What you’ll learn in this article…
- SDSU and USD are the two primary options for a communication master's in South Dakota, each offering roughly 30 credits.
- SDSU provides fully online, on-campus, and hybrid formats, while USD's M.A. in Communication is primarily campus-based.
- Graduate tuition at both schools falls well below national averages, with assistantships and aid available to reduce costs further.
- The BLS projects strong demand for communication roles, and South Dakota graduates enter fields like public relations, media, and organizational strategy.
South Dakota maintains a focused set of graduate communication programs anchored by two public universities: the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and South Dakota State University in Brookings. USD offers a traditional M.A. in Communication with a Public Relations concentration and flexible thesis or non-thesis tracks. SDSU delivers a Master of Mass Communication fully online alongside on-campus M.A. and M.S. options in Communication Studies and Journalism. Both institutions keep tuition modest compared to out-of-state and private competitors, with in-state graduate rates around $7,000 to $9,000 annually and assistantships that reduce net costs further.
The choice between programs often hinges on format and specialization. Online delivery suits working professionals who cannot relocate, while campus-based tracks appeal to those seeking assistantships, mentorship, and research opportunities. Public relations, organizational communication, media production, and digital strategy each claim distinct curriculum tracks, and graduates enter roles in corporate communications, media management, and nonprofit advocacy. Students weighing neighboring options may also want to compare masters in communication Iowa or master's in communication in Kansas for additional regional perspective. Assistantships at both South Dakota schools typically cover tuition and offer modest stipends, making in-state enrollment particularly affordable for those who qualify.
Best Master's in Communication Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota's communication graduate landscape is compact but focused. The University of South Dakota in Vermillion is the state's primary destination for a master's-level communication degree, offering a flexible M.A. in Communication with a Public Relations concentration alongside several related graduate programs. Below, we break down what USD delivers, what it costs, and what the data tell us about outcomes. A quick note: the net price figure shown reflects the institution-wide average annual cost after grants and scholarships for first-time undergraduates (per College Scorecard methodology), so graduate students should use it as a directional benchmark rather than a precise quote. Likewise, graduation rates are institution-wide and include all degree-seeking undergraduates, not just communication master's candidates. Program-level earnings data for these specific communication degrees are not yet available through federal reporting, though USD's institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment sit at $51,926.
- Graduate program breadth and flexibility
- Institutional graduation and retention rates
- Net price and financial aid availability
- Faculty mentorship and class size
- Career preparation and outcome indicators
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
University of South Dakota
#1Vermillion, SD · $20,000/yr
Best for: PR-focused communicators seeking mentorship
The University of South Dakota is the state's flagship liberal arts university and the only South Dakota institution offering a dedicated M.A. in Communication. The program draws on two departments, Communication Studies and Media & Journalism, giving students unusually broad course access for a smaller program. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, graduate assistantships that include tuition reduction and stipends, and eligibility for WRGP in-state tuition rates for qualifying Western states residents, USD keeps costs manageable while delivering individualized mentorship.
- Two-track structure: Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis with comprehensive exam)
- Public Relations concentration available for strategic communication careers
- Courses drawn from both Communication Studies and Media & Journalism departments
- Graduate assistantships offer tuition reduction plus a stipend
- WRGP reciprocity provides in-state rates for eligible Western-state residents
- Individualized plan of study tailored to each student's career goals
- Prepares graduates for doctoral study or professional leadership roles
- Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation since 1974
- Two-year, full-time program with 375 to 400 clinical practicum hours
- Prepares students for ASHA certification and South Dakota licensure
- Concentrations in Child Language Development and Dyslexia available
- Two full-time externship placements in hospitals, schools, or clinics
- On-campus delivery at USD's Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic
- Military benefits and financial aid accepted
SDSU vs USD: Side-By-Side Communication Program Comparison
South Dakota's two flagship universities each offer a distinct path to a communication master's degree, yet no other resource puts them side by side in one place. Below is a detailed comparison of South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota across the factors that matter most to working professionals: cost, format, program structure, and post-graduation outcomes.
