Master’s in Communication in Missouri
Missouri is home to nine schools that offer master's in communication programs. Students can choose from traditional on-campus programs or online programs that allow them to complete coursework on their own schedules and from anywhere, as well as several options for focusing their studies on a particular area of communication. Options include health communication, political communication, strategic communication and public relations, advertising, marketing, broadcast journalism, organizational communication, and many others. Following graduation, students can pursue further study of communications in a doctoral program, a career in academia, or employment in one of Missouri's top industries including food and beverage, financial services, healthcare or advanced manufacturing. Graduates may also pursue careers in one of St. Louis' many communications or media companies, such as Fleishman-Hillard, Momentum Worldwide, Charter Communications or Ghergich & Co. Other major employers in Missouri include Boeing, Ford Motor Company, Monsanto Company, Mercy Health System and Washington University.
2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Missouri
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO - Public 4-Year - missouristate.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield's Master of Arts in Communication provides a comprehensive graduate experience that synthesizes advanced theoretical frameworks with practical professional skills. Students engage in robust learning environments featuring service-learning, internship opportunities, and personalized faculty mentorship. The program's versatile curriculum prepares graduates for dynamic careers in consulting, human resources, management, and public relations. Unique specialization options include conflict communication, organizational communication, and communication and culture. Graduate assistantships offering tuition waivers and living stipends enhance the academic journey, making this hybrid program an exceptional pathway for communication professionals seeking transformative educational experiences.
- Blends theory and practical experience.
- Faculty are published experts.
- Personalized attention and research opportunities.
- Specializations in unique areas.
- Traditional and accelerated degree options.
- Graduate assistantships available.
- Tuition waivers and stipends.
- Prepares for diverse professional environments.
- Service-learning and internship opportunities.
- Opens doors in consulting, HR, management.
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Conflict - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Missouri State University's Master's in Communication Conflict concentration offers a specialized graduate pathway focusing on advanced communication strategies within conflict resolution contexts. Students develop sophisticated analytical skills and theoretical understanding of interpersonal, organizational, and cross-cultural communication dynamics. The hybrid program integrates research-driven curriculum with practical applications, preparing professionals to navigate complex communication challenges. Expert faculty mentorship, individualized research opportunities, and service-learning experiences distinguish this concentration. Graduates emerge equipped to address communication tensions in diverse professional environments, from corporate settings to international negotiations.
- Traditional and Accelerated options
- Faculty are published experts
- Individualized research opportunities
- Specialization options available
- Graduate assistantships offered
- Service-learning experiences
- Internship opportunities included
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Organizational Communication - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Missouri State University-Springfield's Organizational Communication concentration within the Master of Arts in Communication provides a strategic approach to understanding workplace communication dynamics. Students explore sophisticated communication theories, leadership strategies, and organizational behavior through comprehensive coursework. The hybrid program emphasizes practical skill development, enabling graduates to excel in human resources, management consulting, and corporate communication roles. With personalized faculty guidance, research opportunities, and graduate assistantships offering financial support, students gain comprehensive insights into organizational communication complexities. The program prepares professionals to effectively navigate and transform workplace communication landscapes.
- Specialize in unique areas.
- Balance theory and practice.
- Learn from expert faculty.
- Individualized attention available.
- Research opportunities provided.
- Graduate assistantships offered.
- Tuition and fee waivers.
- Living stipends available.
- Prepares for diverse careers.
- Admission requirements specified.
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Communication and Culture - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Missouri State University's Communication and Culture concentration offers a nuanced Master's program exploring intricate relationships between communication practices and cultural contexts. Students critically analyze global communication patterns, intercultural dynamics, and societal transformations through research-driven coursework. The hybrid program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, cultural consulting, and global communication strategies. Expert faculty mentorship, service-learning opportunities, and specialized research projects enable students to develop sophisticated cross-cultural communication competencies. This concentration equips professionals to navigate complex cultural landscapes with intellectual depth and practical expertise.
