you may shave a semester off a part-time plan.

Kansas does not currently publicize a formal combined BA/MA pathway in communication at any of its public universities, so most students enter a master's program after completing their bachelor's in communication. If accelerated options become available, they would typically allow seniors to double-count a few graduate credits, trimming the master's portion to roughly 12 to 18 months of additional study. Keep an eye on program updates at KU, K-State, and Fort Hays State for any new accelerated formats.

Specializations and Concentrations Available in Kansas

Which concentration should you choose to reach your career goals? Kansas graduate programs in communication offer a range of specializations designed to prepare you for distinct career paths, from leading organizational change to managing public health campaigns. Understanding the available concentrations and their industry applications will help you make a strategic decision rather than defaulting to the most popular track.

Strategic and Organizational Communication

Washburn University's Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership integrates communication theory with leadership principles, preparing graduates for management and executive roles across industries. This interdisciplinary concentration appeals to working professionals seeking advancement into director-level positions, human resources leadership, or corporate training roles. Graduates report moving into senior communication management, organizational development, and change-management consulting. If you prefer the flexibility of remote learning, explore online masters in communication management options as well.

Speech-Language Pathology

Multiple Kansas institutions offer specialized master's degrees in speech-language pathology, including Fort Hays State University, Wichita State University, and the University of Kansas. These programs require 51 to 57 credit hours and prepare students for ASHA certification and Kansas state licensure. Clinical practicum experiences span healthcare settings, educational environments, and private practice, opening doors to employment in hospital systems, school districts, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics. Speech-language pathology concentrations lead to a well-defined career trajectory with strong demand in both rural and urban Kansas communities.

Journalism and Mass Communication

Kansas maintains a strong tradition in journalism education. Both the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and Kansas State University's A.Q. Miller School of Media & Communication hold ACEJMC accreditation, a quality signal recognized by employers nationwide.¹ The University of Kansas earned its initial accreditation in 1948 and was reaccredited in 2024.² Kansas State also maintains current ACEJMC standing as of 2024.¹ These accredited programs offer pathways into broadcast journalism, digital media, strategic communication, and public relations roles.

Matching Concentration to Career Goals

Your concentration choice directly shapes your professional trajectory. Health communication specializations prepare you for roles in hospital systems, public health agencies, and nonprofit health organizations. Strategic communication tracks lead to corporate affairs, internal communications, and brand management positions. Leadership-focused programs appeal to mid-career professionals targeting C-suite or senior management roles. Journalism concentrations prepare you for newsrooms, media organizations, and content strategy positions. Review each program's curriculum, faculty expertise, and practicum partnerships to ensure alignment with your target industry and role.

Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Master's Programs in Kansas

Choosing a graduate program raises plenty of practical questions, from cost and format to career payoff. Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about earning a master's in communication in Kansas.