| Feature | South Dakota State University (SDSU) | University of South Dakota (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Name | M.A. in Communication Studies | Master of Arts in Communication |
| Concentrations Available | Communication Studies (general) | Public Relations and other flexible concentration options |
| Total Credits Required | 30 credits | Program credit requirements vary; check USD's graduate catalog for current totals |
| Thesis vs Non-Thesis | Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (comprehensive exam) | Thesis and non-thesis tracks available |
| Typical Duration | 24 months | Approximately 24 months for full-time students |
| Delivery Format | On-campus | On-campus (Vermillion) |
| Annual Tuition, In-State | Contact SDSU for current graduate tuition rates | $7,118 (IPEDS, graduate program level) |
| Annual Tuition, Out-of-State | $12,768 (IPEDS, graduate program level) | |
| Institutional Net Price | Not available for direct comparison | $19,858 (College Scorecard, institutional average) |
| Graduate Assistantships | Available (check department for details) | Graduate teaching assistantships with tuition reduction and stipends |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | Contact SDSU for department-level ratio | 16:1 (institutional average) |
| Median Earnings, 10 Years Post-Entry | Not currently reported at the program level | $51,926 (College Scorecard, institutional median) |
| Median Graduate Debt | Not currently reported at the program level | $23,592 (College Scorecard, institutional median) |
| Institutional Admission Rate | Contact SDSU for graduate admission statistics | 98.8% (College Scorecard, undergraduate institutional rate) |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Online vs On-Campus Communication Master's in South Dakota
South Dakota State University offers three program formats across two credentials: a fully online Master of Mass Communication (MMC), plus on-campus Master of Arts and Master of Science tracks in Communication Studies and Journalism. The University of South Dakota's Master of Arts in Communication is on-campus only. For students who need online delivery, SDSU's MMC is the sole in-state option, but regional alternatives like the University of North Dakota expand the field.
SDSU's Online MMC: Asynchronous, Professionally Focused
SDSU's online MMC delivers asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals. You access recorded lectures, complete assignments, and participate in discussion boards on your own schedule within weekly deadlines. The curriculum emphasizes applied mass communication skills, including strategic messaging, digital media production, and audience analytics, rather than the theoretical research focus of traditional MA and MS tracks. Most students balance full-time jobs while progressing through the program, and the format eliminates commuting to Brookings. If you're considering how an online communication management master's compares, the MMC shares a similar practitioner orientation.
On-Campus MA and MS: Research-Oriented, Thesis Required
SDSU's on-campus Master of Arts and Master of Science programs in Communication Studies and Journalism require a thesis, weekly seminar attendance, and close faculty collaboration. You choose an MA if your undergraduate degree was in communication or a related field; the MS route serves students entering from non-communication backgrounds. Both tracks prepare candidates for doctoral programs or research-intensive roles, with coursework in rhetorical theory, qualitative and quantitative methods, and original scholarship. USD's on-campus MA in Communication follows a similar research-oriented model, offering Public Relations and other concentrations, thesis and non-thesis tracks, and graduate assistantships that reduce tuition.
Regional Online Alternative: University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers an online MA in Communication at $528.36 per credit (the same rate for all states) plus a $185 graduate enrollment fee.1 UND's asynchronous, self-paced delivery gives students even more flexibility than SDSU's MMC, and the program accommodates learners across the upper Midwest and beyond. Students exploring communications masters programs in Minnesota will find UND competitively priced against several of those options as well. If you prefer UND's curriculum, faculty, or specialization tracks, it's a straightforward alternative to SDSU.
Do Employers Distinguish Between Online and On-Campus Degrees?
South Dakota employers, particularly in media, corporate communications, and public agencies, care more about accreditation, portfolio quality, and professional experience than delivery format. SDSU's online MMC carries the same institutional credential as its on-campus degrees, and both UND and SDSU are regionally accredited public universities. Hiring managers typically focus on your capstone project, internship outcomes, and demonstrated skills rather than whether you attended lectures in person or online. If you're pursuing an academic or research career, an on-campus thesis track remains the stronger signal; for practitioner roles, the online MMC holds equal weight.
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Tuition and Financial Aid for South Dakota Communication Graduate Programs
Tuition costs for a communication master's in South Dakota remain well below national averages, and financial aid can shrink them further. The University of South Dakota, the state's primary option for a campus-based MA in Communication, posts modest sticker prices for both resident and non-resident students. Graduate assistantships at USD include a stipend and tuition reduction, and the program participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which extends in-state tuition rates to qualifying students from participating western states. USD's median graduate debt at completion sits at roughly $23,592, a figure that reflects institution-wide borrowing rather than communication-specific debt. If you are weighing cost against return, USD graduates report median earnings of about $51,926 ten years after enrollment. Assistantship applicants should contact the Department of Communication Studies early, as positions are competitive and often awarded on a rolling basis.
Admission Requirements and How to Apply
Gaining admission to a communication master's program in South Dakota requires careful preparation, but the process is straightforward when you know what to expect. South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the University of South Dakota (USD) each set their own requirements, yet most applicants will find familiar components: transcripts, recommendations, and a personal statement.
What Both Programs Typically Ask For
Though details vary by school, the core application materials for SDSU and USD generally include:
- Official transcripts from every institution you've attended, showing a bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA (often a 3.0 minimum, though exceptions may apply).
- Letters of recommendation, usually two or three, from professors or professional supervisors who can speak to your readiness for graduate study.
- A statement of purpose that outlines your academic interests, career goals, and why the program is a fit.
- A current resume highlighting relevant experience.
Some programs may also request a writing sample or a portfolio, particularly if you're focusing on strategic communication or journalism.
Standardized Test Policies
GRE requirements have been shifting nationally. As of 2026, both SDSU and USD typically do not mandate the GRE for their communication master's programs, though applicants with lower GPAs may be encouraged to submit scores to strengthen their file. If you'd prefer to skip the exam entirely, consider exploring online masters in communication no GRE options as well. Always verify the current policy on the program's admissions page, as waivers and optional submissions are common.
Deadlines and Application Timing
Both universities accept applications on a rolling basis for fall admission, but priority deadlines (often February or March) may apply for financial aid or assistantship consideration. USD's program, which includes a Public Relations concentration, allows students to tailor their plan of study with thesis and non-thesis tracks. SDSU's communication graduate offerings similarly permit customization. Applying early increases your chances for funding and preferred course selection.
Admission Selectivity in Context
Looking at the broader picture can help set expectations. At USD, the institutional acceptance rate hovers around 99%, but program-level selectivity for the M.A. in Communication may be higher, especially for competitive assistantships. SDSU's profile is similar: the university admits a high percentage of applicants, yet graduate programs in communication often seek evidence of writing ability, analytical thinking, and professional promise. A solid application, not just meeting the minimums, makes the difference.
Career Outcomes and Salaries for Communication Master's Graduates in South Dakota
Demand for communication professionals with advanced credentials continues to grow as organizations prioritize strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management in an increasingly complex media environment. South Dakota's communication master's graduates enter a job market where specialized training translates directly into competitive salaries and leadership opportunities.
Earnings After Graduation
Program-level earnings data for South Dakota's communication master's programs is not yet published in federal outcome databases, so prospective students should weigh institutional career services reports and regional salary benchmarks when evaluating return on investment. The University of South Dakota's communication master's program reports a calculated ROI ratio of approximately 2.2, suggesting graduates generally recoup their educational investment within a reasonable timeframe based on institutional modeling.
For broader context, BLS data shows public relations specialists in South Dakota earn a mean annual wage of approximately $77,000.1 Nationally, public relations and fundraising managers earn a median of $138,520, while fundraising managers specifically earn a median of $123,480.2 These national figures reflect senior-level positions that communication master's graduates often pursue after gaining initial experience. For a deeper look at the full range of careers with a master's in communication, salary ceilings climb considerably in management tracks.
Specializations and the Jobs They Lead To
Your concentration shapes your career trajectory more than you might expect:
- Organizational Communication: Corporate communications manager, internal communications director, employee engagement specialist
- Strategic Communication: Public relations director, communications strategist, campaign manager
- Public Relations: Media relations manager, crisis communications coordinator, brand manager
- Digital Media: Social media strategist, content marketing director, digital engagement manager
Graduates frequently move into hybrid roles that blend traditional communication functions with digital strategy, particularly as organizations consolidate marketing and communication departments. Students drawn to the organizational track may also want to explore online masters in organizational communication for added flexibility.
Major Employers in South Dakota
South Dakota's communication job market centers on several key sectors. Sanford Health, one of the largest integrated health systems in the region, employs communication professionals across public relations, internal communications, and patient engagement. State government agencies maintain communications teams for public affairs, legislative relations, and constituent outreach.
The Sioux Falls media market, the largest in the state, offers positions at television stations, radio networks, and digital news outlets. Regional advertising and marketing agencies also recruit master's-level candidates for account management and strategic planning roles. Rapid City's tourism sector and the financial services industry throughout the state create additional demand for communication specialists.
Employment Outcomes
Employment rates and earnings thresholds specifically for South Dakota communication master's graduates are not currently reported in federal databases. Students considering these programs should request recent graduate placement data directly from SDSU or USD admissions offices, including information about job placement timelines and starting salary ranges for recent cohorts.
Specializations and Curriculum Highlights
South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota together offer 30-credit master's programs with distinct concentrations that prepare graduates for different communication career paths.12 Understanding the curriculum and specialization options at each school helps you align your degree with your professional goals.
Public Relations and Strategic Communication
USD's Public Relations concentration equips students for roles in corporate communication, crisis management, and nonprofit advocacy. The program blends theory with hands-on campaign development, covering topics such as stakeholder analysis, message strategy, and reputation management. Students choosing this track typically pursue non-thesis capstone projects that mirror industry deliverables, such as integrated communication plans or media audits, making the degree immediately applicable in agency or in-house corporate settings.
Health Communication and Applied Research
SDSU's Communication M.A. offers a Health Communication concentration, pairing core courses like COMM 601 (Communication Theory) and COMM 602 (Research Methods) with advanced electives including COMM 706 (Health Communication), COMM 707 (Organizational Communication), and COMM 735 (Persuasion Theory).1 This track prepares graduates for careers in hospital systems, public health agencies, pharmaceutical communication, and patient advocacy. Students interested in academic or research-intensive roles typically choose Plan A (Thesis), which requires three thesis credits and culminates in original research suitable for conference presentation or publication.1 Those entering applied health communication roles often opt for Plan B (Comprehensive Exam), completing nine elective credits and a written examination instead.
Mass Communication and Digital Analytics
SDSU's Mass Communication M.A. is unique to the state, focusing on journalism, media production, and digital analytics. The curriculum requires JMS 600A and JMS 600B as core courses, a research methods course (JMS 619 or JMS 620), and a theory course (JMS 595 or JMS 701).2 Students pursuing digital analytics careers select applied media courses such as JMS 515 (Digital Media Production), JMS 525 (Data Journalism), JMS 566 (Social Media Strategy), and JMS 590 (Media Analytics).2 Like the Communication M.A., the program offers Plan A (Thesis) for those targeting academic careers or data-science research roles, and Plan B (Comprehensive Exam) for professionals moving into media management, newsroom leadership, or digital strategy positions.
Thesis vs. Capstone: Choosing Your Path
Both SDSU programs require you to declare Plan A or Plan B early in your coursework. Plan A students dedicate three credits to thesis research, working closely with a faculty advisor to design, execute, and defend an original study. This option is essential if you plan to pursue a Ph.D. or a research-intensive career in academia, think tanks, or policy analysis. Plan B students complete additional coursework and pass a comprehensive written examination covering program content. This route suits professionals who want a graduate credential without the time commitment of thesis research, particularly those in mid-career transitions or returning to leadership roles in corporate, nonprofit, or government communication. USD's program similarly offers thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing you to tailor the capstone to your career trajectory. Keeping up with latest trends in communication can also help you decide which path best positions you for the evolving job market.
Unique Offerings by Institution
SDSU is the only South Dakota institution offering a Mass Communication M.A. with a digital analytics emphasis, making it the clear choice for students interested in data-driven journalism, audience measurement, or media tech roles. USD's Public Relations concentration is the only dedicated PR graduate track in the state, positioning it as the go-to program for aspiring corporate communicators, crisis managers, and agency professionals. If your goal is health communication or organizational research, SDSU's Communication M.A. provides specialized coursework not available elsewhere in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Master's Programs in South Dakota
Choosing a graduate program comes with plenty of questions, especially when you are balancing work, family, and coursework. Below are straightforward answers to the questions prospective South Dakota communication master's students ask most often.
- Can I earn a master's in communication entirely online in South Dakota?
- Yes. South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers its Master of Mass Communication (MMC) through SDSU Global Campus in a fully online format, making it accessible to working professionals statewide and beyond. The University of South Dakota (USD) also delivers select graduate coursework online, though program structure may vary. Contact each school's graduate office to confirm the latest delivery options for your intended start term.
- How long does it take to complete a communication master's in South Dakota?
- Most full-time students finish a communication master's degree in about two years. Part-time students, common among working professionals, typically need three years or slightly longer. SDSU has not published a specific completion timeline for its online MMC program as of 2026, so prospective students should reach out to an advisor for a personalized plan based on their course load.
- Is the GRE required for SDSU or USD communication graduate programs?
- Standardized test requirements vary by program and can change from year to year. As of 2026, SDSU has not publicly listed a GRE requirement for the MMC program on its admissions pages. USD policies differ by department. The safest step is to check directly with each school's graduate admissions office or program coordinator well before your application deadline.
- What is the difference between an MA, MS, and MMC in communication?
- An MA (Master of Arts) typically emphasizes theory, research methods, and critical analysis. An MS (Master of Science) often leans toward applied or technical communication skills. An MMC (Master of Mass Communication), like the one offered at SDSU, focuses specifically on media industries, strategic communication, and professional practice. The best fit depends on whether your career goals are more research oriented or industry focused.
- What jobs can I get in South Dakota with a master's in communication?
- Graduates pursue roles such as public relations manager, marketing director, corporate communications specialist, media strategist, and higher education administrator. In South Dakota, major employers include health systems, state government, universities, and regional media organizations. A master's degree can also qualify you for leadership positions and higher salary bands compared to those holding only a bachelor's degree.
- Are graduate assistantships available for communication master's students in South Dakota?
- Graduate assistantships are common at South Dakota's public universities, though availability fluctuates each year. As of 2026, SDSU has not publicly listed assistantship details specific to the online MMC program. On-campus students at both SDSU and USD should inquire with their department early, because assistantships that include tuition waivers and stipends are competitive and often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
