Master’s in Communication in Maryland

Maryland is home to three schools offering graduate-level communication programs, two of which are traditional on-campus programs and one entirely online. Communication students can focus their studies on health communication, public relations, strategic communication, political culture, general communication topics, and theory. Maryland's industries that may provide employment opportunities for graduates include biotech and life sciences, financial services, agribusiness, and advanced manufacturing. In addition to career opportunities in academia or education, communication grads may pursue job openings at communication firms in Baltimore or nearby Washington D.C., or with major corporations in Maryland such as Lockheed Martin, Marriott Internationa,l or Discovery Inc.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Maryland

Maryland offers some of the most dynamic and innovative communication graduate programs in the United States. At MastersInCommunications.org, we've carefully analyzed and ranked the top communication master's degree programs across the state, considering factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and career outcomes. Our comprehensive review highlights universities that provide exceptional training for aspiring communication professionals, media specialists, and strategic communicators. Students can find programs ranging from digital media and journalism to public relations and organizational communication. These Maryland-based programs prepare graduates to excel in an ever-changing media landscape, offering cutting-edge curriculum and hands-on learning experiences. For a detailed breakdown of our ranking process, visit our https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.
#1

Towson University

Towson, MD - Public 4-Year - towson.edu

Master's - Communication Management M.S.

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Towson University's Communication Management M.S. is a strategically designed hybrid program empowering professionals to excel in strategic communication. Blending online and on-campus learning, the 36-credit degree develops advanced research, critical thinking, and global communication skills. Graduates are positioned for leadership roles in public relations, corporate communication, and organizational strategy. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, preparing students for potential doctoral studies. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible scheduling, comprehensive exams, and professional project options. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, students gain comprehensive communication management expertise tailored to contemporary professional landscapes.

  • 36-credit degree requirement
  • Hybrid program with online options
  • Focus on public relations and strategic communication
  • Prepares for leadership roles in communication
  • Opportunities for doctoral education
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Global multicultural fluency
  • Quantitative and qualitative research
  • Business and academic writing
  • Communication management expertise

Master's - Communication and Advocacy M.A.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Towson University's Communication and Advocacy M.A. offers a transformative 33-credit program situated near Washington, D.C.'s influential advocacy networks. Students can specialize in Globalization and Leadership or Critical/Cultural Studies tracks, gaining sophisticated skills in global communication and social dynamics. The curriculum combines a robust 12-credit core with flexible thesis or internship options, preparing graduates for diverse careers in media, nonprofit management, and international development. Leveraging proximity to advocacy hubs, the program provides unique opportunities for hands-on learning, qualitative research training, and professional networking. Ideal for aspiring communication professionals seeking meaningful career pathways and potential doctoral study.

  • 33 credits to complete.
  • Thesis or internship option.
  • Focus on global leadership.
  • Critical/cultural studies track.
  • Located near D.C. advocacy hubs.
  • Prepares for doctoral studies.
  • Career in media, nonprofits.
  • Graduate assistantships available.
  • 12-credit core sequence.
  • 6-credit thesis/internship.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - ndm.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Notre Dame of Maryland University's Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication emerges as a forward-thinking program tailored for communication professionals seeking transformative career pathways. The hybrid learning format accommodates diverse student needs, blending online flexibility with structured campus experiences. Students explore intricate digital media strategies, developing sophisticated skills in web content creation, social media management, and organizational communication. With a remarkable 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the program ensures personalized mentorship and immersive learning experiences. Graduates are strategically positioned to navigate complex media landscapes, leveraging a curriculum designed to foster innovation and strategic communication expertise. The program's career-focused approach emphasizes practical skill development and professional adaptability.

  • Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication
  • 100% Online and On-Campus Options
  • Small Class Sizes
  • Customizable Course Selection
  • 7:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
  • Evening and Weekend Classes
  • Experienced Professional Faculty
  • Career-Focused Curriculum
  • Web and Content Management Focus
#3

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD - Public 4-Year - bowiestate.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications

Concentration: Public Affairs Communications - Campus Based - Visit Website

Bowie State University's Master of Arts in Organizational Communications with a Public Affairs Communications Concentration offers a rigorous 36-credit program designed for communication professionals seeking advanced leadership skills. Students explore complex telecommunications policy, organizational development, and strategic communication techniques. The program uniquely prepares graduates for diverse roles in public, private, and non-profit sectors through comprehensive coursework emphasizing real-world problem-solving. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The curriculum includes core communication theory courses, technology integration, and optional thesis research, positioning graduates for dynamic careers in policy development, telecommunications, and organizational management.

  • 36 credit hours required
  • Thesis option available
  • Focus on telecommunications policy
  • Access to modern technology
  • Prepares for doctoral studies
  • Comprehensive examination required
  • Real-world problem-solving focus
  • Core courses in communication theory
  • Non-core courses in leadership
  • Electives outside ORGC allowed

Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications

Concentration: Telecommunications Policy - Campus Based - Visit Website

Specialized in Telecommunications Policy, Bowie State University's Master of Arts in Organizational Communications provides an intensive academic experience for aspiring communication leaders. The program equips students with advanced research skills, policy crafting expertise, and strategic communication techniques. Graduates develop comprehensive understanding of telecommunications landscapes, emphasizing practical applications in public, private, and non-profit environments. With a 2.5 GPA admission requirement, the 36-credit curriculum includes comprehensive examinations, thesis options, and cutting-edge technology training. Students gain proficiency in internet research, desktop publishing, and organizational communication strategies, preparing them for sophisticated roles in telecommunications and policy development.

  • Master's in Organizational Communications
  • Telecommunications Policy Concentration
  • Thesis option available
  • 36 credit hours required
  • Prepares for doctoral studies
  • Access to Internet and labs
  • Cable TV and radio production
  • Real organizational problem-solving
  • 2.5 GPA for admission
  • Bachelor's degree required

Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bowie State University's Master of Arts in Organizational Communications delivers a transformative educational experience for communication professionals seeking comprehensive skill development. The program's 36-credit curriculum focuses on strategic communication, organizational dynamics, and leadership principles. Students explore diverse communication theories, research methodologies, and practical applications across multiple sectors. With flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks, the program prepares graduates for advanced career opportunities in public relations, organizational management, and policy development. Emphasizing real-world problem-solving and technological integration, students develop sophisticated communication competencies that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.

  • 36 credit hour master's program
  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Telecommunications Policy concentration
  • 2.5 GPA admission requirement
  • Prepares for doctoral studies
  • Access to computer labs
  • Real-world problem solving
  • Leadership communication focus
  • Applied research opportunities
  • Diverse career preparation
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.

2026 Affordable Maryland Masters in Communication Degree Options

Pursuing a Master's in Communication in Maryland offers students diverse and accessible educational paths. With options spanning Baltimore, Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and other regional centers, students can find programs that balance quality education with affordable tuition. Understanding the financial challenges of graduate studies, these institutions provide competitive pricing strategies that help make advanced communication degrees more attainable. Prospective students can explore programs that not only meet academic standards but also provide financial flexibility. The selected schools showcase a range of opportunities for those seeking to advance their communication skills without overwhelming financial burden. By carefully comparing program highlights and costs, students can discover valuable educational investments that align with their professional goals and budgetary constraints.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Notre Dame of Maryland University
  • Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication
  • 100% Online and On-Campus Options
  • Small Class Sizes
  • Ranked Affordable Program
  • Customizable Course Selection
  • 7:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
  • Evening and Weekend Classes
  • Experienced Professional Faculty
  • $10,200 - $15,200 (Graduate)
Morgan State University
  • 30 total credit hours required
  • Multi-platform journalism training
  • 3.0 undergraduate GPA minimum
  • Requires journalism portfolio
  • Diverse course offerings
  • No comprehensive exam required
  • Master's project instead of thesis
  • Global journalism perspective
  • $7,900 - $11,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $14,300 - $21,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Bowie State University
  • 36 credit hour master's program
  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Telecommunications Policy concentration
  • 2.5 GPA admission requirement
  • Prepares for doctoral studies
  • Access to computer labs
  • Real-world problem solving
  • Leadership communication focus
  • $8,200 - $12,200 (Graduate In-State)
  • $12,200 - $18,300 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

See below for details about the master's in communication programs in Maryland:

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore offers a Master of Science in Public Health in Health Education & Health Communication in an on-campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Public Health in Health Education & Health Communication program is designed for students who wish to study health promotion, education and communication strategies for future careers working with individuals, organizations and communities. The program consists of one academic year of coursework and a minimum of six months of field placement experience.

