Master’s in Communication in Texas

The Lone Star State offers a myriad of graduate level communications programs across the state. From online courses, traditional classroom programs, and hybrid formats, there is sure to be a master's in communication program to suit every prospective student.

Texas' major industries, including oil and gas, technology and telecommunications and food manufacturing, all have a need for expert communications specialists. A number of small businesses and professional communications firms also offer ample job opportunities for graduates of master's in communication programs.

Read on for details on Texas' top master's in communications programs in each region of the state:

Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University is a private Christian university that offers two options for masters of communication students: a full-time traditional classroom Master of Arts in Communication program.

What to Know: The traditional full-time Master of Arts in Communication degree takes an average of two years to complete and also has an August application deadline for a fall semester program start.

What Does It Cost?: Estimated tuition costs for the Master of Arts in Communication program are currently $41,328. Tuition costs are subject to change, so check with the admissions office for the current fees at the time of application.

Anything Else?: The traditional master's in communication program prepares students for career opportunities in ministry leadership, corporate communication, consulting and training, intercultural relations and human resources development.

Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco is a private institution that offers two distinct programs within its Master of Arts in Communication degree - one in human communication and one in film and digital media.

What to Know: The program offers three distinct pathways to completion of the master's degree - a thesis pathway, a non-thesis pathway, and an internship pathway.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition is currently estimated to be approximately $16,000 per year. These fees are subject to change at any time, so as always, check current pricing with the Student Financial Services Office.

Anything Else?: Students at Baylor have the opportunity to participate in summer study abroad programs in London and New York. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, publishing and professional media-related production.

Stephen F. Austin University

Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches offers an online Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree.

What to Know: The 36 credit MA in Mass Communication is an online degree that consists of 12 hours of required courses and then 24 hours of elective courses designed to enable the student to concentrate in advertising, public relations, journalism or broadcasting.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for Texas residents is currently approximately $4,218 per semester, which does not include course fees, required materials or books. Tuition for non-residents is approximately $9,198.

Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program at their Fort Worth campus. The 30-hour degree program is a non-thesis option program that typically meets once per week.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program allows students to tailor their courses to suit their interests and goals and includes curriculum exploring current trends in computer-mediated communication and social media.

Anything Else?: Graduate level tuition for Texas residents is currently approximately $3,829 per semester for 12 credit hours and $8,725 per semester for non-residents. This tuition cost does not include application fees, parking permits, books or other materials.

Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Texas A&M Corpus Christi offers a Master of Arts in Communication degree for students interested in advancing their careers in leadership, public relations, training and development and media.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program offers three degree tracks: organizational leadership, strategic communication or interpersonal communication. Students in each track also complete an additional 6-12 hours of elective coursework.

What Does It Cost?: The total cost per year for a graduate student taking 9 credits per semester is estimated by the school as $17,937 for Texas residents. This estimate includes tuition, fees, books and supplies. For non-residents, Texas A&M estimates the annual cost is approximately $25,783.

Anything Else?: The program has a priority deadline of April 1 and an August final deadline for admission to the fall semester.

Texas State University

Texas State University in San Marcos offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies degree with thesis and non-thesis options for students to choose from.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program is offered in a 36 credit option culminating in comprehensive exams or a 30 credit option that includes a thesis. After completion of two required communication research method courses, students can customize their degree from one or more of six offered concentrations. Concentration options include Communication Training & Development, Health Communication, Instructional Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication, and Rhetorical Studies.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees are currently $4,850 per semester for Texas residents and $9,830.84 per semester for non-residents based on a 12-semester hour schedule.

Anything Else?: Most classes are offered in the evenings to accommodate students who are working full- or part-time.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University in Lubbock offers two traditional classroom Master of Arts programs for communication students, as well as an online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication & Innovation.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies is a generalist program that provides a broad foundation of communication theories, methods, and research. The Master of Arts in Mass Communication is a 30 credit hour program that offers a general professional track as well as a sports media track that prepares students for careers in the sports entertainment industry. The online MA in Strategic Communication & Innovation program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers as strategic communication professionals.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the fall 2017 semester was estimated at $5,054 for Texas residents taking a 12-semester hour schedule on campus. The tuition and fees for a non-resident were listed as $10,154 per semester. For the online program, the cost of fees and tuition for both Texas residents and non-residents is $5,018 per semester based on a 12 credit hour schedule.

Anything Else?: Application deadlines for the Master of Arts in Communication Studies program are March 1 and October 1. The application deadline for the Master of Arts in Mass Communication program is March 1.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas in Denton offers coursework leading to a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Communication Studies.

