Master’s in Communication in Kentucky
The Bluegrass State is home to six universities that offer master's level communication programs. With mainly on-campus programs available, and a couple of online or hybrid options for students to consider, aspiring communication experts have the opportunity to specialize in organizational communication, public relations, mass communication, healthcare and other areas of the communication field. Graduates of master's in communication programs may seek employment in one of Kentucky's major industries, such as agriculture, automotive, healthcare or food and beverage. Fortune 500 companies with major operations in Kentucky include Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare, Ford Motor Company, UPS, and Humana Inc.
2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Kentucky's Master of Arts in Communication provides a comprehensive and dynamic academic experience. With a comprehensive 30-credit hour curriculum, students explore diverse communication domains including media studies, interpersonal, and health communication. The program offers flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks, enabling students to customize their academic journey. Renowned faculty guide students through advanced research methodologies and communication theories, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academia, media, and organizational settings. Teaching assistantships and full student funding enhance the program's appeal, while the nationally ranked status underscores its academic excellence.
- 30 credit hours required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Media Studies concentration
- Interpersonal Communication focus
- Health Communication specialty
- Research methods training
- Communication theory coursework
- Teaching assistantships available
- Typically full student funding
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Interpersonal Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Kentucky's Interpersonal Communication concentration within the Master's program offers an intensive scholarly experience. Spanning 30 credit hours, the program balances theoretical depth with practical research skills. Students engage with core communication theories and advanced research methods, with optional thesis completion. The curriculum emphasizes individual scholarly interests and faculty collaboration, preparing graduates for advanced professional and academic trajectories. Notably, the program has flexible admission requirements, with GRE scores waived for the 2024-2025 academic year. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application including CV, personal statement, and recommendation letters, highlighting the program's commitment to holistic candidate evaluation.
- 30 credit hours required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Core courses in Communication Theory
- Research Methods included
- Interpersonal or Mass Communication choice
- CV required for admission
- Personal statement required
- Three letters of recommendation
- Assistantship application optional
- GRE not required for 2024-2025
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Mass Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Kentucky's Mass Communication Master's concentration delivers a rigorous academic framework for aspiring communication professionals. The 30-credit hour program integrates comprehensive coursework in Communication Theory, Research Methods, and Statistics. Students can select between thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing personalized academic exploration. The curriculum encompasses specialized areas like Media Studies, Interpersonal Communication, and Health Communication, preparing graduates for diverse roles in academia and media. With no GRE requirement for 2024-2025 and available assistantships, the program offers an accessible and supportive learning environment that emphasizes collaborative research and individual career development.
- 30 credit hours required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Core courses in Communication Theory
- Research Methods and Statistics included
- Focus on Media Studies
- Interpersonal Communication focus
- Health Communication specialization
- No GRE required for 2024-2025
- Financial support available
- Prepares for academia and media roles
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY - Public 4-Year - moreheadstate.edu
Master's - Communication, M.A.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Morehead State University's online Master of Arts in Communication provides a comprehensive pathway for professionals seeking advanced communication skills. Spanning 30 credit hours and completable within one year, the program delves deeply into communication theory, research methodologies, and practical applications. Students explore organizational and intercultural communication dynamics while enhancing leadership capabilities. The curriculum emphasizes writing proficiency, critical thinking, and professional development across diverse communication contexts. Admission requires a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and GRE scores or equivalent qualifications. With flexible online delivery and no campus visits required, the program accommodates working professionals aiming to elevate their communication expertise and career opportunities in various industries.
- 100% online delivery
- 30 credit hours required
- Can complete in one year
- Focus on writing, research, theory
- Explores organizational communication
- Covers intercultural communication
- Advanced public speaking included
- Media criticism course
- Admission requires 2.5 GPA
- GRE score or alternative needed
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY - Public 4-Year - eku.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders
Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Kentucky University's Master of Arts in Communication Disorders offers a comprehensive 63-credit program designed to cultivate advanced speech-language pathology professionals. Students receive intensive clinical training through multiple practicum opportunities and externships across healthcare, educational, and rehabilitation settings. The program's rigorous curriculum emphasizes evidence-based interventions for communication and swallowing challenges across diverse populations. With a notable 90%+ employment rate and free textbook provisions, students benefit from an affordable, high-quality educational experience. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be prepared for an accredited program that provides extensive hands-on clinical experiences in medical and school environments.
- 63 total credit hours required
- In-state tuition $530/credit
- Free textbooks provided
- Multiple clinical experiences
- 90%+ employment rate
- Accredited speech-language pathology program
- Bachelor's degree prerequisite
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Externships in medical/school settings
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KY - Private 4-year - bellarmine.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
Bellarmine University's Master of Arts in Communication offers a robust professional development pathway for aspiring communication professionals. Strategically designed for working adults, the program delivers a comprehensive 10-course curriculum emphasizing communication theory, ethical considerations, and contemporary organizational dynamics. Evening classes provide exceptional flexibility for part-time students, while maintaining rigorous academic standards with a 3.2 GPA admission requirement. Students benefit from intimate learning environments, hands-on experiences, and cutting-edge facilities that prepare graduates for advanced communication roles. The program's unique approach integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring students develop sophisticated communication strategies applicable across diverse professional landscapes. Small group analyses and applied coursework further enhance learning outcomes.
