Master’s in Communication in Michigan

Michigan offers prospective master's students several options for communication degrees, from traditional on-campus programs to fully online options. Areas of emphasis include general communication studies, journalism, public relations, organizational communication, intercultural communication and political communication. Following graduation, communication specialists may apply to doctoral programs across the country for further study or seek employment in various communication fields. Major communication companies with offices in Michigan that may offer employment opportunities include Weber Shandwick, JR Thompson Company, and MSL Group. In addition to media outlets throughout the state, Michigan's major automotive/manufacturing, tourism and agriculture industries may provide employment opportunities for recent communication graduates.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Michigan

Michigan boasts some of the most dynamic and comprehensive communication graduate programs in the United States. Our team at Masters in Communications has carefully evaluated and ranked the top communication master's degree programs across the state, considering factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and career placement success. Whether you're interested in strategic communication, media studies, or digital media, Michigan's universities offer exceptional pathways for aspiring communication professionals. These programs prepare students for exciting careers in corporate communication, journalism, public relations, and emerging digital media landscapes. For a detailed breakdown of our comprehensive ranking methodology, visit https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI - Public 4-Year - msu.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Michigan State University's Master of Arts in Communication offers a comprehensive program designed for strategic thinkers seeking advanced communication expertise. With two distinct tracks—pre-Ph.D. and career-oriented—students can customize their academic journey. The curriculum emphasizes core communication theory and quantitative research methods, enabling students to develop sophisticated analytical skills. Entrance exam requirements include the GRE, and students can specialize in interpersonal, organizational, or political communication. Graduates emerge prepared for doctoral studies or professional roles across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. The 30-credit program provides flexible learning opportunities with guidance from experienced faculty advisors.

• Two major directions: thesis and final examination.
• Focus areas include interpersonal and organizational communication.
• 30 credit hours required for graduation.
• Core courses: Communication Theory, Quantitative Research Methods.
• Pre-Ph.D. track includes applied statistics.
• Career-oriented track enhances professional communication skills.
• Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising available.
• Flexible curriculum design with faculty advisor.
• Alumni work in government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors.
• Quantitative research methods for social-scientific understanding.

#2

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Campus Based - Visit Website

#3

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI - Public 4-Year - wmich.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Michigan University's Master of Arts in Communication offers a comprehensive 30-credit-hour program strategically designed for professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. The hybrid learning model provides exceptional flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree within 2-3.5 years while exploring diverse communication domains. Students benefit from small class sizes, world-renowned faculty, and state-of-the-art media facilities that enhance practical learning experiences. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, public relations strategies, training methodologies, and consulting skills. GRE requirements may apply for admission, with potential pathways to doctoral studies and significant career advancement opportunities in communication-related fields.

• 30-credit hour Master's program
• Hybrid learning format
• 10 total courses
• 7 customizable electives
• Small class sizes (15 students)
• World-renowned faculty
• State-of-the-art media facilities
• Career-focused curriculum
• Potential doctoral program pathway

#4

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - calvin.edu

Master's - Master of Media and Strategic Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Calvin University's Master of Media and Strategic Communication provides aspiring communication professionals a comprehensive program that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students develop advanced skills in crafting compelling messages across diverse platforms, with unique opportunities through the Skylight student-run creative media agency. The on-campus program offers an innovative 8-week basics course requiring no prior media production experience, enabling students to quickly build foundational competencies. Rooted in Christian ethical principles, the curriculum prepares graduates to advocate effectively for communities and businesses while emphasizing communication strategy and media production techniques. Professors prioritize message evaluation, integrity, and powerful communication approaches, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as one year.

