Master’s in Communication in Oregon

Oregon is home to three schools that offer master's-level communication programs. All three schools provide on-campus programs in the Portland area, and offer several options to focus on various places, including strategic communication, journalism, organizational communication, and rhetorical studies. For working professionals, the University of Oregon's program offers evening and weekend classes to better accommodate a busy work schedule. Following graduation, students are prepared for doctoral study, advanced communication careers or employment in Oregon's major industries such as food and beverage, outdoor gear and apparel, forestry and wood products, high technology, and advanced manufacturing. Major companies headquartered in Oregon that may provide employment opportunities include Nike, Lithia Motors, Columbia Sportswear, OshKosh B'gosh, and Precision Castparts, Corp.

2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Oregon

Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Oregon? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools known for their strong communication courses, expert faculty, and great job placement rates. Whether you're into digital media, public relations, or corporate communication, Oregon has options. Want to know how we pick the best? Check out our ranking methodology for details.

#1

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR - Public 4-Year - uoregon.edu

Master's - Communication and Media Studies, MS

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Oregon's Master's in Communication and Media Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed for students eager to explore the complexities of media and its societal impacts. With a strong emphasis on research, this program prepares graduates for careers in academia, media research, and beyond. Students benefit from learning alongside global experts in a collaborative environment that fosters innovative thinking. The curriculum is research-focused, aligning closely with the university's PhD program, and requires a bachelor's degree for admission. Applicants must submit recommendations, a personal statement, a writing sample, and a resume/CV.

  • Interdisciplinary Master's Program
  • Accredited Journalism School
  • R1 Research Institution
  • Bachelor's Degree Required
  • Aligned with PhD Program
  • Research-Focused Curriculum
  • Application Requires Recommendations
  • Personal Statement Needed
  • Writing Sample Required
  • Resume/CV Submission

Master's - Strategic Communication, MS

Campus Based - Visit Website

Designed for mid-career professionals, the University of Oregon's Strategic Communication MS program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in market research, marketing strategies, and campaign planning. Located in Portland, this program emphasizes creativity, leadership, and ethical considerations in professional communication. It's ideal for those looking to advance in public relations, advertising, or corporate communication. The program boasts an award-winning design and addresses contemporary communication issues. Applicants have the option to submit GRE scores and must provide a portfolio as part of the application process.

  • Strategic Communication MS
  • Mid-career professional focus
  • Optional GRE submission
  • Portland campus location
  • Creativity and leadership skills
  • Marketing and ethics curriculum
  • Professional communication emphasis
  • Award-winning program design
  • Contemporary communication issues
  • Application requires portfolio
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR - Public 4-Year - oregonstate.edu

Master's - MA/MS in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Oregon State University's MA/MS in Communication program stands out for its rigorous exploration of symbolic human interaction, blending theoretical and critical perspectives. Designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of communication, the program offers both MA and MS tracks, allowing students to tailor their studies towards research or applied contexts. With a 45-credit requirement, the curriculum emphasizes advanced research methodologies, ethical scholarly practices, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students can specialize in areas like relational, rhetorical, and media theories, culminating in a thesis or creative project. Situated in Corvallis, the program also provides opportunities for internships, enriching the academic experience with practical exposure.

  • Master's degrees: MA and MS
  • Located in Corvallis, Oregon
  • Total program credits: 45
  • Theoretical and research-focused curriculum
  • Multiple theory concentration options
  • Research methods training
  • Thesis or creative work required
  • Scholarly ethics emphasis
  • Interdisciplinary communication approach
  • Elective credits include internships
#3

Portland State University

Portland, OR - Public 4-Year - pdx.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Portland State University's Master of Science in Communication stands out for its comprehensive approach to preparing students for the evolving communication landscape. Situated in the heart of downtown Portland, the program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application across media, technology, and strategic communication fields. With opportunities like Graduate Teaching Assistantships, students gain both financial support and hands-on experience. The curriculum is designed to foster research proficiency and community involvement, equipping graduates to excel in diverse professional environments. Notably, the program features rolling admissions and an accelerated 4+1 option for motivated undergraduates.

