Master’s in Communication in Washington
There are several options for graduate-level communications programs across Washington State designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in advertising, public relations, corporate communication, and strategic communication.
From small businesses to some of the nation's largest companies, the Evergreen State offers communication specialists careers in several thriving industries, including information and communication technology, aerospace, agriculture, food manufacturing, life sciences, and global health.
2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Washington
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA - Private 4-year - gonzaga.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's Online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies offers a comprehensive professional development pathway for emerging leaders. The program strategically blends theoretical knowledge with practical communication skills, emphasizing content creation, crisis management, and strategic messaging. Students benefit from a fully online format that accommodates working professionals, enabling flexible learning across 30 credit hours. With a competitive per-credit tuition of $1,065, the curriculum prepares graduates for diverse leadership roles in marketing, public relations, and strategic communication. The program's strength lies in its holistic approach, developing intercultural competence, digital storytelling capabilities, and advanced communication strategies.
- 30 Credits required
- $1065 Per Credit
- Fully Online Option
- 2 yr Average Completion
- Designed for working professionals
- Skills in content creation
- Crisis communication expertise
- Strategic communication focus
- Digital storytelling skills
- Intercultural competence training
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Concentration: Change Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing specifically on Change Leadership, Gonzaga University's Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies provides a transformative educational experience. This concentration equips professionals with advanced skills to navigate organizational transitions, develop adaptive communication strategies, and lead complex change initiatives. The online format allows students to engage with cutting-edge leadership theories while maintaining professional commitments. With a 30-credit curriculum designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes strategic thinking, effective communication, and change management techniques. Graduates emerge prepared to drive meaningful organizational transformation across various industries.
- Fully online master's degree
- 30 total credit hours
- Approx. 2-year completion time
- $1,065 per credit
- Multiple optional concentrations
- Designed for working professionals
- Career-focused curriculum
- Optional study abroad opportunities
- Multiple career pathway options
- Diverse professional skill development
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Concentration: Digital Media Strategies - Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's Digital Media Strategies concentration within the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies represents a cutting-edge approach to professional communication. This online program prepares students to excel in rapidly evolving digital communication landscapes, focusing on strategic content creation, multimedia storytelling, and innovative digital messaging techniques. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in social media strategy, digital content development, and emerging communication technologies. With a flexible two-year format and competitive per-credit pricing, students gain comprehensive expertise in digital communication frameworks, positioning themselves as forward-thinking communication professionals ready to lead in digital-first environments.
- Fully online program
- 30 total credit hours
- $1,065 per credit
- 2-year average completion
- Optional concentrations available
- Multiple career path opportunities
- Working professionals focused
- Digital media strategy option
- Strategic communication skills
- Global leadership concentration
Washington State University
Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
Washington State University's Master of Arts in Communication offers a comprehensive two-year program that equips students with advanced theoretical and practical communication skills. Designed for aspiring academics and professionals, the curriculum explores diverse communication landscapes across business, government, and educational sectors. Students can explore specialized areas including Media & Health Promotion, Media, Society & Politics, and Science & Environmental Communication. The program emphasizes critical research methodologies, analytical thinking, and industry-relevant strategies. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, with potential applicants needing to submit GRE scores. Graduates are prepared for doctoral studies or dynamic communication careers, with a strong focus on developing sophisticated communication approaches and understanding complex communication processes.
- Two-year full-time study.
- Specializations in three areas.
- Prepares for academic or professional careers.
- Focus on communication theory and processes.
- Designed for future doctoral students.
- Emphasizes practical application.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
- Ideal for diverse career paths.
- Requires bachelor's degree for admission.
- Passion for communication advancement needed.
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Media & Health Promotion - Campus Based - Visit Website
Washington State University's Master of Arts in Communication with Media & Health Promotion concentration delivers an intensive academic experience focused on sophisticated communication strategies in healthcare contexts. This research-driven program prepares professionals to develop innovative communication interventions across medical and public health domains. Students engage with cutting-edge theories, explore interdisciplinary research methodologies, and gain expertise in crafting targeted health communication campaigns. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling graduates to address complex communication challenges in healthcare settings. GRE scores are typically required for admission, with the program designed to cultivate advanced analytical skills and prepare students for leadership roles in health communication research and practice.
