Master’s in Communication in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to two schools that offer master's-level communication programs. The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and Mississippi College in Clinton offer on-campus programs where students can specialize in health services communication, mass communication, public relations, and corporate communications or journalism. Mississippi College also offers a master's in communication program that is available entirely online or on campus in the evenings to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals. Following graduation, communication experts can find potential employment opportunities in Mississippi's most extensive agriculture, manufacturing, automotive and healthcare industries, as well as at local media outlets in Jackson, Tupelo, Biloxi, Hattiesburg and Greenwood.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Mississippi

Mississippi boasts several outstanding communication graduate programs that prepare students for dynamic careers in media, public relations, and digital communication. At MastersInCommunications.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top communication master's degree offerings based on academic quality, faculty expertise, student outcomes, and research opportunities. Our comprehensive analysis helps prospective students identify the most compelling programs across Mississippi's universities. These programs equip students with critical communication skills, advanced theoretical knowledge, and practical experience needed to excel in today's fast-changing communication landscape. For a detailed breakdown of our ranking process, check out our https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.
#1

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS - Public 4-Year - alcorn.edu

Master's - Master of Liberal Arts

Concentration: Mass Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website

Alcorn State University's Master of Liberal Arts in Mass Communication provides a comprehensive pathway for media professionals seeking advanced knowledge. Tailored for scholars and practitioners, the program delves into cutting-edge communication theories, social media dynamics, and strategic research methodologies. Students explore critical aspects of media policy, engage in interdisciplinary electives, and complete a mandatory capstone project demonstrating advanced research capabilities. With a rigorous curriculum emphasizing communication law, oral presentation skills, and strategic communication approaches, graduates emerge prepared for leadership roles in media industries. The program's flexible structure allows completion within six years, requiring a competitive 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission. As a historically black university, Alcorn State offers unique perspectives in mass communication education.

  • 33 total credit hours required
  • 6-year maximum degree completion
  • Capstone project mandatory
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Interdisciplinary elective options
  • Research methods focus
  • Social media strategy courses
  • Communication law curriculum
  • Oral thesis defense required
#2

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS - Public 4-Year - msstate.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Mississippi State University's Master of Arts in Communication delivers a comprehensive 33-hour residential program that prepares students to excel in diverse communication environments. With a robust curriculum emphasizing applied research and strategic communication practices, students explore critical areas like Communication Theory, Media Uses & Effects, and specialized electives in Health, Political, and International Communication. The program offers flexibility through non-thesis options and provides in-depth learning experiences across multiple communication domains. Students benefit from extensive coursework covering research methodologies, media relations, crisis communication, and emerging digital communication trends, making it an ideal pathway for professionals seeking advanced communication skills and scholarly insights.

  • 33-hour residential program
  • Non-thesis option available
  • Emphasis on case studies
  • Applied research focus
  • Best practices in communication
  • Required courses in theory
  • Seminar in Communication Research
  • Communication Pedagogy course
  • Seminar in Media required
  • Special Project completion
#3

University of Mississippi

University, MS - Public 4-Year - olemiss.edu

Master's - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Concentration: Communication disorders; Swallowing disorders - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Mississippi's Communication Sciences and Disorders Master's program stands out as a premier pathway for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Specializing in communication and swallowing disorders, this two-year ASHA-accredited curriculum offers an intensive academic and clinical training experience. Students complete 61 credit hours and 400 clinical clock hours, gaining comprehensive expertise through hands-on client interactions at the on-site Speech and Hearing Clinic. With a remarkable 100% employment rate and strategic clinical fellowship preparation, graduates are strategically positioned to address complex communication challenges across diverse patient populations. The program's flexible learning model includes face-to-face and online courses, accommodating various student needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

  • 2-year master's degree program
  • 61 total credit hours required
  • 400 clinical clock hours
  • ASHA-accredited curriculum
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Face-to-face and online courses
  • Graduate assistantships available
  • On-site Speech and Hearing Clinic
  • Clinical fellowship preparation
#4

Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, MS - Public 4-Year - mvsu.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Convergent Media

Campus Based - Visit Website

Mississippi Valley State University's Master of Arts in Convergent Media provides a cutting-edge communication program tailored for aspiring media professionals. Recognized as a historically black university (HBCU), the program delivers comprehensive training through innovative coursework and practical experiences. Students benefit from immersive learning environments including a professional radio station, television studio, and journalism laboratory. The curriculum emphasizes emerging communication trends, offering students strategic insights into modern media landscapes. With no GRE requirement and a flexible four-semester structure, students complete 36 credit hours while receiving mentorship from a diverse, experienced faculty. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA, ensuring students enter with a strong academic foundation. The program prepares graduates for advanced roles in rapidly evolving communication industries.

