Master’s in Communication in New York
Aspiring communications experts in New York have a wealth of options available to them, from online courses to on campus programs. Several programs are available in the nation's media capital, New York City, while others are found around the Empire State.
New York's major industries, particularly mass media, financial services, tourism, healthcare and retail corporations offer many exciting career opportunities for students graduating from master's in communication programs.
2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in New York
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY - Private 4-year - columbia.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University's on-campus Master of Science in Strategic Communication provides an immersive 16-month program designed to transform communication professionals. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that builds advanced strategic communication competencies through hands-on learning and real-world projects. The program offers an accelerated 12-month option and includes a distinctive Capstone Project collaborating with actual organizations. Ideal candidates possess strong analytical writing skills and preferably 1-2 years professional experience. Entrance requirements emphasize academic excellence, with coursework spanning analytical frameworks, organizational strategies, and industry networking opportunities.
- 16-month full-time program
- Accelerated 12-month option
- On-campus classes
- Capstone Project with real organizations
- Elective classes across Columbia
- Networking with industry executives
- Access to Columbia's global alumni network
- Optional graduate-level internship
- Small class sizes
- Individualized feedback
Master's - Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University's hybrid Master of Science in Strategic Communication offers a flexible online program tailored for working communication professionals seeking advanced skill development. Participants can complete the degree in 24-36 months through part-time, primarily weeknight coursework with occasional residencies. The innovative curriculum focuses on developing digital strategies, stakeholder assessment techniques, and cutting-edge communication approaches. Designed to accommodate both early and experienced career professionals, the program provides synchronous online learning, small class sizes, and opportunities for meaningful industry networking and professional growth.
- Part-time online with residencies
- Flexible 24-36 month completion
- Two professional experience cohorts
- Synchronous online coursework
- Real-world capstone project
- Small class sizes
- Networking with industry executives
- Access to Columbia resources
- Suitable for full-time professionals
- Academically rigorous curriculum
St Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure, NY - Private 4-year - sbu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marketing Communication
Online Learning - Visit Website
St. Bonaventure University's Master of Arts in Marketing Communication represents an innovative online program tailored for communication professionals seeking strategic storytelling expertise. The curriculum emphasizes design thinking and compelling content creation across digital and traditional media platforms. Students benefit from ACEJMC accreditation, developing advanced skills in conceptual planning and ethical communication. Admission requirements include a 2.8 undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, and a comprehensive essay. The program uniquely prepares graduates for leadership roles in marketing communications, offering flexible learning paths and industry-aligned coursework that cultivates sophisticated communication strategies.
- Fully online flexible program
- ACEJMC-accredited communication school
- Design thinking skills development
- Customizable elective options
- 2.8 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Two recommendation letters required
- $1,000 Graduate Scholarship available
- Focus on strategic communication
- Prepares for marketing leadership roles
- Industry-aligned curriculum
Master's - Master of Arts in Digital Journalism
Online Learning - Visit Website
St. Bonaventure University's Master of Arts in Digital Journalism provides an immersive online experience for aspiring digital storytellers transforming contemporary media landscapes. This 30-credit program equips students with advanced reporting techniques, ethical journalism principles, and innovative communication technologies. Emphasizing digital storytelling across multiple platforms, students develop comprehensive skills in crafting compelling narratives while maintaining professional standards. The curriculum integrates foundational journalism principles with cutting-edge digital methodologies, preparing graduates to excel in diverse news organizations. Admission requires a 2.5 undergraduate GPA, writing sample submission, and commitment to professional communication excellence.
- 30-credit master's program
- Digital journalism focus
- Undergraduate GPA 2.5+ required
- Writing sample needed
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for graduation
- Digital project presentation required
- Ethical journalism emphasis
- Diverse digital storytelling skills
- Advanced reporting techniques
- Social media storytelling course
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - baruch.cuny.edu
Master's - MA in Strategic Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College's MA in Strategic Communication is a dynamic 36-credit program designed for ambitious professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. Tailored for working students, the program offers flexible evening classes and part-time options, allowing participants to complete their degree in approximately two years. With a comprehensive curriculum featuring five mandatory courses and seven electives, students develop sophisticated communication strategies applicable across economic sectors including for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations. The program's unique structure emphasizes personalized learning, enabling students to customize their academic journey through varied elective options and a culminating thesis or capstone project. Graduates emerge as strategic communication leaders equipped with cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- 36 Credits
- Evening classes
- Full-time or part-time
- 5 Required Courses
- 7 Elective Courses
- Thesis or Capstone
- 70-75 students
- Classes limited to 28
- 2 years full time
- 6:05-9:00 pm EST
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY - Public 4-Year - buffalo.edu
Master's - Communication MA
Campus Based - Visit Website
University at Buffalo's Master's in Communication provides a comprehensive academic journey for students targeting careers in academia, business, and government. The two-year program demands 36 credit hours and delivers intensive in-person instruction focusing on communication theory and advanced research methodologies. Graduates gain scholarly insights into communication processes, with a curriculum designed to cultivate critical analytical skills. Prospective students should be prepared for a $75 application fee and meet rigorous admissions standards. The program emphasizes practical and theoretical knowledge, positioning students for diverse professional opportunities in communication-related fields.
