collageMass communication programs are ideal for students who are interested in the media industry, television, film, advertising, music, web design and other aspects of broadcast. Good mass communication programs should provide students with a foundation of research, writing, speaking and critical thinking that is useful to virtually any field related to communications.
To be sure, getting the right information online doesn’t come easy. However, the article below brings you the best and latest information on top mass communication graduate programs, top mass communication colleges in usa. We are here to guide you to the answers to your questions concerning top 20 mass communication colleges in world I would recommend you save time and effort by visiting our website as soon as possible.
10 Best Communications Master’s Programs
A graduate program in communication, or communication studies, is an interdisciplinary program that can prepare students for careers in management, journalism, corporate communication, and interpersonal communication. These degrees can provide knowledge in rhetorical studies, digital media, and organizational communication, to name a few. If you’re considering grad school, there are a few things to look into, such as location, degrees and courses offered, tuition, school rankings, and opportunities available on campus.
Before you start searching online for a grad school for communication majors, consider this list as we detail some of the best communication graduate programs available at universities across the country. Some of the best schools for masters in communication and communication studies include:
To be sure, getting the right information online doesn’t come easy. However, the article below brings you the best and latest information on best biomedical science programs in canada, best universities for animal biology in Canada
We are here to guide you to the answers to your questions concerning top biology universities in the world I would recommend you save time and effort by visiting our website as soon as possible.
- Johns Hopkins University
- Northern Illinois University
- Northwestern University
- University of Miami
- University of South Florida
- University of Tennessee
- University of Texas at El Paso
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- University of Utah
- University of Washington in Seattle
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore
Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, tied at 9th among all national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report in 2021. Johns Hopkins offers a Master of Arts in Communication degree in both a traditional and an online format. Though the campus is located in Baltimore, the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the college that offers a master’s in communication is located in Washington, D.C.
Concentrations can be found in the areas of public and media relations, political communication, health communication, digital communication, corporate and non-profit communication, and applied research in communication. Scheduling is flexible to allow students to earn their degree at their own pace, with up to five years to complete their study. In addition to the standard degree, dual MA/MBA and MA/certificate in non-profit management programs are also available.
Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL
Northern Illinois University offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies. Students can choose several areas of emphasis, including media studies, journalism, and rhetorical studies, as well as an emphasis with persuasive, organizational and interpersonal communication combined. They can also create a more customized program to consist of more than one of these areas. In order to assist students throughout grad school, the university holds events and workshops for students to get informed.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Northern Illinois University has a retention rate of 73 percent for the average freshman, which is assumed to indicate students are content with their experience at the university. This school is affordable for prospective students, despite their current residence, as both in-state and out-of-state tuition expenses are low.
Northwestern University in Evanston, IL
Northwestern University is tied with John Hopkins University at the top of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. The university ranked in 9th for all national universities in 2021. The university offers a Master of Science degree in Communication. There are three learning themes which are consistent within this program: Collaborative Leadership, Managing Complexity, and Elegant Communication. All together, they focus on assessment and analysis of an organization, making decisions on a team, and creating messages for a target audience.
Students have two options to earn their degree, through the Custom Leadership Program and the Hybrid Leadership Program. The first allows students to continue working full-time as it is only part-time on the weekends. The hybrid program is completed both online and on-campus and offers in-resident experiences. For students who want to advance their education even further, the school also offers a Ph.D. in Communications Studies.
University of Miami in Coral Gables
Located in Coral Gables, Florida, the University of Miami offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies that provides an in-depth study of the human communication process. Coursework includes the social effects of mass communication, executive communication, and interpersonal communication. The university’s School of Communication gives students access to film and broadcast studios and facilities. Students in this department have won awards for their work in journalism, advertising, film, interactive media, and other categories.
A Ph.D. in Communication is available for those who want to teach in a college or graduate school environment or do research. Students can specialize in areas such as intercultural communication, health communication, journalism, and media. The University of Miami tied for 49th among all national universities in 2021, according to U.S. News & World Report.
University of South Florida in Tampa
The University of South Florida is located in Tampa, Florida, though its campuses are scattered across the state. USF is tied at 46th on U.S. News & World Report’s top public schools ranking for 2021. It ranked even higher for top performers on social mobility, tied at 17th for the 2021 ranking. The university offers a very low tuition rate for those residing in Florida.