  • Master of Arts in Convergent Media
  • Focus on emerging communication trends
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities
  • Mentorship from diverse faculty
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA for admission
  • No GRE required
  • 36 hours of coursework
  • Four-semester program length
  • Must maintain 3.00 GPA
  • Designed for advanced communication careers
*Analysis based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 survey data.

2026 Affordable Mississippi Masters in Communication Degree Options

Finding an affordable master's degree in communication can open doors to exciting career opportunities across Mississippi. Students in Jackson, Biloxi, and other major regions seek programs that balance quality education with manageable tuition costs. These low-cost options allow professionals to advance their skills without overwhelming financial strain. Whether you're looking to enhance your career in media, corporate communications, or public relations, Mississippi offers accessible graduate programs designed to meet diverse educational needs. The following table highlights key communication master's degree options that provide excellent value, helping students invest in their future without breaking the bank.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Mississippi University for Women
  • 5-semester program length.
  • 51 credit hours required.
  • Accredited by CAA.
  • Prepares for ASHA certification.
  • Meets state licensure requirements.
  • Teacher licensure eligibility.
  • 36 academic hours.
  • 15 practicum hours.
  • $6,500 - $9,700 (Graduate)
Mississippi Valley State University
  • Master of Arts in Convergent Media
  • Focus on emerging communication trends
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities
  • Mentorship from diverse faculty
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA for admission
  • No GRE required
  • 36 hours of coursework
  • Four-semester program length
  • $6,600 - $9,900 (Graduate)
Jackson State University
  • Accredited by ASHA.
  • Prepares for licensure.
  • Includes clinical practice.
  • Focus on speech-language pathology.
  • Hands-on clinic experience.
  • $7,000 - $10,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $7,800 - $11,800 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023.

See below for additional information about the master's in communication programs available in Mississippi:

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

Mississippi College in Clinton offers an on-campus Master of Science in Communication - Health Services Administration program, as well as an online or on-campus Master of Science in Applied Communication degree.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication - Health Services Administration program is a 31-credit hour program in which students take 16 hours of communication courses along with health services administration courses and culminating in the presentation of a final convocation paper. The Master of Science in Applied Communication is offered in the evenings or online and allows students to choose from several concentrations, including journalism, generalist communication, public relations and corporate communication and sports communication.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $609 per credit hour, which does not include additional course fees or books and supplies.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Master of Science in Communication program on their campus in Hattiesburg.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication degree is offered as a 30-credit hour thesis program or a 30-credit hour non-thesis program with two concentrations to choose from: mass communication or public relations.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $4,312 per term.

Anything Else?: Applications for the program are accepted for the fall, spring and summer terms. The application deadline for the fall is July 1, December 1 for spring and May 1 for summer.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

Mississippi College offers their Master of Science in Applied Communication degree as an online program. The online program is a communication generalist degree to prepare students for further doctoral study or careers in the communication field. For more information about Mississippi College's online program, click here.

Mississippi Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

Alcorn State, MS

Alcorn State University

  • Master's - Master of Liberal Arts

    Concentration: Mass Communication - Campus Based - Website

    • 33 total credit hours required
    • 6-year maximum degree completion
    • Capstone project mandatory
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Interdisciplinary elective options
    • Research methods focus
    • Social media strategy courses
    • Communication law curriculum

Itta Bena, MS

Mississippi Valley State University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Convergent Media

    Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts in Convergent Media
    • Focus on emerging communication trends
    • Access to state-of-the-art facilities
    • Mentorship from diverse faculty
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA for admission
    • No GRE required
    • 36 hours of coursework
    • Four-semester program length

Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • 33-hour residential program
    • Non-thesis option available
    • Emphasis on case studies
    • Applied research focus
    • Best practices in communication
    • Required courses in theory
    • Seminar in Communication Research
    • Communication Pedagogy course

University, MS

University of Mississippi

  • Master's - Communication Sciences and Disorders

    Concentration: Communication disorders; Swallowing disorders - Campus Based - Website

    • Top-ranked program in Mississippi
    • 2-year master's degree program
    • 61 total credit hours required
    • 400 clinical clock hours
    • ASHA-accredited curriculum
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Face-to-face and online courses
    • Graduate assistantships available
*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/