Master’s in Communication in Utah

Utah provides aspiring communications experts with a range of masters-level communication programs. With schools in Provo, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Cedar City, students can choose from traditional on-campus programs or online degree programs they can complete from home. A master's degree in communication will prepare students to build careers as communicators in Utah's top industries, including tourism, aerospace and defense, agriculture, financial services, and information technology. Major employers in Utah for communications grads include the University of Utah, Clearlink and L3 Communications Corporation.

2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Utah

Utah offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring communication professionals through its outstanding master's degree programs. At MastersInCommunications.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top communication graduate programs, considering factors like academic rigor, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student outcomes. These programs prepare students for dynamic careers in media, public relations, digital communication, and organizational leadership. Universities across Utah provide innovative curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for today's complex communication landscape. Our comprehensive rankings help prospective students make informed decisions about their academic journey. For a detailed explanation of our evaluation process, visit https://www.mastersincommunications.org/ranking-methodology/.
#1

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Utah's Master of Arts in Communication delivers a comprehensive two-year graduate program emphasizing comprehensive training across science communication, critical/cultural studies, journalism/media technology, and rhetoric. Distinguished by flexible MA and MS tracks, students benefit from thesis and non-thesis completion options. The program uniquely provides full funding through teaching and research assistantships, enabling students to engage deeply with nationally recognized faculty while developing advanced communication expertise through an interdisciplinary curriculum.

  • Two-year master's program
  • MA and MS options available
  • Four research emphasis areas
  • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
  • Full funding opportunities
  • Teaching/research assistantships
  • Flexible interdisciplinary curriculum
  • Mentorship from expert faculty
  • Tailored graduate training

Master's - Master of Science in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Utah's Master of Science in Communication offers a strategic graduate pathway for communication scholars and professionals. With two-year curriculum options spanning Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees, students explore four specialized emphasis areas: Science Communication, Critical/Cultural Studies, Journalism/Media/Technology, and Rhetoric. The program distinguishes itself through dedicated faculty mentorship, potential research assistantships, and comprehensive training designed to prepare graduates for advanced communication roles in academia and professional environments.

  • Two-year master's program
  • MA and MS degree options
  • Four emphasis areas
  • Graduate teaching assistantships
  • Full funding potentially available
  • Thesis and non-thesis completion options
  • Language proficiency for MA
  • Mentor-focused faculty approach
  • Comprehensive graduate handbook

Master's - Master of Communication

Concentration: Communicating Science, Health, Environment, and Risk (CommSHER) - Campus Based - Visit Website

Focusing on the Communicating Science, Health, Environment, and Risk (CommSHER) concentration, the University of Utah's Master of Communication program provides a cutting-edge graduate experience. Students can pursue MA or MS degrees with comprehensive funding opportunities, including tuition waivers and stipends. The two-year program emphasizes personalized mentorship from nationally recognized faculty, enabling students to develop sophisticated research skills and professional competencies within science communication and related interdisciplinary domains.

  • Two-year master's program
  • MA and MS degree options
  • Four research emphasis areas
  • Full funding available
  • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
  • Language proficiency for MA
  • Dedicated faculty mentorship

Master's - Master of Communication

Concentration: Critical/Cultural Studies - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Utah's Critical/Cultural Studies concentration within the Master of Communication program offers a research-driven graduate experience. Students engage with a flexible two-year curriculum, choosing between MA and MS tracks across four dynamic emphasis areas. The program prioritizes comprehensive funding, dedicated faculty mentorship, and a collaborative learning environment that prepares scholars for advanced communication roles, with particular emphasis on critical theoretical approaches and cultural analysis.

  • Two-year master's program
  • MA or MS degree options
  • Four distinct emphasis areas
  • Full funding potential
  • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
  • Language proficiency requirement
  • Teaching and research assistantships
  • Flexible curriculum design

Master's - Master of Communication

Concentration: Journalism, Media, and Technology - Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Utah's Journalism, Media, and Technology concentration in the Master of Communication program provides a comprehensive graduate pathway for aspiring communication professionals. The two-year curriculum offers MA and MS degree options, spanning innovative emphasis areas including Science Communication, Critical/Cultural Studies, and Rhetoric. Students benefit from potential teaching and research assistantships, dedicated mentorship, and a flexible academic framework designed to cultivate advanced media and communication expertise.