What Does It Cost?: The tuition for the Master of Public Health program for the 2018-2019 academic year is $67,680 for the 11-month program, which is $13,536 per term for 5 terms.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission is December 1.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

The University of Maryland offers a doctoral program in communication that will award an M.A. degree to students who have finished the M.A. requirements by the end of their second year of study.

What to Know: The graduate-level communication program allows students to choose from the following focus areas: Communication Science & Social Cognition, Public Relations & Strategic Communication and Rhetoric & Political Culture.

What Does It Cost?: With few exceptions, the University of Maryland's Department of Communication only admits full-time graduate students it funds predominately through teaching positions. Some students also work on funded research projects with faculty.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission is January 9.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Maryland

STEVENSON UNIVERSITY

Stevenson University offers an online Master of Science in Communication Studies program.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication Studies program is a fully-online 36-credit hour program that culminates in a thesis.

What Does It Cost?: Stevenson offers a discounted partnership tuition rate for students who are employees or students of various partner organizations, a list of which can be found here. The standard tuition rate is $670 per credit hour in 2018.

Anything Else?: Designed for working professionals, the graduate degree in Communications studies is offered in 8-week sessions.

NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY

Notre Dame of Maryland University offers a 100% online MA in Contemporary Communication that focuses on current and emerging communication management. Enrolled students develop skills in new media, technology, public relations, and more as part of this 36-credit degree program. Taught by experienced faculty and featuring rolling admission, this pathway is suitable for students who wish to enter entrepreneurial, organizational, or digital communication careers. Learn more about their program here.

Maryland Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

Baltimore, MD

Notre Dame of Maryland University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication
    • 100% Online and On-Campus Options
    • Small Class Sizes
    • Ranked Affordable Program
    • Customizable Course Selection
    • 7:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
    • Evening and Weekend Classes
    • Experienced Professional Faculty

Bowie, MD

Bowie State University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications

    Campus Based - Website

    • 36 credit hour master's program
    • Thesis and non-thesis options
    • Telecommunications Policy concentration
    • 2.5 GPA admission requirement
    • Prepares for doctoral studies
    • Access to computer labs
    • Real-world problem solving
    • Leadership communication focus
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications

    Concentration: Public Affairs Communications - Campus Based - Website

    • 36 credit hours required
    • Thesis option available
    • Focus on telecommunications policy
    • Access to modern technology
    • Prepares for doctoral studies
    • Comprehensive examination required
    • Real-world problem-solving focus
    • Core courses in communication theory
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications

    Concentration: Telecommunications Policy - Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Organizational Communications
    • Telecommunications Policy Concentration
    • Thesis option available
    • 36 credit hours required
    • Prepares for doctoral studies
    • Access to Internet and labs
    • Cable TV and radio production
    • Real organizational problem-solving

Towson, MD

Towson University

  • Master's - Communication Management M.S.

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 36-credit degree requirement
    • Hybrid program with online options
    • Focus on public relations and strategic communication
    • Prepares for leadership roles in communication
    • Opportunities for doctoral education
    • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
    • Global multicultural fluency
    • Quantitative and qualitative research
  • Master's - Communication and Advocacy M.A.

    Campus Based - Website

    • 33 credits to complete.
    • Thesis or internship option.
    • Focus on global leadership.
    • Critical/cultural studies track.
    • Located near D.C. advocacy hubs.
    • Prepares for doctoral studies.
    • Career in media, nonprofits.
    • Graduate assistantships available.
*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.