Master’s in Communication in South Dakota

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South Dakota is home to two schools with master's in communication programs. South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota offer on-campus programs preparing students for doctoral study and advanced communication-related careers. In addition, South Dakota State University offers a fully online program that may suit students living in mainly rural areas or who need to complete their degrees while working full-time. South Dakota's major industries may employ graduates in agriculture, bioscience, energy, and information technology. The state's largest employers include Avera Health, state and local government, Citibank South Dakota, Smithfield Packaged Meats, and Farrell Gas.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota offers several compelling master's in communication programs that prepare students for dynamic careers in media, public relations, and digital communication. Our team at Masters in Communications has carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top communication graduate programs based on academic excellence, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. These rankings provide prospective students with critical insights into the best educational opportunities across South Dakota's universities. Students can expect comprehensive curricula that blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for today's evolving communication landscape. For a detailed understanding of our comprehensive ranking process, please review our ranking methodology.
#1

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of South Dakota's Master of Arts in Communication delivers a comprehensive academic experience designed to cultivate advanced communication expertise. Students explore intricate communication theories and practical applications across interpersonal, organizational, and media landscapes. The program's flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks accommodate diverse career aspirations, whether targeting doctoral studies, teaching, or professional leadership roles. Graduate students benefit from small class sizes, expert faculty mentorship, and opportunities like graduate assistantships. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, research methodology, and developing sophisticated communication strategies. With robust training in communication studies and media journalism, graduates emerge prepared for dynamic professional environments and potential further academic pursuits.

  • Master's in Communication
  • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
  • Tailored academic plan
  • Interpersonal identities focus
  • Culture and organizational life
  • Traditional and new media
  • Small faculty-student ratio
  • Graduate Assistantship opportunities
  • WRGP in-state tuition rates
  • Broad career opportunities
*Based on data from: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

2026 Affordable South Dakota Masters in Communication Degree Options

Pursuing a master's in communication can open doors to exciting career opportunities across South Dakota, from Sioux Falls to Rapid City. Students seeking advanced education need affordable options that won't burden them with excessive debt. Understanding the importance of accessible graduate programs, we've researched communication master's degrees that offer quality education at reasonable tuition rates. These programs are designed to help professionals enhance their skills without breaking the bank. The following table highlights schools providing excellent communication master's degrees, showcasing program strengths and financial ranges that make advanced education achievable for working professionals and recent graduates throughout the state.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of South Dakota
  • On-campus two-year program
  • ASHA accredited since 1974
  • 60-78 total credit hours
  • Minimum 375 clinical hours
  • Prepares for professional certification
  • Diverse clinical practice settings
  • Two external internship placements
  • Treats speech, language disorders
  • $5,700 - $8,500 (Graduate In-State)
  • $10,200 - $15,300 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Data source: NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2023.

Read on for details regarding the master's in communication programs offered in South Dakota.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

South Dakota State University offers a Master of Arts/Master of Science in Communication Studies & Journalism program on campus in Brookings and an online Master of Mass Communication program.

What to Know: The on-campus Master of Arts/Master of Science in Communication Studies & Journalism allows students to specialize in either Journalism (M.A. degree) or Communication Studies (M.S. degree). The Master of Arts degree program culminates in either a master's thesis or a research paper, and the Master of Science degree culminates in a master's thesis. Both programs prepare students for doctoral study and/or professional communication-related careers.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $369 per credit hour for South Dakota residents and $760 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline for the program is February 1 for enrollment in the fall. After this deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

The University of South Dakota offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on their campus in Vermillion.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 36-credit hour program that allows students to customize their coursework to their particular interests and career goals. The program culminates in either a thesis or comprehensive exam.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $379 per credit hour for South Dakota residents and $680 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline for the program is March 31 for enrollment in the fall.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in South Dakota

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

South Dakota State University offers an online Master's of Mass Communication program that prepares students for professional careers in communication and is designed to be completed in less than two years. For more information about South Dakota State University's online master's program, click here.

South Dakota Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

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Vermillion, SD

University of South Dakota

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Communication
    • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
    • Tailored academic plan
    • Interpersonal identities focus
    • Culture and organizational life
    • Traditional and new media
    • Small faculty-student ratio
    • Graduate Assistantship opportunities
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.