- Theory and research focused
- Service-learning opportunities
- Internship programs available
- Published expert faculty
- Specialization options
- Individualized faculty attention
- Research opportunities available
- Traditional and accelerated options
- Graduate assistantships offered
Avila University
Kansas City, MO - Private 4-year - avila.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Concentration: Marketing - Online Learning - Visit Website
Avila University's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication offers a robust online Marketing concentration tailored for digital communication professionals. The program uniquely blends theoretical frameworks with practical marketing skills, enabling students to develop comprehensive content strategies across multiple digital platforms. Designed for career-driven individuals, this 14-month program requires no GRE and maintains an accessible 2.75 GPA admission threshold. Students gain expertise in crafting targeted marketing communications, leveraging social media insights, and developing strategic content that drives organizational engagement. With a competitive $18,000 total tuition and flexible online format, graduates emerge as versatile marketing communication specialists prepared for dynamic professional environments.
- Online Master's program
- 30 credit hours total
- 14 months to complete
- $18,000 total tuition
- 3 concentration options
- No GRE required
- 2.75 minimum GPA
- Personalized online learning
- Multiple start dates
- 8-week course format
Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Concentration: Project Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Avila University's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication provides a specialized Project Management concentration for professionals seeking advanced communication skills. This innovative online program equips students with strategic messaging techniques and digital content creation capabilities essential in contemporary business landscapes. Participants learn to navigate complex communication challenges, develop project communication strategies, and leverage digital platforms for effective team coordination. The 14-month curriculum offers a comprehensive approach to communication management, requiring no GRE and maintaining an accessible 2.75 GPA admission standard. Priced at $18,000, the program delivers practical, career-enhancing skills tailored to modern organizational communication needs.
- Online Master's Degree
- $18,000 Total Tuition
- 14 Months Program Length
- 30 Credit Hours
- No GRE Required
- 2.75 GPA Admission Requirement
- Multiple Concentration Options
- Career-Focused Curriculum
- Digital Content Creation Skills
Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Concentration: Strategic Human Resources - Online Learning - Visit Website
Avila University's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication features a Strategic Human Resources concentration designed to transform communication professionals. This targeted online program cultivates advanced communication skills specifically aligned with human resources management, emphasizing interpersonal communication, organizational messaging, and strategic employee engagement techniques. Students develop comprehensive capabilities in crafting nuanced communication strategies that support talent management, organizational culture, and workforce development. With no GRE requirement and a modest 2.75 GPA threshold, the 14-month program offers an accessible pathway to advanced communication expertise. The $18,000 investment provides a robust curriculum preparing graduates for sophisticated HR communication roles.
- Online Master's program
- Total tuition $18,000
- 14-month program length
- 30 credit hours total
- No GRE required
- 2.75 GPA minimum
- Three concentration options
- Career-focused curriculum
- Multiple start dates available
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - webster.edu
Master's - Strategic Communications
Online Learning - Visit Website
Webster University's Strategic Communications Master's program offers a comprehensive online curriculum designed for ambitious communication professionals. The program uniquely blends strategic thinking with practical digital media skills, emphasizing public relations, crisis communication, and leadership development. Students benefit from experienced faculty who integrate real-world insights with academic theory, preparing graduates to navigate complex communication landscapes. With flexible online learning and scholarship opportunities, the program caters to working professionals seeking to advance their careers. The curriculum prioritizes critical thinking, ethical communication practices, and technological adaptability, ensuring students are equipped to excel in diverse communication roles across multiple industries.
- Online program flexibility
- Focus on digital and social media
- Covers public relations and crisis communication
- Experienced faculty with industry experience
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Prepares for leadership roles in communications
- Integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications
- Emphasizes critical thinking and ethics
- Designed for working professionals
- Global alumni network
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - slu.edu
Master's - Communication, M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Louis University's Master's in Communication delivers a comprehensive 30-credit program designed to transform students into strategic communicators. With no mandatory GRE requirement, the program emphasizes flexible learning through applied projects, comprehensive exams, and thesis tracks. Students explore diverse communication domains including health, media, and social justice communication. The curriculum cultivates advanced research skills and critical thinking, preparing graduates for professional roles in advertising, corporate communications, higher education, and research. Competitively priced at $1,370 per credit, the program offers potential assistantships and financial aid opportunities, making advanced communication education accessible.
- 30-credit communication master's degree
- Multiple specialization areas
- Three degree completion options
- No minimum GPA requirement
- $1,370 per credit tuition
- Three required core courses
- Assistantships potentially available
- No mandatory GRE scores
- International student friendly
- Research and practical career focus
Master's - Communication, M.A.
Concentration: Health Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Louis University's Health Communication concentration provides a specialized Master's pathway for students targeting healthcare communication professionals. This targeted 30-credit program develops advanced communication strategies specific to medical and public health environments. Students learn to craft complex health messages, analyze communication dynamics in healthcare settings, and develop research-driven communication interventions. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing graduates for roles in healthcare organizations, public health agencies, medical communication firms, and patient advocacy groups. With flexible completion options and competitive tuition, students gain expertise in translating complex health information effectively.
- 30-credit master's degree
- Three degree completion options
- Tuition $1,370 per credit
- No minimum GPA requirement
- Diverse communication concentrations
- Research and applied learning
- Assistantships available
- Professional career preparation
Master's - Communication, M.A.
Concentration: Intercultural Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Louis University's Intercultural Communication concentration offers a transformative master's experience focused on global communication dynamics. This 30-credit program equips students with advanced skills to navigate complex cross-cultural communication landscapes. Participants develop nuanced understanding of communication theories, cultural interpretation strategies, and global messaging techniques. The curriculum explores diverse communication contexts, preparing graduates for international business, diplomatic roles, global nonprofit sectors, and multinational corporate communication positions. With optional GRE scores and no minimum GPA requirement, the program welcomes diverse student backgrounds, emphasizing research-driven and applied learning approaches to intercultural communication challenges.
- 30-credit flexible master's program
- Three degree completion options
- Tuition $1,370 per credit
- No minimum GPA requirement
- Diverse communication focus areas
- GRE scores optional
- International students welcome
- Assistantships available
- Prepare for multiple career paths
- Research and applied learning
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO - Public 4-Year - umsl.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Missouri-St. Louis' Master of Arts in Communication provides a comprehensive academic experience tailored for ambitious professionals and recent graduates seeking advanced communication skills. With a robust 15-credit-hour core curriculum exploring communication theories and research methodologies, students gain strategic insights into corporate communication, journalism, and media landscapes. The program offers remarkable flexibility through thesis and internship pathways, spanning 30-36 total credit hours. Designed for working professionals, the on-campus format cultivates a dynamic learning environment with diverse faculty perspectives. Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in communication or related field, maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via TOEFL iBT, scoring at least 100. The program strategically prepares students for sophisticated communication roles across multiple professional sectors.
- 30-36 credit hours
- On-campus format
- 15-credit-hour core
- Thesis or internship option
- Diverse faculty and student body
- Minimum GPA 3.25 required
- TOEFL iBT 100 for international students
- Prepares for corporate, media careers
- Flexible for working professionals
- Opportunities for doctoral studies
2026 Affordable Missouri Masters in Communication Degree Options
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Missouri State University
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Northwest Missouri State University |
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Avila University |
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Keep reading for more details about the various master's in communication programs offered in Missouri:
PARK UNIVERSITY
Park University offers a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program on their campuses in Parkville and Fort Bliss in Texas or online.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program is a 36-credit hour program that emphasizes organizational communication and leadership that culminates in a thesis or graduate project and presentation.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $560 per credit hour, which does not include additional university fees and course supplies.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI
The University of Central Missouri offers a Master of Arts in Communication program that can be taken on campus in Warrensburg or fully online.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program offers courses in film, videography, radio, journalism, teaching, and management.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $298 per credit hour for Missouri residents and $597 per credit hour for non-residents.
Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and all application materials should be received by Graduate Studies at least three weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
The University of Missouri in Columbia offers an on-campus Master of Arts in Communication program, as well as an online program.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program offers students several options for program concentration, including Interpersonal and Family Communication, Mediated Communication, Organizational Communication, Political Communication, Identity/Diversity, and Health and Crisis Communication.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $7,702 per year for fall and spring semesters for Missouri residents and $19,136 for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The program begins in the fall semester, and applications must be received by January 15.
Springfield Master’s in Communication Programs
DRURY UNIVERSITY
Drury University in Springfield offers a Master of Arts in Communication degree that is offered in the evening, blended, and online formats in 8- or 16-week intervals.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 30-credit hour program with two options for emphasis: Integrated Marketing Communication or Organizational Leadership & Change. The program has two and three-year completion options and can be completed in as little as 18 months, with courses offered online, on campus in the evenings or in a blended format.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for Master of Arts in Communication program for the 2018-2019 academic year is $462 per credit hour.
Anything Else?: The College of Graduate Studies has application deadlines for each semester (fall, spring, and summer) as well as for the second session period of each semester. For a full list of application deadlines, as well as information about how to apply, click here.
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Missouri State University in Springfield offers a Master of Arts in Communication program that can be taken on campus in the evenings or online.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program aims to balance theory and research with service-learning and internship opportunities and allows students to specialize in an area of interest, such as conflict, organizational communication or public relations.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $10,588 per semester for Missouri residents, $19,260 for non-residents, and $9,120 for online students.
Anything Else?: The program begins in the fall semester for new students. The application deadline for the fall is February 1.
St. Louis Master’s in Communication Programs
ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY
St. Louis University offers a Master of Arts in Communication program in a traditional on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program allows students to customize their degree plan according to their interests and career goals. Students can explore a variety of areas of communication, including intercultural communication, media studies, organizational communication, strategic communication, health communication, and others.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $1,130 per credit hour.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission in the fall semester is July 1, and November 1 for admission to the spring semester.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - ST. LOUIS
The University of Missouri in St. Louis offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Communication program.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a hybrid online/classroom format that allows students to meet on campus only once or twice per week in the evenings. The program culminates in either a thesis, internship, or additional coursework.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $7,702 per year for fall and spring semesters for Missouri residents and $19,136 for non-residents.
Anything Else?: Students may begin the program in either the fall or spring semesters. Applications may be considered as late as July 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester, but applicants are encouraged to send in their materials as early as possible.
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
Webster University in St. Louis offers several masters-level communication programs both on campus and fully online.
What to Know: Webster University offers several on-campus masters in communication programs, including Masters in Strategic Communications.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $750 per credit hour.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for the fall semester is March 30, and September 30 for admission for the spring semester.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Missouri
DRURY UNIVERSITY
Drury University offers its Master of Arts in Communication program in an online and blended format and allows students to choose from an emphasis in Integrated Marketing Communication or Organizational Leadership & Change. For more information about Drury University's Master of Arts in Communication program online, click here.
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
In addition to offering their Master of Arts in Communication program in an online format, Missouri State University also offers an online Master of Professional Study in Applied Communication program. The program is an interdisciplinary program that includes a variety of courses on successful business and communication administration and leadership. For more information about the online Master of Professional Study in Applied Communication program, click here.
PARK UNIVERSITY
Park University offers its Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program in an online format in addition to offering courses on its campuses in Parkville or Fort Bliss, Texas. For more information about Park University's Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership program online, click here.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI
The University of Central Missouri offers their Master of Arts in Communication program as an online program, with courses taught by the same faculty as their on-campus program. For more information about the University of Central Missouri's online program, click here.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
The University of Missouri offers the Master of Arts in Communication degree in a fully online format with the following concentrations: Health Communication, Interactive Media, Media Management, and Strategic Communication. To learn more about the University of Missouri's online programs, click here.
WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
Webster University offers several options for online masters-level communication degrees, including Master of Arts in Advertising and Marketing Communications, Master of Arts in Communication Management, Master of Arts in Media Communications and Master of Arts in Public Relations. To learn more about these programs, click here.
Missouri Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
Columbia, MO
University of Missouri
- Master's - MA in Communication
Campus Based - Website
- 30 credit hours required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Courses at 7000+ level
- Comprehensive exam option
- 15 hours at 8000+ level
- Maximum 8-year completion
- Research methods course
Kansas City, MO
Avila University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Concentration: Marketing - Online Learning - Website
- Online Master's program
- 30 credit hours total
- 14 months to complete
- $18,000 total tuition
- 3 concentration options
- No GRE required
- 2.75 minimum GPA
- Personalized online learning
- Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Concentration: Project Management - Online Learning - Website
- Online Master's Degree
- $18,000 Total Tuition
- 14 Months Program Length
- 30 Credit Hours
- No GRE Required
- 2.75 GPA Admission Requirement
- Multiple Concentration Options
- Career-Focused Curriculum
- Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Concentration: Strategic Human Resources - Online Learning - Website
- Online Master's program
- Total tuition $18,000
- 14-month program length
- 30 credit hours total
- No GRE required
- 2.75 GPA minimum
- Three concentration options
- Career-focused curriculum
Maryville, MO
Northwest Missouri State University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 30 Credit Hours Total
- $11,730 Total Tuition
- As Few as 12 Months
- 7-Week Course Format
- Bachelor's Degree Required
- 2.5 Minimum GPA
- Per Credit Hour Cost: $391
Parkville, MO
Park University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online and on-campus options.
- Designed for career advancement.
- Focus on communication and leadership.
- Prepares for doctoral studies.
- Flexible learning for professionals.
- Capstone course with thesis.
- Individualized instruction available.
- Catering to military personnel.
Saint Louis, MO
Saint Louis University
- Master's - Communication, M.A.
Campus Based - Website
- 30-credit communication master's degree
- Multiple specialization areas
- Three degree completion options
- No minimum GPA requirement
- $1,370 per credit tuition
- Three required core courses
- Assistantships potentially available
- No mandatory GRE scores
- Master's - Communication, M.A.
Concentration: Health Communication - Campus Based - Website
- 30-credit master's degree
- Three degree completion options
- Tuition $1,370 per credit
- No minimum GPA requirement
- Diverse communication concentrations
- Research and applied learning
- Assistantships available
- Professional career preparation
- Master's - Communication, M.A.
Concentration: Intercultural Communication - Campus Based - Website
- 30-credit flexible master's program
- Three degree completion options
- Tuition $1,370 per credit
- No minimum GPA requirement
- Diverse communication focus areas
- GRE scores optional
- International students welcome
- Assistantships available
University of Missouri-St Louis
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Website
- 30-36 credit hours
- On-campus format
- 15-credit-hour core
- Thesis or internship option
- Diverse faculty and student body
- Minimum GPA 3.25 required
- TOEFL iBT 100 for international students
- Prepares for corporate, media careers
Webster University
- Master's - Strategic Communications
Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility
- Focus on digital and social media
- Covers public relations and crisis communication
- Experienced faculty with industry experience
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Prepares for leadership roles in communications
- Integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications
- Emphasizes critical thinking and ethics
Springfield, MO
Missouri State University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Blends theory and practical experience.
- Faculty are published experts.
- Personalized attention and research opportunities.
- Specializations in unique areas.
- Traditional and accelerated degree options.
- Graduate assistantships available.
- Tuition waivers and stipends.
- Prepares for diverse professional environments.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Communication and Culture - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Theory and research focused
- Service-learning opportunities
- Internship programs available
- Published expert faculty
- Specialization options
- Individualized faculty attention
- Research opportunities available
- Traditional and accelerated options
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Conflict - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Traditional and Accelerated options
- Faculty are published experts
- Individualized research opportunities
- Specialization options available
- Graduate assistantships offered
- Service-learning experiences
- Internship opportunities included
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Organizational Communication - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Specialize in unique areas.
- Balance theory and practice.
- Learn from expert faculty.
- Individualized attention available.
- Research opportunities provided.
- Graduate assistantships offered.
- Tuition and fee waivers.
- Living stipends available.