Masters in Communications Degrees

School Level Program Admissions
University of West Alabama Master Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications
Graduates of this program are prepared for management-level work with clients in advertising and communications settings.
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American University Master Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Program teaches you to connect creatively and strategically with audiences through targeted campaigns.
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Johns Hopkins University AAP Master MA in Communication
Gain practical and applied knowledge through coursework that explores real-life communication issues.
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Campbellsville University Bachelor MBA Marketing
Learn powerful marketing techniques to help your organization stand out with our online marketing MBA program.
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Winthrop University Master Master of Business Administration - Marketing
AACSB Accredited, 100% online.
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Click to see more online programs that are taking applications for 2024.

The Masters in Communications is a graduate level degree for those with an undergraduate degree. For admission into a MiC program, typically a Bachelors degree is required and a Bachelors in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, or Marketing is preferred. Every Masters program is different so be sure to speak with the admissions representatives at the programs you are considering.

Are there online Masters in Communications programs?

Yes, there are actually quite a few online Masters in Communications degrees available at reputable universities in the US.

School Level Program Admissions
University of West Alabama Master Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications
Graduates of this program are prepared for management-level work with clients in advertising and communications settings.
Website
American University Master Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Program teaches you to connect creatively and strategically with audiences through targeted campaigns.
Website
Johns Hopkins University AAP Master MA in Communication
Gain practical and applied knowledge through coursework that explores real-life communication issues.
Website
Campbellsville University Bachelor MBA Marketing
Learn powerful marketing techniques to help your organization stand out with our online marketing MBA program.
Website
Winthrop University Master Master of Business Administration - Marketing
AACSB Accredited, 100% online.
Website

Click to see more online programs that are taking applications for 2024.

More online Masters programs

Here are some examples of online Masters in Communications programs:

Campus based Masters in Communication degrees

While students are engaging in more online experiences than ever before, some students still prefer the traditional route to earning their higher education. The campus-based Masters in Communication can be a reliable resource for you to take advantage of on your journey to the perfect career.

Campus-based communication degree programs have been the preferred route for undergraduate college students all over the globe. The in-person experience of learning can provide learners with the opportunity to focus strictly on their studies, without trying to establish a higher level of self-discipline when learning from home.

What to look for in a Master of Communication program

Since you have already completed your 4-year bachelor's program, you may be looking for a quick option for advancing your degree to the master's level. Colleges providing the Masters in Communication may offer the standard 2 year program or a more advanced 1.5 year program.

Is there a part time option?

Most master's programs were designed with the adult in mind, offering different enrollment options depending on your needs. Part-time programs can be drawn out over a period of 5 years on average, giving you plenty of time to complete your program while engaging in employment or family-related obligations.

Standard enrollment programs typically allow students to engage in a full-time schedule - which equals out to about 12 credit hours per semester. Depending on the college you attend, you may attend courses during fall and spring semesters, having a break during the summer.

When can you start?

If you are ready to get started and complete fast, you might seek out degree programs that allow you to work into the summer so that you can finish your degree in a faster time frame.

How long is the program?

The most recent trends in higher education include expedited learning programs that can be completed in as little as 1 year. If you have the time to engage in a full load of courses and have the desire to finish quicker than most others, you should seek out programs offering this quick completion time.

Example Courses for a Masters in Communication Degree

The courses that you take during your degree program are essentially small steps towards your greater expertise. Different colleges provide detailed outlines of their curricula for students to browse prior to enrollment so that they are aware of what is offered and the standard focus of the program in general.

If you choose a specialization to accompany your degree program, you might have some additional courses added to your core curriculum to help you gain knowledge within that specific area. A core set of courses is usually included in all on campus Masters in Communications programs, so that all students share the same basic knowledge of the field as a whole. Examples of graduate level communications courses:

Master of Communication Specialization Options

As a master’s level student, you can have the option of either a generalized path for your program or a specialized path. Generalist Masters in Communication programs can cover the broad aspects of communication, including a look into several different career fields current hiring communications specialists.

The choice to pursue a specialization can provide you with a more in-depth look into specific fields such as Business Communication, Health Communication, Marketing Communication, or even Media and Advertising Communication. Each of these options are diverse in their curricula and can be suitable for a wide range of students with differing goals. Here are some of the top programs of study in communications:

Types of Communications Programs

Specializations are not limited to just a few different professional fields, though. With the growth in social media and computer technologies, communications can be a part of everyday life in the online setting. Career options and specialized degree offerings related to digital technology and the internet can be other valid options for you to consider.

Experience and internship opportunities

Students that enroll in campus-based Masters in Communications programs may have the option to participate in internship opportunities and field experiences during their program. These types of opportunities can engage learners on a higher level and provide valuable knowledge for later application.

One college offering an on-campus program provides students with the option of conducting an on-site internship as part of their degree requirements. During this experience, students can work with a local news agency or business in learning the processes during their daily operation.

Benefits associated with participation in these experience opportunities include gaining knowledge that can provide confidence and familiarity to learners, giving students the option to gain credits through supervised work experiences, and providing hands on guidance to new professionals during the learning process.

Not all campus-based programs have internship experiences available for current students – or require them. If you are interested in engaging in degree programs that can allow you to indulge in these experiences, you are encouraged to explore the options within your state.

What to expect in your masters program

If this is your first experience with an on-campus master’s program, you might be pleased to learn that most of the processes leading to completion can be quite similar to what you remember from your undergraduate program.

At your time of application, you may be expected to provide documentation showing your completed bachelor’s degree, as well as any work experience you have completed prior to applying. Schools may often require GRE test scores prior to acceptance, so you should be aware of what your school requires prior to applying.

The beginning of your learning experience in a campus-based Masters in Communications program may include working with enrollment counselors to schedule your courses and choosing class times that best align with your schedule.

Some students choose to schedule their classes all in one day, while others may find it beneficial to spread them out during the week. On-campus classes are typically 1 hour per day, 3 days a week, or 3 hours a day, 1 time a week. Different courses may have different offerings for you to choose from initially.

Attending campus programs can provide you with the opportunity to sit face-to-face with your instructors and have immediate access to them for questions or concerns. Being in a classroom during your learning experience can also provide you with extra learning activities with other students in your class.

Each semester may last around 3 months, with some expedited programs providing students with 10 week-long courses. Every college varies on how they schedule their programs, so your experience may be unique from another students.

Regardless of which type of program you choose and your specialization, pursuing a campus-based degree can be a great way to learn in the presence of others interested in your field.