- 36 credit hours required
- 2 years to complete
- Full-time study option
- In-person instruction
- $75 application fee
- Focus on communication theory
- Research methodologies emphasis
- Prepares for academia, business, government
- Terminal master's degree offered
- Scholarly study of communication process
Master's - Communication MA
Concentration: Misinformation and society - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University at Buffalo's Communication MA in Misinformation and Society offers a cutting-edge research-driven curriculum exploring complex communication landscapes. Students delve into critical areas like digital media, political discourse, and emerging misinformation dynamics. The flexible program supports individualized academic goals, allowing students to align research with faculty expertise. With innovative methodological training, graduates develop sophisticated analytical skills to understand contemporary communication challenges. The program breaks traditional communication tracks, providing a transformative educational experience that prepares scholars and professionals to critically examine information ecosystems and societal communication patterns.
- No traditional communication tracks
- Flexible research-driven curriculum
- Broad communication theory focus
- Innovative research methodologies
- Multiple research concentration areas
- Supports individual academic goals
- Practical communication theory application
Master's - Communication MA
Concentration: Digital and social media - Campus Based - Visit Website
University at Buffalo's Digital and Social Media Communication MA provides an innovative, research-intensive graduate experience. Students engage with advanced digital communication theories, exploring emerging media landscapes and technological communication paradigms. The program's flexible structure enables personalized academic paths, supporting individual research interests across six primary focus areas. Emphasizing theoretical understanding and practical application, students develop sophisticated digital communication skills. Graduates are prepared for dynamic careers in digital media, research, and communication strategy, with comprehensive training in cutting-edge research methodologies and digital communication trends.
- Flexible research-focused program
- No traditional communication tracks
- Six primary research focus areas
- Emphasizes theoretical understanding
- Supports individual academic goals
- Research methodology training
- Practical communication theory application
Master's - Communication MA
Concentration: Health communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Health Communication MA at University at Buffalo offers a sophisticated, research-driven program targeting students passionate about communication in healthcare contexts. Participants explore intricate communication dynamics in medical settings, examining theoretical frameworks and practical applications. The curriculum provides comprehensive training in health communication theories, research methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students benefit from a flexible, faculty-guided environment that supports individual academic and career development goals. Graduates emerge equipped to analyze, design, and implement effective communication strategies in healthcare organizations, research institutions, and public health sectors.
- Flexible research-focused program
- No traditional communication tracks
- Emphasizes theoretical understanding
- Research methodology training
- Diverse research focus areas
- Individual academic support
- Supports career development goals
State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, NY - Public 4-Year - newpaltz.edu
Master's - MA in Strategic Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
SUNY New Paltz's MA in Strategic Communication offers a dynamic, fully online program tailored for communication professionals seeking advanced skills. With a specialized emphasis on nonprofit communication and sustainability, students develop comprehensive strategic communication competencies. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling graduates to tackle complex communication challenges effectively. Featuring flexible full-time and part-time tracks, the program accommodates working professionals. Candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA, submit professional recommendations, and complete an admission essay. Students can choose between a thesis or applied research capstone, providing versatile pathways for academic and professional growth.
- 33 total program credits
- Completed within 2 years
- Fully online degree
- Full-time or part-time options
- Thesis or applied research capstone
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Professional recommendation needed
- Admission essay required
- Seven elective courses
- Six transferable credits allowed
2025 Affordable New York Masters in Communication Degree Options
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| State University of New York at Oswego |
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Pace University
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See below for details about master's in communications programs available in New York.
ITHACA COLLEGE
Ithaca College offers a Master of Science in Communication Innovation program as an online course of study.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication Innovation is a 24-month online master's degree with 7 to 10 hours of work per week that can be completed when it is convenient for working professional students.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition for the MS degree in Communication Innovation is $56,000, not including travel expenses for destination intensive courses. Students are permitted to divide tuition costs into four payments (one per semester) of $14,000.
Anything Else?: Students choose five long-weekend destination intensive courses to supplement online learning, offered in various sites over the program's two years.
RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy offers a traditional on campus Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric program.
What to Know: The Ph.D. program in Communication and Rhetoric offers a multidisciplinary curriculum in communication, culture, design and media.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition is $51,000 per year for full-time students.