What to Know: There are three concentrations available to master's students studying communication studies: interpersonal/organizational communication, performance studies and rhetorical studies. The 36 credit program can be taken as a theses option, project option or internship option in which the final credits for the program culminating in a thesis, research project or graduate internship.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees per semester for Texas residents is estimated to be approximately $4,663 based on a 12-credit hour semester. The cost for nonresidents is approximately $9,643 per semester.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline for admissions to the fall semester is June 15.

University of Texas - Arlington

The University of Texas in Arlington offers a Master of Arts in Communication program that blends mass communication and communication studies disciplines.

What to Know: Students can choose from two tracks: the thesis option and a non-thesis/coursework-only option. The thesis option includes 24 semester credit hours of coursework and a thesis for which six semester hours are given. The non-thesis option includes 36 semester credit hours of coursework.

What Does It Cost?: For the 2018 academic year, tuition and fees will be $8,818. This figure does not include other costs, such as books and supplies, living expenses and miscellaneous fees.

Anything Else?: All students complete foundation courses in communication theory and research methods during the first semester (all new students begin in the fall semester) and work with an advisor to select elective courses to support their individual career goals.

University of Texas - Austin

The Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program that offers three areas of study for students to choose from: Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication and Technology, and Rhetoric and Language.

What to Know: The application deadline for fall admissions is December 1 of the previous year.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level communication tuition per semester for Texas residents is estimated to be approximately $5,748 based on a 12-credit hour semester. The cost for nonresidents is approximately $10,926 per semester.

Anything Else?: Students also have the opportunity to take elective courses in the School of Journalism, the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations and the Department of Radio Television and Film in addition to their coursework within the Moody College.

University of Texas - El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso offers a research-based Master of Arts in Communication program that focuses on theory research, research methods and communication principles.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program offers thesis and non-thesis degree programs, both of which require 36 credit hours of study.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees at the University of Texas at El Paso for Texas residents is estimated at $2,690 per semester based on 9 semester hours. Tuition and fees for non-residents is estimated at $5,874.

Anything Else?: The deadline to apply for the fall semester is April 1, and the application deadline for the spring semester is October 1.

University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg offers a Master of Arts in Communication degree that is broad-based and addresses essential dimensions of communication including organizations, interpersonal, intercultural, public relations, mass media, and communication theory.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is offered in a thesis and non-thesis format, each requiring 36 total semester hours.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for Texas residents is approximately $4,393 per semester based on 12 semester hours. Tuition and fees for non-residents is approximately $9,373 per semester.

Anything Else?: Application deadline for the fall semester is April 15 and the application deadline for the spring semester is October 1.

University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a Master of Arts in Communication program with two tracks: the generalist MA in Communication of the Executive program that prepares students for a career in public relations.

What to Know: Both the generalist and executive programs require 36 semester hours. The generalist program offers thesis and non-thesis options, and the executive program allows students to further specialize in healthcare public relations, PR in the public sphere or corporate public relations.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for Texas residents is currently approximately $4,343 per semester based on 12 credit hours. Tuition and fees for non-residents is approximately $9,323.

Dallas / Fort Worth Master’s in Communication Programs

Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University is a private Christian university that offers a 36-credit hour Master of Arts in Communication degree.

What to Know: The program offers six concentrations for students to choose from: Communication Leadership, Communication for Ministry, Communication Studies, Marketing Communication, Organizational Communication Management and Worship Studies.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition at Dallas Baptist University is currently approximately $959 per credit hour and does not include course materials, fees, books, or other related costs.

Anything Else?: Dallas Baptist also offers dual master's degrees, where students can earn their master's in communication along with another Master of Arts degree in Christian Ministry, Management, Worship Studies or Theological Studies, a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Education degree.

Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University in Fort Worth offers Master of Science in Communication Studies and Master of Science in Strategic Communication programs.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program combines the fields of interpersonal, organizational and health communication studies to prepare students for careers in academia, business, and human resources. The MS in Strategic Communication program, formerly in Advertising/Public Relations, is designed for working communication professionals who want to broaden their understanding of theory and practice in strategy, research, storytelling, digital media, and leadership.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition is currently $1,555 per credit hour, which does not the cost for other expenses including housing, materials or books.

Anything Else?: The MS in Communication Studies program enrolls students beginning in the fall semester only, with an application deadline of February 15. The MS in Strategic Communication enrolls students for the fall and spring semesters with application deadlines in February and October.

Houston Master’s in Communication Programs

Texas Southern University

Texas Christian University in Houston offers a Master of Arts in Communication degree with several professional concentration tracks for students to choose from.