- Two-year full-time master's program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for doctoral study
- Career-focused communication training
- Research-driven curriculum
- Media, Society & Politics concentration
- Health Promotion focus available
- Science Communication option
- Comprehensive communication theory study
- Industry-relevant skill development
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Media, Society & Politics - Campus Based - Visit Website
Washington State University's Master of Arts in Communication specializing in Media, Society & Politics provides a rigorous academic pathway for students interested in understanding communication dynamics within social and political landscapes. The program critically examines media's role in shaping public discourse, political narratives, and societal perceptions. Students develop advanced research skills, analyze complex communication phenomena, and explore theoretical frameworks that explain media's influence on political processes. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary thinking, preparing graduates for doctoral studies or professional careers in political communication, policy analysis, and media research. Applicants typically need to submit GRE scores, with the program emphasizing critical analysis, sophisticated communication strategies, and comprehensive understanding of media-society interactions.
- Two-year full-time master's program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for doctoral/professional careers
- Focuses on communication theory
- Explores media, health, politics, environment
- Research-driven curriculum
- Diverse career preparation paths
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Science & Environmental Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
Washington State University's Master of Arts in Communication with Science & Environmental Communication concentration offers a unique program bridging communication expertise with scientific communication challenges. Students learn to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences, develop strategic communication approaches, and explore interdisciplinary research methodologies. The curriculum focuses on effective science communication strategies, environmental messaging, and innovative communication techniques for scientific communities. Graduates are prepared to work in research institutions, environmental organizations, science media, and academic settings. Admission typically requires GRE scores, with the program designed to cultivate advanced communication skills, critical analytical thinking, and the ability to communicate scientific knowledge effectively across multiple platforms and audiences.
- Two-year full-time study program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for academic/professional careers
- Research-focused curriculum
- Multiple communication concentrations
- Advanced communication theory study
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA - Public 4-Year - washington.edu
Master's - Master of Arts (Communication)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington's Master's in Communication program stands out as a comprehensive academic journey for mid-career professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. Spanning 45-60 credits, the program offers diverse tracks including Communication Leadership, Digital Media, and Native Voices. Students engage in interdisciplinary research, developing critical communication skills through collaborative learning and public scholarship. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, preparing graduates for leadership roles across various communication domains. With flexible specializations and robust professional development opportunities, students gain comprehensive training in communication theory, research methodologies, and strategic communication approaches.
- Multiple Master's degree tracks
- 45-60 total credit program
- Fee-based professional options
- Interdisciplinary research focus
- Specialized communication concentrations
- Preparation for doctoral study
- Professional internship experience
- Research methods training
- Core communication theory courses
- Capstone project requirement
Master's - Master of Communication
Concentration: Communication Leadership - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Washington's Communication Leadership Master's degree represents a cutting-edge STEM-focused program designed to transform professionals into innovative communicators. Completed in just 15 months, this affordable degree provides students rapid career advancement opportunities within the dynamic digital communication landscape. The program uniquely positions graduates as ethical storytellers with strong industry connections, particularly leveraging Seattle's robust tech ecosystem. Students benefit from engagement with over 40 industry-leading faculty members and networking opportunities with global technology companies like Microsoft and Amazon, ensuring a strategic pathway to impactful communication careers.
- STEM-focused communication degree
- Completed in 15 months
- Lower cost than comparable programs
- Over 40 industry-leading faculty
- Access to global company networks
- Alumni work in leading organizations
- Located in Seattle tech hub
2026 Affordable Washington Masters in Communication Degree Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University |
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| University of Washington-Seattle Campus |
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| Eastern Washington University |
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With both online and traditional classroom programs to choose from, here is an overview of top master's in communication programs in Washington:
Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University in Cheney, near Spokane, offers a Master of Comminucation Sciences in Disorder degree that offers students the academic and clinical skills required to function as a competent entry-level speech-language pathologist.
What to Know: The 31-credit program offers flexible schedule options aimed at helping part-time students complete their degrees while also working in their chosen field. The program also allows students to choose from four emphasis areas of study: organizational, technological, instructional and cultural communication.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition rates for graduate students are currently approximately $560 per credit hour per semester. Those costs do not include additional fees, materials costs or books.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit institution that offers a hybrid online/classroom Masters in Communication and Leadership Studies program.
What to Know: The average student completes the program in two to three years. The program offers three optional concentrations for students to choose from, including the teaching of communication, global leadership, and strategic and organizational communication.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition costs are the same for online and campus classes, currently priced at $940 per unit, not including additional costs for course materials or books.
Anything Else?: The majority of classes are held online, but students do have the opportunity to take courses on campus in Spokane with short-term immersions, which are a hybrid of online and on-campus coursework.
University of Washington
The University of Washington in Seattle offers three master's level degrees in communication with unique specializations. In addition to the Master of Arts in Communication program, the University of Washington also offers a Master of Communication in Native Voices designed for documentary filmmakers who focus their work on subjects of special relevance to the Native American community, as well as a Communication Leadership program with two degree emphases in digital media and creative engagement.
What to Know: The University of Washington offers seven areas of focus for their graduate communications students, including communication and culture, communication technology and society, global communication, journalism studies, social interaction, political communication and rhetoric, and critical/cultural studies. Graduate programs are available on a full or part-time basis and enroll students beginning in the fall quarter.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition rates for the most recent academic year for graduate students were approximately $16,000 for Washington residents and $35,000 for out-of-state residents. Those estimated costs do not include costs of books or other materials and may change at any time, so make sure to check the most recent costs with the school before applying.
Washington State University
The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington offers a traditional classroom Master of Arts in Communication program, as well as an online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program for prospective students to choose from. These programs are designed to prepare students for doctoral-level study or a communications industry career following graduation.
What to Know: The traditional classroom program generally requires two academic years of full-time study, while the online program has one, two and three-year plans for completion of the 30 credit program. The online program admits students for the fall, spring and summer semesters, while the traditional program admits students for the fall semester only with an application deadline in January.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition rates for the most recent academic year for graduate students were approximately $27,000 for Washington residents and $41,000 for out-of-state residents. Those estimated costs include books and miscellaneous expenses but are subject to change at any time. Be sure to contact Washington State University for the most current fees and tuition costs before applying.
Anything Else?: The Murrow College of Communication has twice been named one of the nation's top 25 communications programs.
Washington Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
Pullman, WA
Washington State University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year full-time study.
- Specializations in three areas.
- Prepares for academic or professional careers.
- Focus on communication theory and processes.
- Designed for future doctoral students.
- Emphasizes practical application.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
- Ideal for diverse career paths.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Media & Health Promotion - Campus Based - Website
- Two-year full-time master's program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for doctoral study
- Career-focused communication training
- Research-driven curriculum
- Media, Society & Politics concentration
- Health Promotion focus available
- Science Communication option
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Media, Society & Politics - Campus Based - Website
- Two-year full-time master's program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for doctoral/professional careers
- Focuses on communication theory
- Explores media, health, politics, environment
- Research-driven curriculum
- Diverse career preparation paths
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Science & Environmental Communication - Campus Based - Website
- Two-year full-time study program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for academic/professional careers
- Research-focused curriculum
- Multiple communication concentrations
- Advanced communication theory study
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
Seattle, WA
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Master's - Master of Arts (Communication)
Campus Based - Website
- Multiple Master's degree tracks
- 45-60 total credit program
- Fee-based professional options
- Interdisciplinary research focus
- Specialized communication concentrations
- Preparation for doctoral study
- Professional internship experience
- Research methods training
- Master's - Master of Communication
Concentration: Communication Leadership - Campus Based - Website
- STEM-focused communication degree
- Completed in 15 months
- Lower cost than comparable programs
- Over 40 industry-leading faculty
- Access to global company networks
- Alumni work in leading organizations
- Located in Seattle tech hub
Spokane, WA
Gonzaga University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Online Learning - Website
- 30 Credits required
- $1065 Per Credit
- Fully Online Option
- 2 yr Average Completion
- Designed for working professionals
- Skills in content creation
- Crisis communication expertise
- Strategic communication focus
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Concentration: Change Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online master's degree
- 30 total credit hours
- Approx. 2-year completion time
- $1,065 per credit
- Multiple optional concentrations
- Designed for working professionals
- Career-focused curriculum
- Optional study abroad opportunities
- Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Concentration: Digital Media Strategies - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 30 total credit hours
- $1,065 per credit
- 2-year average completion
- Optional concentrations available
- Multiple career path opportunities
- Working professionals focused
- Digital media strategy option