- 10-course program
- Weeknight classes
- Small student-to-faculty ratio
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Focus on communication theory
- Ethical and legal issues coverage
- Contemporary organizational issues
- Admission requires 3.2 GPA
- Prerequisite scores of B or higher
- Designed for working professionals
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - Public 4-Year - louisville.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Louisville's Master of Arts in Communication offers a robust 30-credit program designed to elevate communication professionals' expertise. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum featuring core courses in communication theory and research methods, complemented by comprehensive elective options. The program uniquely provides a thesis and non-thesis track, accommodating diverse academic preferences. Notably, practitioners can leverage the practicum option for hands-on experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world application. With a manageable admission requirement of a 3.0 GPA and GRE waiver, the program prioritizes accessibility while maintaining academic rigor. Graduates develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, preparing them for leadership roles in communication sectors.
- 30 credit hours
- Thesis or non-thesis
- 15 hours of core courses
- 12 hours of electives
- Practicum option available
- 3.0 GPA required
- GRE not required
- Focus on communication theory
- Quantitative and qualitative research
- Develop practical skills
2026 Affordable Kentucky Masters in Communication Degree Options
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Murray State University |
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Morehead State University |
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Keep reading for details on all of the master's in communication programs offered in Kentucky.
BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY
Bellarmine University offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on their campus in Louisville.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program was designed to accommodate working professionals as well as full-time students. Full-time students enroll in the fall semester and take four classes per term for fall and spring semesters followed by two courses in the summer session. Part-time students may take one or two courses per term until they finish the program.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $760 per credit hour for the Master of Arts in Communication program.
Anything Else?: While a concentration is not required for this program, students may elect to concentrate in Healthcare Communication.
MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY
Murray State University in Murray offers Master of Arts or Science in Mass Communication or Public Relation as traditional on campus programs, in addition to a Master of Arts or Science in Organizational Communication that may be taken full online, in person or in a hybrid format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts or Science in Mass Communication or Public Relations programs are 31-credit hour programs that culminate in a comprehensive final project. The Master of Arts in Organizational Communication program is a 33-credit hour program that culminates in an oral defense of a thesis, and the Master of Science in Organizational Communication program is a 31-credit hour program that culminates in a comprehensive examination.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $544 per credit hour for Kentucky and regional residents, $800 per credit hour for non-residents and $644 per credit hour for online programs.
Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for all programs at Murray State University.
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
The University of Kentucky in Lexington offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on its campus in Lexington.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 30-credit hour program that culminates in either a master's thesis or comprehensive written and oral exams.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $6,526 per semester for Kentucky residents and $15,682 per semester for non-residents. Some courses may have additional mandatory fees, and these costs do not include books or other supplies.
Anything Else?: New graduate students are admitted to the fall semester only. The application deadline is January 5.
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
The University of Louisville offers a Master of Arts in Communication program that can be taken either on campus or as a hybrid online/in-person program.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 37-credit hour program that culminates in a thesis or comprehensive exam.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $705 per credit hour for Kentucky residents, $1,470 per credit hour for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The program does not require an experiential component, but some students may choose to do a practicum in a private business, community organization or government agency that deals with communication in order to gain real-world experience while they study.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Kentucky
ASBURY UNIVERSITY
Asbury University based in Wilmore offers an online Master of Arts in Communication: Digital Storytelling degree.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication: Digital Storytelling program may be taken fully online if students have taken undergraduate media courses and/or have extensive professional experience. For students with less experience in digital storytelling and communication, students may need to take some production-oriented courses on campus during two-week summer intensives.
What Does It Cost?: Check with the bursar's office for the latest tuition and fees.
Anything Else?: This program was designed with working professionals in mind and can be taken on a part-time basis to accommodate a full-time work schedule.
MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY
Murray State University offers one of their master's programs, the M.A./M.S. in Organizational Communication as a distance learning program in addition to traditional classroom or hybrid formats. Learn more about Murray State University's online program option here.
Kentucky Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
Bowling Green, KY
Western Kentucky University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communication
Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- Minimum 3.00 undergraduate GPA
- Core courses in research methods
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Graduate assistantships available
- Diverse elective course selection
- Competitive professional preparation
- Interpersonal communication focus
Lexington, KY
University of Kentucky
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Website
- Nationally ranked communication program
- 30 credit hours required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Media Studies concentration
- Interpersonal Communication focus
- Health Communication specialty
- Research methods training
- Communication theory coursework
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Interpersonal Communication - Campus Based - Website
- 30 credit hours required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Core courses in Communication Theory
- Research Methods included
- Interpersonal or Mass Communication choice
- CV required for admission
- Personal statement required
- Three letters of recommendation
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Mass Communication - Campus Based - Website
- 30 credit hours required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Core courses in Communication Theory
- Research Methods and Statistics included
- Focus on Media Studies
- Interpersonal Communication focus
- Health Communication specialization
- No GRE required for 2024-2025
Louisville, KY
Bellarmine University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Website
- 10-course program
- Weeknight classes
- Small student-to-faculty ratio
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Focus on communication theory
- Ethical and legal issues coverage
- Contemporary organizational issues
- Admission requires 3.2 GPA
University of Louisville
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Website
- 30 credit hours
- Thesis or non-thesis
- 15 hours of core courses
- 12 hours of electives
- Practicum option available
- 3.0 GPA required
- GRE not required
- Focus on communication theory
Morehead, KY
Morehead State University
- Master's - Communication, M.A.
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online delivery
- 30 credit hours required
- Can complete in one year
- Focus on writing, research, theory
- Explores organizational communication
- Covers intercultural communication
- Advanced public speaking included
- Media criticism course
Richmond, KY
Eastern Kentucky University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders
Campus Based - Website
- 63 total credit hours required
- In-state tuition $530/credit
- Free textbooks provided
- Nationally ranked program
- Multiple clinical experiences
- 90%+ employment rate
- Accredited speech-language pathology program
- Bachelor's degree prerequisite