• On-campus program
• Rolling admissions
• No media production experience required
• 8-week basics course
• Combines strategy and practice
• Real-world experience with Skylight
• Flexible pace
• Taught by Christian professors
• Focus on ethics in communication
• Earn degree in as little as one year

#5

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI - Public 4-Year - gvsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Grand Valley State University's Master of Science in Communication is a strategic professional development program targeting communication professionals seeking advanced leadership skills. Uniquely structured for working adults, the program spans 36 credits and can be completed part-time over two to three years. Evening classes at the Grand Rapids Campus emphasize research-driven decision-making and practical communication theory application. Students benefit from competitive assistantships, flexible scheduling, and strong industry connections. While specific entrance exam requirements aren't detailed, the program prioritizes professional growth, offering individualized projects and internship opportunities that directly enhance career trajectories in communication fields.

• 36 credits required
• Face-to-face format
• Evening classes available
• Designed for working professionals
• Leadership skills development
• Research-based decision-making focus
• Courses at Grand Rapids Campus
• Part-time completion in 2-3 years
• Assistantships available competitively
• Admission requires bachelor's degree

*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2024. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

See below for more information about the master's in communication programs offered in Michigan:

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Central Michigan University offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on their campus in Mount Pleasant.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication degree is a 33-credit hour program that provides students with a broad education in the theories and principles of human communication. The program culminates in either a thesis or a comprehensive exam.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $596 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for enrollment in the fall is March 15, and October 15 for the spring semester.

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti offers two master's-level communication programs, one as a traditional on-campus program and the other a fully online program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a traditional on campus program that focuses on communication theory, research, performance and applied communication contexts. There are two concentrations for students to choose from: Communication Studies or Interpretation/Performance Studies.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $750 per credit hour for Michigan and Ohio residents, and $1,335 per credit for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for enrollment is February 15 and students begin in the fall term.

GRAND VALLEY UNIVERSITY

Grand Valley University offers a Master of Science in Communication Studies program on their campus in Allendale.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Communications program is a 36-credit hour program that can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule. The program allows students to gain professional experience at the campus newspaper, student-run television or radio stations, and internships in professional settings on campus and off campus.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $651 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for the fall semester is July 15, November 1 for the winter semester and April 1 for the spring/summer semester.

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Michigan State University offers two options for master's level communication programs, one a traditional on-campus Master of Arts in Communication and the other a fully online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is offered on campus in East Lansing, and students choose from a pre-Ph.D. thesis track or a career-oriented final examination track. Both tracks offer students the opportunity to concentrate their studies in various areas of communication, such as interpersonal communication, organizational communication, political communication and intercultural communication.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $9,066 per semester for Michigan residents based on a 12 credit hour course load, and $17,814 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline is April 1 for admission to the fall semester.

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Oakland University in Rochester offers a Master of Arts in Communication program in an on campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program allows students to choose from three concentrations: Culture and Communication, Interpersonal Communication and Media Studies. The program aims to prepare students for further academic study or for professional careers in communication.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $738 per credit hour for Michigan residents, and $1,027 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline is February 15 for admission to the fall semester.

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

Wayne State University offers a Master of Arts in Communication program with several concentrations to choose from on their campus in Detroit.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program offers students the choice of several emphases that teach the theory, research and practice of communication. Students can choose from Communication Studies, Dispute Resolution, Journalism, Media Arts, Media Studies, Public Relations & Organizational Communication and a joint program in Dispute Resolution and Law.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $690 per credit hour for Michigan, Ohio or Ontario residents, and $1,457 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline is June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the winter semester.

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo offers a Master of Arts in Communication as an on campus program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 30-credit hour program that teaches communication theory and practice to prepare students for doctoral study or careers in various industries.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $651 per credit hour for Michigan residents, and $1,232 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for September and January admission until all available slots are filled. The application deadline for early admission is February 1.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Michigan

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Eastern Michigan University offers a fully online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication program. The program is designed for working professionals, and is meant to be completed in two years of study. For more information about Eastern Michigan University's online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication, click here.

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Michigan State University offers an online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program that incorporates the digital communication strategies into coursework on advertising, public relations and media. The program requires nine courses and a capstone project. For more information about Michigan State University's online program, click here.

Michigan Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs