Master’s in Communication in Tennessee
Tennessee offers four schools with master's in communication programs, including traditional on-campus programs, a fully online program, and a hybrid classroom/online program. Aspiring communications experts in Tennessee also have the opportunity to concentrate their studies in various areas, including public relations, journalism, rhetoric and media studies, and advertising. Graduates of these programs may go on to doctoral studies in communication, teaching positions, or professional careers in the media, advertising, marketing, public relations, corporate communications, or non-profit and government organizations. Major companies that call Tennessee home include FedEx, Dollar General, Community Health Systems, AutoZone, International Paper and HCA Healthcare. Additionally, many local media outlets (television, radio, and print) in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Jackson, and Chattanooga, as well as advertising, public relations, and marketing companies in these cities, may offer employment opportunities to communications program graduates.
2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Tennessee
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN - Public 4-Year - apsu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: General Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University's Master of Arts in Communication Arts provides a comprehensive online learning experience focused on general communication strategies. The program delivers flexible 8-week course terms that accommodate working professionals and traditional students, enabling personalized academic progression. Students explore diverse communication domains including public relations, marketing, and social media theories. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for multifaceted communication careers. With a strategic approach to learning, the program offers hands-on training, faculty mentorship, and opportunities for professional skill development across various communication sectors.
- All-online program
- 8-week course terms
- Flexible for working professionals
- Diverse elective options
- Focus on practical experience
- Prepares for various careers
- Includes public relations
- Marketing communication focus
- Social media theories
- Admission requirements detailed
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Corporate Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University's Corporate Communication concentration within the Master of Arts program equips professionals with advanced strategic communication skills. Designed for career-driven individuals, the online curriculum focuses on developing expertise in public relations, media management, and organizational communication. Students engage with experienced faculty, exploring comprehensive communication frameworks that prepare them for leadership roles. The program's flexible 8-week terms allow seamless integration of academic learning with professional responsibilities, offering personalized elective selections and research methods training to enhance career opportunities in corporate communication landscapes.
- Fully online graduate program
- Flexible 8-week course terms
- Corporate communication concentration
- Diverse career preparation paths
- Professional communication faculty
- Personalized elective selection
- Research methods training
- Optional master's thesis track
- Real-world communication skills
- Multiple communication career options
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Marketing Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University's Marketing Communication concentration delivers a robust online Master of Arts program tailored for communication professionals. Focusing on cutting-edge media strategies and professional communication techniques, students gain comprehensive insights into social media dynamics, strategic planning, and integrated marketing approaches. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to develop sophisticated communication skills. With experienced industry faculty, flexible 8-week terms, and diverse elective options, the program prepares graduates for innovative marketing communication roles across multiple professional environments.
- Fully online MA program
- 8-week convenient terms
- Diverse elective options
- Flexible professional schedules
- Optional master's thesis
- Experienced industry faculty
- Career-focused curriculum
- Multiple communication career paths
- Personalized academic advising
- Research methods training
The University of Tennessee-Martin
Martin, TN - Public 4-Year - utm.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Tennessee-Martin's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication delivers a robust hybrid program tailored for working professionals seeking advanced communication skills. Strategically designed to blend online flexibility with minimal campus engagement, the program cultivates expertise in corporate communications, social media marketing, and project management. Students benefit from comprehensive training in strategic planning, leadership development, and ethical communication practices. The program uniquely offers potential GRE/GMAT requirement waivers for candidates with substantial professional experience, enabling seamless academic progression. Graduates emerge prepared to navigate complex communication landscapes across diverse industries, equipped with practical skills and strategic insights that drive professional advancement.
- Flexible online coursework
- Minimal on-campus attendance
- Focus on strategic communication
- Corporate communications skills
- Social media marketing
- Project management training
- Strategic planning emphasis
- Leadership development
- Ethical practices in communication
- GRE/GMAT waiver available
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - trevecca.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Online Learning - Visit Website
Trevecca Nazarene University's Master of Science in Strategic Communication offers a dynamic online program launching spring 2024, designed to cultivate exceptional communication leaders. Students explore comprehensive domains including media relations, crisis communication, digital strategy, and leadership development. The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making and powerful storytelling techniques, preparing professionals to navigate complex organizational communication landscapes. A distinctive four-week, self-paced online training series on crisis communication provides additional professional development opportunities. With a focus on digital and social media skills, video production training, and strategic messaging, graduates emerge equipped to drive impactful communication strategies across diverse organizational environments. The program reflects Trevecca's commitment to developing versatile, principled communication professionals.
- Online program
- Starts spring 2024
- Focus on ethical decision-making
- Covers media relations
- Includes crisis communication
- Leadership skills development
- Digital and social media
- Video production training
- Four-week training series
- Training series costs $99
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN - Public 4-Year - mtsu.edu
Master's - Media and Communication, M.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Middle Tennessee State University's Master's in Media and Communication delivers a robust academic experience that empowers students to excel in complex media landscapes. The program strategically blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, allowing graduates to navigate evolving communication environments. Students can select between thesis and professional project tracks, providing personalized pathways for academic and professional growth. Supported by nationally recognized faculty, the curriculum emphasizes advanced research methodologies, critical analysis, and strategic communication skills. Potential GRE requirements should be confirmed directly with the admissions office. Graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in advertising, journalism, public relations, and emerging digital media platforms.
- On-ground graduate program
- Customizable coursework tracks
- Thesis or professional project option
- Strong media theory foundation
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Research-focused curriculum
- Small graduate class sizes
- Assistantships potentially available
- Prepares for doctoral studies
- Diverse career preparation
Tennessee Tech
Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu
Master's - Master of Professional Studies
Concentration: Corporate Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
Tennessee Tech's Master of Professional Studies in Corporate Communication delivers a transformative online program tailored for mid-career professionals seeking advanced communication strategies. Students develop sophisticated skills in employee engagement, leadership communication, and strategic messaging through a flexible curriculum. The program offers unique pathways for admission, including alternative GRE score options and a professional experience track. With a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA requirement, candidates can leverage their professional portfolio and leadership experience to craft compelling organizational communication approaches.
- Master of Professional Studies degree
- Corporate Communications concentration
- Fully online delivery
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Professional portfolio option
- Provisional admission available
- 5+ years work experience alternative
- GRE score alternative pathway
- Professional leadership focus
- Develop employee engagement skills
Master's - Master of Professional Studies
Concentration: Media and Strategic Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
Tennessee Tech's Master of Professional Studies in Media and Strategic Communication provides a comprehensive online learning experience for professionals aiming to excel in communication leadership. The program equips students with advanced skills in crafting impactful messages, building strategic relationships, and shaping public perception across diverse organizational contexts. Designed with working professionals in mind, the curriculum offers flexible admission requirements, including alternative pathways for those with substantial professional experience. Graduates emerge prepared to navigate complex communication landscapes with strategic insight and innovative communication techniques.
- Master of Professional Studies degree
- Media and Strategic Communications concentration
- Fully online delivery
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Leadership communication focus
- Flexible admission requirements
- Professional portfolio option
- Provisional admission available
- Strategic communication preparation
2026 Affordable Tennessee Masters in Communication Degree Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State University |
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| Trevecca Nazarene University |
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| Austin Peay State University |
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Keep reading for details on the master's in communication programs available in Tennessee.
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
The University of Memphis offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program and a Master of Arts in Communication - Film & Video program, both in on-campus formats.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program allows students to concentrate their studies in Rhetoric & Media Studies or Health & Relational Communication. The Film & Video program offers coursework in narrative and documentary filmmaking.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $3,654 per semester based on a course load of 6-credit hours for Tennessee residents, and $6,767 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed throughout the year and students may begin the program in the fall or spring semesters.
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT KNOXVILLE
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville offers an on campus Master of Science in Communication & Information with four options for concentrations.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication & Information program offers students the choice of four concentrations: Advertising, Communication Studies, Journalism & Electronic Media and Public Relations. The program is designed to prepare students for specialized careers in communication as well as for doctoral study following graduation.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $13,120 for Tennessee residents, and $31,538 for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline is January 15 for admission in the fall semester.
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT MARTIN
The University of Tennessee in Martin offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program in a hybrid online/on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program is a professionally-oriented, executive-style degree program that offers students the flexibility of online assignments as well as interactive coursework and on-campus weekends to help students create in-person relationships and networking opportunities.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $3,456 per semester for Tennessee residents who are taking 6 or more credit hours, and $5,472 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline is for the fall semester is July 30, and December 13 for the spring semester.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Tennessee
AUSTIN PEAY STATE UNIVERSITY
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville offers an online Master of Arts in Communication Arts program with concentrations in Marketing Communication and Media Management.
What to Know: The online Master of Arts in Communication Arts program offers professional and fast-track options in 8-week terms, so students can complete the program at their own pace. Students can choose from Marketing Communication and Media Management concentrations.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $3,114 per semester based on a course load of 6-credit hours for Tennessee residents, and $ $7,308 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The program reviews applications on a rolling basis and accepts new students for all terms.
Tennessee Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
Clarksville, TN
Austin Peay State University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Corporate Communication - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online graduate program
- Flexible 8-week course terms
- Corporate communication concentration
- Diverse career preparation paths
- Professional communication faculty
- Personalized elective selection
- Research methods training
- Optional master's thesis track
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: General Communication - Online Learning - Website
- All-online program
- 8-week course terms
- Flexible for working professionals
- Diverse elective options
- Focus on practical experience
- Prepares for various careers
- Includes public relations
- Marketing communication focus
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Marketing Communication - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online MA program
- 8-week convenient terms
- Diverse elective options
- Flexible professional schedules
- Optional master's thesis
- Experienced industry faculty
- Career-focused curriculum
- Multiple communication career paths
Cookeville, TN
Tennessee Tech
- Master's - Master of Professional Studies
Concentration: Corporate Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Master of Professional Studies degree
- Corporate Communications concentration
- Fully online delivery
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Professional portfolio option
- Provisional admission available
- 5+ years work experience alternative
- GRE score alternative pathway
- Master's - Master of Professional Studies
Concentration: Media and Strategic Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Master of Professional Studies degree
- Media and Strategic Communications concentration
- Fully online delivery
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Leadership communication focus
- Flexible admission requirements
- Professional portfolio option
- Provisional admission available
Johnson City, TN
East Tennessee State University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication & Storytelling Studies
Campus Based - Website
- Master of Arts degree program
- Two-year flexible program
- Practical communication skills focus
- Workplace-ready skill development
- Multiple completion options
- Core courses in research methods
- Diverse elective opportunities
- Tuition scholarships available
Martin, TN
The University of Tennessee-Martin
- Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Flexible online coursework
- Minimal on-campus attendance
- Focus on strategic communication
- Corporate communications skills
- Social media marketing
- Project management training
- Strategic planning emphasis
- Leadership development
Murfreesboro, TN
Middle Tennessee State University
- Master's - Media and Communication, M.S.
Campus Based - Website
- On-ground graduate program
- Customizable coursework tracks
- Thesis or professional project option
- Strong media theory foundation
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Research-focused curriculum
- Small graduate class sizes
- Assistantships potentially available
Nashville, TN
Trevecca Nazarene University
- Master's - Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Online Learning - Website
- Online program
- Starts spring 2024
- Focus on ethical decision-making
- Covers media relations
- Includes crisis communication
- Leadership skills development
- Digital and social media
- Video production training