SUNY - UNIVERSITY OF ALBANY
SUNY in Albany offers a Master of Arts in Communication program that is accessible to both full-time students and working professionals with evening, online and hybrid courses.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program prepares students for careers in communication professions within a variety of contexts: political, organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, technology and health. The program allows students to choose from one of the following concentrations: health communication, interpersonal and intercultural communication, organizational communication or political communication.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition is $453 per credit for New York residents, and $925 per credit for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The deadline for applications is July 15 for a fall semester program start, and November 1 for a spring semester start.
SUNY - OSWEGO
SUNY College in Oswego offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program online and in an on campus classroom format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to select one of three tracks in the 34-credit program: Integrated Media & Social Networks, Health Communication and Organizational Communication.
What Does It Cost?: The cost per credit hour is $453 for New York residents, and $925 for non-residents.
Anything Else?: SUNY - Oswego reviews applications on a rolling basis.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY - NEWHOUSE SCHOOL
Syracuse University's Newhouse School offers a variety of master's level communications degrees.
What to Know: Among the many master's level communications programs at the Newhouse School, students can choose from degree programs in advertising, arts journalism, broadcast & digital journalism, communications management, media and education, media studies, public diplomacy, public relations and television, radio & film.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition and fees vary depending on the program selected. For more information about the current costs of each program, please visit the tuition and financial aid page.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for the on campus master's level programs is January 15. For more information about these deadlines, please visit the admissions requirements page.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY - COLLEGE OF VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
Syracuse University's College of Visual & Performing Arts offers a Master of Arts in Communication & Rhetorical Studies program.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication & Rhetorical Studies program offers a strong academic research focus and is aimed at students who plan to pursue a doctoral-level education.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition is $1,559 per credit hour for graduate students at the College of Visual & Performing Arts.
Anything Else?: The application deadline is February 1 for admission in the fall.
Buffalo Master’s in Communication Programs
SUNY - UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO
SUNY in Buffalo offers a Master of Arts in Comunication program that is offered in a traditional, on campus format.
What to Know: The 36-credit program focuses on the scholarly study of the communication process, with coursework focusing on communication theory and research methodologies. It is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees for New York residents is $13,383 per year, and $24,723.50 per year for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for students requesting financial aid is January 15. For all other students, applications will be processed until classes start in the fall.
New York City Master’s in Communication Programs
BARUCH COLLEGE
Baruch College in New York City offers a Master of Arts in Corporate Communication program in a traditional classroom format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Corporate Communication program is designed for working professionals, with classes offered in the evenings and can be completed in three semesters.
What Does It Cost?: The cost per credit for New York residents is $425, and $780 per credit for non-residents and international students. There is also an academic excellence fee of $500 per semester.
Anything Else?: The MA in Corporate Communication is a 36-credit hour program that consists of six required courses and six elective courses, with classes taking place from 6:05 - 9:00 p.m.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Columbia University in New York City offers an Executive Master of Science of Strategic Communication hybrid program that combines online study with on campus classroom work.
What to Know: The Executive Master of Science of Strategic Communication program is designed for experienced communication professionals and those in leadership positions in a wide range of industries who wish to become experts in communication.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition for the Executive Master of Science program is $2,018 per point, which does not include fees, texts and course materials. A full summary of fees can be found here.
Anything Else?: Each semester features a combination of multi-day intensive study, weekend classes and online activities and engagement. When not at Columbia, students access resources, submit assignments and communication via an online learning platform.
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY – STEINHART
New York University's Steinhardt in New York City offers a Master of Arts in Media, Culture and Communication in an on campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Media, Culture and Communication program focuses on the study of global media and culture, digital media and new technologies, media history and theory, political communication and more. The 36-credit hour program can be taken full- or part-time.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition is $1,660 per credit hour for graduate studies at NYU Steinhardt.
Anything Else?: The deadline for applications is February 1 for a fall semester program start.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in New York
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Fordham offers a graduate level Strategic Marketing Communications program that is delivered in an online format.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Strategic Marketing Communications program is designed to be completed in four consecutive terms. The curriculum includes courses on media strategy, crisis communications, consumer behavior, market research analysis, and more.
What Does It Cost?: MS program tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 school year are $1,511 per credit for continuing students (started prior to Fall 2017), and $1,555 per credit for new students (started Fall 2017 or later).
Anything Else?: While the coursework is delivered online, all students are required to come to New York twice during their program for residencies at leading advertising, PR, and marketing firms.
MARIST COLLEGE
Marist College in Poughkeepsie offers students two options for online master's-level communication degrees.
What to Know: The online Integrated Marketing Communication Master's program focuses on digital interactive marketing and strategic communication tactics, with courses offered in public relations, social media, marketing research, branding, strategy and global marketing insights.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition for both online programs is $800 per credit hour.
Anything Else?: Applications for fall enrollment are due by August 1.
ST. BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY
St. Bonaventure University offers a Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) that is 100% online.
What to Know: The Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications program can be completed in as little as one year - two seven-week courses per semester. The curriculum addresses topics such as creative message strategy, new media, and marketing communications research.
What Does It Cost?: The cost to attend St. Bonaventure's IMC program is $24,915 total, or $755 per credit hour.
Anything Else?: Students are able to customize their IMC program curriculum with two electives.
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Syracuse’s Newhouse School portfolio of programs includes a fully online Master of Science in Communication program; choose from three specializations: Public Relations, Advertising and Journalism Innovation.
Anything Else?: The online program offers four start dates per year with differing application deadlines. For more information about these deadlines, please visit the admissions requirements page.
New York Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
Albany, NY
University at Albany
- Master's - MA Communication
Concentration: Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Master of Arts in Communication.
- Concentrations in four areas.
- Research project or practicum option.
- Rolling admissions for Fall, Spring, Summer.
- Transcripts required for application.
- Three letters of recommendation needed.
- Statement of goals required.
- Writing sample submission.
- Master's - MA Communication
Concentration: Organizational Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Four concentration areas available
- Internship and research opportunities
- No GRE scores required
- Rolling admissions for Fall/Spring/Summer
- Accelerated BA/MA option
- Capstone research or practicum
- Multiple career path opportunities
- Mentorship from active faculty
- Master's - MA Communication
Concentration: Political Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Four concentration areas available
- No GRE scores required
- Internship opportunities offered
- Research or practicum capstone
- Accelerated BA/MA option
- Rolling admissions
- Three recommendation letters needed
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Buffalo, NY
University at Buffalo
- Master's - Communication MA
Campus Based - Website
- 36 credit hours required
- 2 years to complete
- Full-time study option
- In-person instruction
- $75 application fee
- Focus on communication theory
- Research methodologies emphasis
- Prepares for academia, business, government
- Master's - Communication MA
Concentration: Digital and social media - Campus Based - Website
- Flexible research-focused program
- No traditional communication tracks
- Six primary research focus areas
- Emphasizes theoretical understanding
- Supports individual academic goals
- Research methodology training
- Practical communication theory application
- Master's - Communication MA
Concentration: Health communication - Campus Based - Website
- Flexible research-focused program
- No traditional communication tracks
- Emphasizes theoretical understanding
- Research methodology training
- Diverse research focus areas
- Individual academic support
- Supports career development goals
- Master's - Communication MA
Concentration: Misinformation and society - Campus Based - Website
- No traditional communication tracks
- Flexible research-driven curriculum
- Broad communication theory focus
- Innovative research methodologies
- Multiple research concentration areas
- Supports individual academic goals
- Practical communication theory application
Cortland, NY
State University of New York at Cortland
- Master's - Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Campus Based - Website
- 58 credit hours required.
- Includes clinical experience.
- Prepares for ASHA certification.
- Leads to NY State Licensure.
- Teacher certification available.
- Accredited by CAA.
- High completion rate.
- 100% employment rate.
New Paltz, NY
State University of New York at New Paltz
- Master's - MA in Strategic Communication
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 33 total program credits
- Completed within 2 years
- Fully online degree
- Full-time or part-time options
- Thesis or applied research capstone
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Professional recommendation needed
- Admission essay required
New York, NY
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
- Master's - MA in Strategic Communication
Campus Based - Website
- 36 Credits
- Evening classes
- Full-time or part-time
- 5 Required Courses
- 7 Elective Courses
- Thesis or Capstone
- 70-75 students
- Classes limited to 28
Columbia University in the City of New York
- Master's - Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Campus Based - Website
- 16-month full-time program
- Accelerated 12-month option
- On-campus classes
- Capstone Project with real organizations
- Elective classes across Columbia
- Networking with industry executives
- Access to Columbia's global alumni network
- Optional graduate-level internship
- Master's - Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time online with residencies
- Flexible 24-36 month completion
- Two professional experience cohorts
- Synchronous online coursework
- Real-world capstone project
- Small class sizes
- Networking with industry executives
- Access to Columbia resources
New York University
- Master's - MA in Media, Culture, and Communication
Campus Based - Website
- Master of Arts in Media, Communication
- 36 total program credits
- Full-time or part-time options
- No GRE required
- Global media focus
- Study abroad opportunities
- Two recommendation letters needed
- Statement of purpose required
- Master's - Master of Arts in Media, Culture, and Communication
Campus Based - Website
- Master of Arts degree
- 36 total credits required
- Full-time or part-time format
- No GRE required
- Two letters of recommendation
- 800-1000 word statement of purpose
- Academic and career goals statement
- International applicants welcome
Rochester, NY
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Master's - Communication MS
Campus Based - Website
- Future-focused communication curriculum
- 5 key research areas
- Optional cooperative education
- STEM-adjacent program
- 30 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- No entrance exam required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended