Master’s in Communication in Nevada

Nevada is home to two schools that offer master's-level communication programs. Both programs are offered in traditional on-campus formats, one in Las Vegas and the other in Reno. These programs aim to prepare students for Ph.D. programs and careers in communication following graduation. Major employers in Nevada that may provide employment opportunities for recent graduates include the many hotels, resorts and hospitality companies that call Las Vegas and its surrounding areas home, such as MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands, two of the state's largest employers. Other employment opportunities may be found at marketing, graphic design, and public relations companies based in Las Vegas, as well as local media outlets (i.e. newspapers, radio, and television stations) in Las Vegas, Reno, and smaller towns nearby.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Nevada

Nevada offers dynamic and cutting-edge communication programs that prepare students for innovative careers in media, digital communication, and public relations. Masters in Communications has carefully evaluated and ranked the top communication graduate programs across the Silver State, providing prospective students with comprehensive insights into academic excellence and professional opportunities. Our rankings consider factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, curriculum innovation, and career placement success. Whether you're seeking to advance your skills in corporate communications, journalism, or strategic media, Nevada's graduate programs provide robust educational pathways. For a detailed understanding of our comprehensive evaluation process, check out our https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.
#1

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV - Public 4-Year - unr.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Concentration: relationships and family - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Nevada-Reno's Master of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in relationships and family communication provides an innovative academic pathway for students passionate about understanding interpersonal dynamics. This program uniquely explores communication strategies that illuminate complex relationship patterns, emphasizing social justice and ethical communication principles. Students engage in comprehensive research methodologies, examining familial interactions through advanced theoretical frameworks. Graduates emerge prepared for diverse professional roles in counseling, community development, organizational consulting, and academic research. The curriculum offers flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks, accommodating varied career aspirations while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Specialization in multiple tracks
  • Social justice communication focus
  • Career prep for multiple fields
  • Diverse communication methodologies
  • Teaching assistantships available
  • Fall semester applications
  • Graduate School admission requirements
  • Interpersonal communication emphasis
  • Organizational communication track

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Concentration: organizational communication - Campus Based - Visit Website

Designed for professionals seeking advanced organizational communication expertise, the University of Nevada-Reno's Master of Arts in Communication Studies provides a strategic learning environment. This concentration equips students with sophisticated analytical skills to navigate complex workplace communication challenges. Participants explore organizational behavior, leadership communication strategies, and institutional dynamics through research-driven coursework. The program emphasizes practical applications, preparing graduates for leadership roles in corporate settings, consulting firms, and human resources departments. With flexible thesis options and a commitment to social justice principles, students develop critical communication competencies that transcend traditional organizational boundaries.

  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Specialization in multiple areas
  • Social justice focused curriculum
  • Diverse career preparation
  • Intercultural communication emphasis
  • Organizational communication track
  • Research methodology training
  • Teaching assistantships available
  • Fall semester admission
  • Prepares for Ph.D. programs

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Concentration: intercultural communication - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Nevada-Reno's Master of Arts in Communication Studies featuring an intercultural communication concentration offers a transformative academic experience for global communication professionals. Students critically examine cross-cultural communication patterns, exploring nuanced interactions across diverse cultural contexts. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, preparing graduates to navigate complex international communication landscapes. Participants develop sophisticated skills in cultural sensitivity, comparative communication strategies, and global rhetoric. With emphasis on social justice and ethical communication principles, this program cultivates professionals capable of bridging cultural divides in academic, diplomatic, corporate, and non-profit environments.

  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Specialized communication tracks
  • Social justice focus
  • Diverse career preparation
  • Interpersonal communication emphasis
  • Graduate teaching assistantships available
  • Fall semester applications
  • Multiple concentration areas
  • Intercultural communication studies
  • Rhetorical studies option
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - unlv.edu

Master's - Master of Arts - Communication Studies

Campus Based - Visit Website

UNLV's Master of Arts in Communication Studies presents a robust academic journey through two innovative tracks: Thesis and Professional Project. Students delve into sophisticated communication theories while developing advanced skills in interpersonal, organizational, and public communication domains. The program emphasizes critical research methodologies, professional communication strategies, and ethical communication principles. Graduates gain comprehensive analytical capabilities, preparing them for diverse career trajectories in academic, corporate, and media environments. With a curriculum designed to cultivate deep communication expertise, students explore small group dynamics, media studies, and relational communication strategies. Military-friendly and focused on practical and theoretical learning, this program equips scholars with transformative communication competencies.

  • Two degree track options
  • Focuses on Relational Communication
  • Public Communication emphasis
  • Research and professional paths
  • Interpersonal communication expertise
  • Small group communication focus
  • Organizational communication skills
  • Advanced research methods training
  • Ethical communication principles
  • Media studies component
*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2023 institutional survey.

2026 Affordable Nevada Masters in Communication Degree Options

Nevada offers promising opportunities for students seeking master's degrees in communication through affordable programs across the state. Aspiring communication professionals can find budget-friendly options in key regions like Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City. These programs help students develop critical skills without overwhelming financial burden, focusing on practical training and real-world communication strategies. By selecting low-cost educational pathways, students can advance their careers while managing educational expenses effectively. The following table highlights several Nevada-based communication master's programs that provide high-quality education at accessible tuition rates, ensuring that career advancement remains within reach for motivated learners throughout the Silver State.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
  • Multiple program track options
  • Converged media curriculum
  • Digital broadcast facility
  • Innovative media technologies
  • Research-focused graduate program
  • Career preparation across platforms
  • Theoretical and practical knowledge
  • Critical thinking development
  • $5,600 - $8,400 (Graduate In-State)
  • $19,100 - $28,700 (Graduate Non-Resident)
University of Nevada-Reno
  • 30 total graduate credits required
  • Three specialized study tracks
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Professional project or thesis option
  • Graduate assistantships available
  • Research grants up to $500
  • Multimedia storytelling focus
  • Graduate faculty mentorship
  • $5,300 - $7,900 (Graduate In-State)
  • $18,800 - $28,200 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*IPEDS 2023 statistics, sourced from NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Keep reading for additional information about Nevada's two master's in communication programs:

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA - LAS VEGAS

The University of Nevada in Las Vegas offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program as a traditional on-campus program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program allows students to choose from two emphases: Interpersonal Communication or Rhetorical Studies. Students also choose from a professional track that prepares graduates for careers in communication following graduation or a Ph.D. track that prepares them for doctoral study.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for full-time students for the 2017-2018 academic year was $6,158 per semester for Nevada residents, and $20,346 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for the fall semester is March 1, and November 1 for the spring.

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA - RENO

The University of Nevada in Reno offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program in an on-campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program has a thesis or non-thesis option, and offers students the choice of concentrating their studies on the interpersonal, organizational or public areas of conflict management.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the fall 2018 semester is $274 per credit hour for Nevada residents, and an additional $7,236 for non-residents who are taking 7 credits or more.

Anything Else?: Students can begin their studies in the fall or spring semesters. The application deadline for the fall semester is February 1, and October 1 for the spring.

Nevada Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

Las Vegas, NV

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

  • Master's - Master of Arts - Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two degree track options
    • Focuses on Relational Communication
    • Public Communication emphasis
    • Research and professional paths
    • Interpersonal communication expertise
    • Small group communication focus
    • Organizational communication skills
    • Advanced research methods training

Reno, NV

University of Nevada-Reno

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Concentration: intercultural communication - Campus Based - Website

    • Thesis and non-thesis options
    • Specialized communication tracks
    • Social justice focus
    • Diverse career preparation
    • Interpersonal communication emphasis
    • Graduate teaching assistantships available
    • Fall semester applications
    • Multiple concentration areas
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Concentration: organizational communication - Campus Based - Website

    • Thesis and non-thesis options
    • Specialization in multiple areas
    • Social justice focused curriculum
    • Diverse career preparation
    • Intercultural communication emphasis
    • Organizational communication track
    • Research methodology training
    • Teaching assistantships available
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Concentration: relationships and family - Campus Based - Website

    • Thesis and non-thesis options
    • Specialization in multiple tracks
    • Social justice communication focus
    • Career prep for multiple fields
    • Diverse communication methodologies
    • Teaching assistantships available
    • Fall semester applications
    • Graduate School admission requirements
*Source documentation: IPEDS 2023 Technical Review Panel report, NCES.