What to know: The Master of Arts in Communication program allows students to choose from a number of concentrations to tailor their degree to their professional and personal interests. The concentrations include Professional Communication and Digital Media, Professional Health Communication, Media Studies/Research and Theory, and Organizational Communication.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the communications department is currently listed as $4,994.92 per semester including fees (not course materials or books) based on a 12 semester hours schedule for Texas residents. The cost for non-residents for a 12-semester hour schedule is currently $9,374.92.

University of Houston

The Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at the University of Houston offers Master of Arts in Communication degree directed toward professional success in both academic and non-academic careers.

What to Know: There are three major areas of concentration within the Master of Arts in Communication program: Mass Communication Studies, Public Relations Studies and Health Communication Studies. Classes meet in the evening to accommodate working professionals. For domestic students, the priority deadline to apply for graduate school admissions is February 1

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees per semester for Texas residents is estimated to be approximately $5,471 based on a 12-credit hour semester. The cost for nonresidents is approximately $11,651 per semester.

Anything Else?: Many graduates of the University of Houston program have gone on to prestigious Ph.D. programs or are working as communication specialists, press secretaries, public information officer, copywriter, and other careers.

San Antonio Master’s in Communication Programs

St. Mary's University

St. Mary's University in San Antonio offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program. A traditional on-campus program, students who work full-time may complete their degree by taking evening courses.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program is a 36-credit program and offers 10 different concentration tracks, including public relations, organizational communications, media and communication theory and research among others.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition is currently approximately $865 per credit hour, which does not include additional course materials, fees or books.

Anything Else?: St. Mary's also offers a dual degree program for a Master's of Arts in Communication Studies and Doctor of Jurisprudence for aspiring lawyers.

University of Texas - San Antonio

The University of Texas in San Antonio offers a Master of Arts in Communication degree that offers students the opportunity for advanced study in communication, with courses focused on new media, health, organizational, international, intercultural, interpersonal and small group communication.

What to Know: Communication internships are offered to help students translate their existing writing, editing, research, and presentation skills into marketable assets in a variety of fields, including advertising, public relations, marketing, and corporate communication.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for Texas residents is approximately $4,873 per semester based on 12 semester hours. Tuition and fees for non-residents are approximately $15,836 per semester.

Anything else: Applications are accepted for the fall semester only, with a priority deadline of March 15.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Texas

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville offers an online Master of Arts in Communication Studies program. This online program is designed for aspiring doctoral students in communication, as well as professionals wishing to advance their careers in communication, psychology, education, and criminal justice.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is 30-36 credit hours and enrolls in the fall and spring semesters.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for Texas residents is currently approximately $4,925 per semester and $9,905 per semester for non-residents. This tuition cost does not include application fees, parking permits, books or other materials.

Anything Else?: The online graduate program focuses on advanced topics in the communication field including gendered communication, organizational communication, health communication and interpersonal and family communication.

Stephen F. Austin University

SFAU offers an online MAMC. Learn more about the details here.

Texas Tech University

TTU offers an online strategic communication graduate program. Get more details here.

Texas Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

SchoolContact Information
Abilene Christian University
128 Sherrod Hall, Don H. Morris Center
Abilene , TX 79699
(325) 674-2136
Baylor University
One Bear Place #97368
Waco, TX 76798
(254) 710-6914
Dallas Baptist University
3000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX 75211
(214) 333-6854
Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX 77341
(936) 294-1971
St. Mary's University
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228
(210) 436-3011
Stephen F. Austin University
Boynton Building, 301C
Nacogfoches, TX 75962
(936) 468-4001
Tarleton State University
1333 W. Washington
Stephenville, TX 76402
(254) 968-9000
Texas A&M - Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive, Bay Hall 335
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
(361) 825-5753
Texas Christian University
Moudy South, 2805 South University
Fort Worth, TX 76109
(817) 257-6156
Texas Southern University
3100 Cleburne Street, Suite 222
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 313-7740
Texas State University
601 University Drive, Centennial Hall, Room 205
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 245-2165
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock , TX 79409
(806) 742-2011
University of Houston
3347 Cullen Blvd.
Houston, TX 77204
(713) 743-2873
University of North Texas
1155 Union Circle #305459
Denton, TX 76203
(940) 565-2588
University of Texas - Arlington
700 West Greek Row Drivem Fine Arts Building, Room 118
Arlington, TX 76019
(817) 272-2163
University of Texas - Austin
2504A Whitis Avenue, (A1105)
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-5251
University of Texas - El Paso
500 W. University, Cotton Memorial, Room 201
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 747-5129
University of Texas - Rio Grande Vallery
Edinburg Campus - Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg, 1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 665-2376
University of Texas - San Antonio
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
(210) 458-7750
University of Texas at Tyler
Programs
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
(903) 566-7457