  • Two-year master's program
  • MA and MS degree options
  • Four areas of emphasis
  • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
  • Full funding opportunities
  • Graduate assistantships available
  • National ranking
  • Dedicated faculty mentors
  • Flexible curriculum design

Master's - Master of Communication

Concentration: Rhetoric - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Rhetoric concentration within the University of Utah's Master of Communication program delivers a rigorous two-year graduate experience. Students can select MA or MS tracks, exploring specialized training across science communication, critical/cultural studies, and media domains. The program distinguishes itself through nationally ranked faculty mentorship, flexible curriculum design, and comprehensive funding opportunities. Graduates develop sophisticated rhetorical analysis skills and advanced communication competencies tailored to academic and professional contexts.

  • Two-year master's program
  • MA or MS degree options
  • Four emphasis areas
  • Thesis or non-thesis completion
  • Full funding opportunities
  • Flexible curriculum design
  • Graduate assistantships available
  • Mentorship from expert faculty
Show 5 More Programs ˅
#2

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT - Private 4-year - byu.edu

Master's - Mass Communications

Campus Based - Visit Website

Brigham Young University's Mass Communications Master's program emerges as a premier research-intensive pathway for communication scholars and professionals. Strategically designed over two years, the program cultivates advanced theoretical knowledge and sophisticated research methodologies. Students delve into media dynamics, societal impacts, and strategic communication frameworks through faculty-guided research experiences. Notably competitive, the program admits only 15 students annually, offering teaching and research assistantships that enhance academic and professional development. With state-of-the-art research facilities and a quantitative/qualitative research approach, graduates are primed for doctoral pursuits or leadership roles in communication sectors.

  • MA in Mass Communications
  • Research-based graduate program
  • Two-year program duration
  • 15 students admitted annually
  • Teaching/research assistantships available
  • State-of-the-art research facilities
  • Focus on media and society
  • Strategic communications emphasis
  • Quantitative/qualitative research methods
  • Doctoral preparation pathway
#3

Utah State University

Logan, UT - Public 4-Year - usu.edu

Master's - Communication Studies

Campus Based - Visit Website

Utah State University's Master's in Communication Studies provides an immersive academic experience focusing on advanced communication research methodologies. Located in Logan, the program offers comprehensive training in quantitative, qualitative, and rhetorical research techniques across diverse communication domains. Students can explore specialized areas including interpersonal, health, political, and intercultural communication contexts. The program prepares graduates for professional advancement or potential doctoral studies, with flexible thesis and professional project options. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the curriculum supports students targeting workforce leadership roles or academic research careers. Preferred applicants typically maintain a 3.2 GPA and demonstrate strong research potential.

  • Face-to-face graduate program
  • Research methods training
  • Multiple communication contexts
  • Logan campus location
  • 3.2 GPA preferred
  • Thesis or professional project
  • Career and PhD preparation
  • Specialized communication focus
  • Multiple research opportunities
*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Utah Masters in Communication Degree Options

Finding an affordable master's degree in communication can help professionals advance their careers without breaking the bank. Utah offers several excellent options for students seeking quality education at reasonable prices across the Wasatch Front region, including near Salt Lake City and Provo. These programs provide accessible pathways for working professionals and recent graduates who want to enhance their communication skills and expand career opportunities. Strategic program choices can significantly reduce overall educational expenses while delivering high-quality instruction. Prospective students should carefully compare tuition rates and program features to find the most economical options that align with their academic and professional goals.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Utah State University
  • Two-year master's program
  • MA and MS options available
  • 57-58 total credit hours
  • Clinical fellowship preparation
  • Multiple clinical placement settings
  • Listening and Spoken Language emphasis
  • State and nationally accredited program
  • Comprehensive communication disorders training
  • $6,100 - $9,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $19,200 - $28,800 (Graduate Non-Resident)
University of Utah
  • Two-year master's program
  • MA or MS degree options
  • Four emphasis areas
  • Thesis or non-thesis completion
  • Full funding opportunities
  • Flexible curriculum design
  • Nationally ranked program
  • Graduate assistantships available
  • $6,800 - $10,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $21,600 - $32,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Brigham Young University
  • Accredited speech-language pathology program
  • Residential MS degree offered
  • Prepares students for clinical practice
  • Covers communication disorders lifespan
  • Research and teaching focused curriculum
  • State-of-the-art research facilities
  • Focus on media and society
  • Strategic communications emphasis
  • $6,500 - $9,700 (Graduate)
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

See below for details about each of the master's in communication programs offered in Utah:

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

Brigham Young University in Provo offers a Master of Arts in Mass Communication degree as a traditional on-campus program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Mass Communication program is customizable as students choose an area of focus such as social media, public relations, or journalism and then completes research in that area under the guidance of a faculty member.

What Does It Cost?: The tuition cost for the 2018-2019 academic year is $7,080 for two semesters for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The tuition cost for non-members is $14,160 for two semesters. These tuition costs do not include books, supplies or room and board.

Anything Else?: The average time spent completing the Master of Arts in Mass Communication program is two to two and a half years. The deadline for applying to the program is March 31st for a fall semester start.

SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY

Southern Utah University in Cedar City offers a Master of Arts in Professional Communication program in on-campus and online formats.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Professional Communication program is a 36-credit hour program designed to focus on advanced writing, research and presentation skills for a variety of communication industries.

What Does It Cost?: The cost for graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $3,990 for Utah residents per semester based on a 9-credit hour course load and $12,154 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission to the fall is June 15, the deadline for the spring semester is October 15 and April 15 for the summer semester.

WEBSTER STATE UNIVERSITY

Webster State University offers a hybrid Master of Professional Communication program that combines online learning with classroom instruction on-campus in Ogden.

What to Know: The Master of Professional Communication program is designed to be completed in two years and includes online classes with on-campus instruction one evening per week so students can continue working full-time while completing their degree.

What Does It Cost?: The cost for graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $2,699 per semester for Utah residents based on a 6-credit hour course load and $5,875 for non-residents. These totals include university fees, but do not include course fees, books or other materials.

Anything Else?: Students in the program can customize their degree by choosing three elective courses and completing a thesis or project on a topic of their choice.

Salt Lake City Master’s in Communication Programs

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

The University of Utah offers Master of Arts and Master of Science in Communication degrees on their campus in Salt Lake City.

What to Know: The Master of Arts or Science in Communication program has four program tracks for students to choose from: Critical Cultural Studies, Digital Media, Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk and Rhetoric.

What Does It Cost?: The cost for graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $3,797 per semester for Utah residents based on a 9-credit hour course load and $11,971 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The master's degree program is designed as a two-year program, and students end their study with either a thesis or a final comprehensive exam or project.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Utah

Southern Utah University offers a nationally ranked online master’s in professional communication program.

Westminister University is currently the only close option for complete online master’s in communication program in Utah. To learn more about the offering please scroll directly above on this page.

Weber State University offers plenty of online learning as part of their strategic communication program but it hardly classified as a truly online offering.

Let’s hopes Utah’s prestigious universities offer the convenience of 100% online accredited graduate programs in the near future.

Utah Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

Logan, UT

Utah State University

  • Master's - Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • Face-to-face graduate program
    • Research methods training
    • Multiple communication contexts
    • Logan campus location
    • 3.2 GPA preferred
    • Thesis or professional project
    • Career and PhD preparation
    • Specialized communication focus

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University

  • Master's - Mass Communications

    Campus Based - Website

    • MA in Mass Communications
    • Research-based graduate program
    • Two-year program duration
    • 15 students admitted annually
    • Teaching/research assistantships available
    • State-of-the-art research facilities
    • Focus on media and society
    • Strategic communications emphasis

Salt Lake City, UT

University of Utah

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year master's program
    • MA and MS options available
    • Four research emphasis areas
    • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
    • Full funding opportunities
    • Teaching/research assistantships
    • Nationally ranked program
    • Flexible interdisciplinary curriculum
  • Master's - Master of Communication

    Concentration: Communicating Science, Health, Environment, and Risk (CommSHER) - Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year master's program
    • MA and MS degree options
    • Four research emphasis areas
    • Full funding available
    • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
    • Language proficiency for MA
    • Dedicated faculty mentorship
    • Nationally ranked program
  • Master's - Master of Communication

    Concentration: Critical/Cultural Studies - Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year master's program
    • MA or MS degree options
    • Four distinct emphasis areas
    • Full funding potential
    • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
    • Language proficiency requirement
    • Teaching and research assistantships
    • Nationally ranked graduate program
  • Master's - Master of Communication

    Concentration: Journalism, Media, and Technology - Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year master's program
    • MA and MS degree options
    • Four areas of emphasis
    • Thesis and non-thesis tracks
    • Full funding opportunities
    • Graduate assistantships available
    • National ranking
    • Dedicated faculty mentors
  • Master's - Master of Communication

    Concentration: Rhetoric - Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year master's program
    • MA or MS degree options
    • Four emphasis areas
    • Thesis or non-thesis completion
    • Full funding opportunities
    • Flexible curriculum design
    • Nationally ranked program
    • Graduate assistantships available
  • Master's - Master of Science in Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year master's program
    • MA and MS degree options
    • Four emphasis areas
    • Graduate teaching assistantships
    • Full funding potentially available
    • Nationally ranked graduate program
    • Thesis and non-thesis completion options
    • Language proficiency for MA
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.