  • Master of Science in Communication
  • Downtown Portland campus location
  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships available
  • 4+1 Accelerated graduate program
  • Rolling admissions process
  • Diverse communication focus areas
  • Faculty experts in multiple domains
*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2025 Affordable Oregon Masters in Communication Degree Options

Finding affordable Master's in Communication programs in Oregon is key for students planning their 2025 education. The right program balances quality with low-cost options, making higher education more accessible. Oregon offers a variety of economical choices, ensuring students don't have to compromise on their goals due to high tuition. This table highlights options across the state, from Portland to smaller regions, providing a clear view of what's available. It's a practical tool for comparing cost-effective programs, helping students make informed decisions about their future in communication.

School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of Oregon
  • Fully online or in-person options
  • Located in SOJC Portland
  • Five immersive media electives
  • Core strategic communication classes
  • Courses in VR, AR, XR technologies
  • Hands-on experience creating immersive content
  • Emerging career preparation
  • Research and internship opportunities
  • $15,400 - $23,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $26,200 - $39,300 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Pacific University
  • Fall semester entry only
  • 35 students enrolled annually
  • No GRE required
  • 3.00 overall GPA recommended
  • 25 clinical observation hours needed
  • CSDCAS application required
  • January 15 application deadline
  • Post-baccalaureate option available
  • $30,200 - $45,400 (Graduate)
Portland State University
  • Master of Science in Communication
  • Downtown Portland campus location
  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships available
  • 4+1 Accelerated graduate program
  • Rolling admissions process
  • Diverse communication focus areas
  • Faculty experts in multiple domains
  • $13,800 - $20,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $19,800 - $29,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Federal data: IPEDS 2023, administered by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Keep reading for details on each of the master's in communication programs available in Oregon.

PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Portland State University offers a Master of Science in Communication degree in an on-campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication program is a 46-credit hour program that offers two tracks: a research track which culminates in a thesis and is designed for students interested in Ph.D. programs in communication, and a professional track which culminates in an exam and final project and is designed for students interested in professional careers in communication.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $12,993 for three academic terms (fall, winter and spring) for Oregon residents, and $18,825 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: Portland State University offers courses in 10-week quarters in fall, winter, spring and summer. The M.S. in Communication program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

University of Oregon offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program on its Portland campus.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program is designed for professionals working in public relations, advertising, marketing and corporate communication and courses are offered evenings and weekends. Most students complete the program in two academic years of six 10-week terms.

What Does It Cost?: Tuition as of fall 2018 is approximately $35,460 for Oregon residents and $52,308 for non-residents and international students.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline is November 15 for enrollment the following fall. The second round application deadline is February 15, and the third round application deadline is April 15.

UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND

The University of Portland offers a Master of Arts in Communication program and a Master of Science in Management Communication, both in on-campus formats.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program prepares students for professional communication careers as well as doctoral study, and offers students the choice of these concentrations: journalism, organizational communication and rhetorical studies. The Master of Science in Management Communication is offered in conjunction with the Dr. Robert B. Pamplin, Jr. School of Business and focuses on the role of communication in organizing and developing personnel in organizations.

What Does It Cost?: Tuition for the graduate communication programs is $1,273 per credit hour for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Anything Else?: Applications for both programs are reviewed on a rolling basis, until the following deadlines: July 19 for the fall semester, December 7 for the spring semester and April 12 for the summer semester.

Oregon Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University

  • Master's - MA/MS in Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • Master's degrees: MA and MS
    • Located in Corvallis, Oregon
    • Total program credits: 45
    • Theoretical and research-focused curriculum
    • Multiple theory concentration options
    • Research methods training
    • Thesis or creative work required
    • Scholarly ethics emphasis

Eugene, OR

University of Oregon

  • Master's - Communication and Media Studies, MS

    Campus Based - Website

    • Interdisciplinary Master's Program
    • Accredited Journalism School
    • R1 Research Institution
    • Bachelor's Degree Required
    • Aligned with PhD Program
    • Research-Focused Curriculum
    • Application Requires Recommendations
    • Personal Statement Needed
  • Master's - Strategic Communication, MS

    Campus Based - Website

    • Strategic Communication MS
    • Mid-career professional focus
    • Optional GRE submission
    • Portland campus location
    • Creativity and leadership skills
    • Marketing and ethics curriculum
    • Professional communication emphasis
    • Award-winning program design

Portland, OR

Portland State University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Science in Communication
    • Downtown Portland campus location
    • Graduate Teaching Assistantships available
    • 4+1 Accelerated graduate program
    • Rolling admissions process
    • Diverse communication focus areas
    • Faculty experts in multiple domains
*IPEDS 2023 data, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.