USF offers a Master of Arts in Communication. Students can choose either a thesis option or a non-thesis option. Unlike other graduate programs, students focus on learning both qualitative and quantitative research. Other focuses of this program may include health, culture, media, performance, and organizational communication. Students looking to advance their career further have the option to enroll in a doctorate program.
University of Tennessee in Knoxville
The University of Tennessee offers a Master’s in Communication and Information. Students can choose from four concentrations: communication studies, public relations, journalism and electronic media, and advertising. Within this degree program, students have the option to complete their curriculum by choosing a concentration either on-campus or distance education. The school also offers a doctorate program in communication and information.
The university tied the ranking for the 52nd spot of U.S. News & World Report’s top public schools in 2021. It also ranked at 76th for best colleges for veterans for 2021 as well. The 600-acre flagship campus is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. On campus, there are more than 40 fraternities and sororities available for students to join. The university prides itself on having outstanding professors who are nationally recognized. It also offers study abroad opportunities and resources for research, including state-of-the-art laboratories and projects to gain experience.
University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso offers a Master of Arts in Communication. The program focuses primarily on research but includes several different concentrations. These include cultural studies, environmental communication, mass communication, rhetoric, intercultural and international communication, and organizational communication. Students can choose from a thesis and non-thesis option. Courses in this program include Qualitative Research Methods, Organizational Communication and New Communication Technologies.
The university is tied at 90th for U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 top performers on social mobility, helping disadvantaged students get through college. This ranking could increase after a partnership with NBCUniversal formed to assist students. UTEP is one of only 17 institutions partnered with NBCUniversal to assist aspiring journalists by providing resources in training and internship initiatives. The university also offers a low tuition rate, making it affordable for those who want to advance in their career.
University of Texas at San Antonio
Located in the nation’s seventh largest city, the University of Texas at San Antonio is a nationally recognized university. It’s been recognized by both the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Seal of Excelencia. The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a Master of Arts in Communication. This degree provides students the opportunity to obtain knowledge that can be applied in a broad range of sectors. Topics can include health, interpersonal communication, new media, digital, and organizational communication. Students can select either project, thesis, or non-thesis options. This master’s degree is considered a generalist degree as students can learn skills in critical thinking, research and creativity and apply them in various career fields.
Students looking to save money could do so by attending UTSA. Students on a budget can take advantage of low in-state tuition rates. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings, UTSA is tied at 44th for top performers on social mobility. This means the university is successful in helping disadvantaged students to enroll and graduate.
University of Utah in Salt Lake City
Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the University of Utah, known as the U of U, offers both a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Communication, as well as a Ph.D. Students can choose a thesis option or a non-thesis option. Concentrations include critical cultural studies, rhetoric, digital media, and communicating science, health, environment and risk. The school includes workshops to help students get ahead professionally, with topics including publishing, presentation and the job market.
U.S. News & World Report ranks the university at a tie at 40th for top public schools in 2021. It also ranks the university at another tie at 63rd for best colleges for veterans. The school has a low tuition rate for those in state.
University of Washington in Seattle
The University of Washington tied for 19th among all public schools, according to U.S. News & World Report in 2021. The university’s communication department offers a Master of Arts in Communication and a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication. Students in either degree program take coursework from seven integrated areas of study, including communication and culture, global communication, communication technology and society, rhetoric and cultural studies, social interaction, journalism studies and political communication.
The school also has a Master of Communication where students select from three concentrations: native voices, digital media, and communities and networks. The native voices curriculum focuses on indigenous documentaries and other media. The school offers a center for Native voices along with this degree program. The other concentrations are grouped under communication leadership, with digital media focusing on ideas like content strategy and analytics, and the communities and networks concentration focusing on ideas like engagement, outreach, and forecasting.
Top Communication Schools: At a Glance
| College/University Name | Distinction | Location | Tuition* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Tied at 9th ranking among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2021 | Baltimore | $57,010 |
| Northern Illinois University | Grad Comm, a student advisory council, sets up speaking engagements/social events, acts as a liaison with faculty, and works to assist communications students | DeKalb, IL | $12,352 |
| Northwestern University | Tied at 9th ranking among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2021 | Evanston, IL | $58,701 |
| University of Miami | The School of Communication also offers a Ph.D in Communication, as well as resources and studios in film production | Coral Gables | $53,682 |
| University of South Florida | More than 400 student organizations including Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Honor Society, and Communication Council | Tampa, FL | $6,410 (in-state); $17,324 (out-of-state) |
| University of Tennessee | Nationally-recognized faculty, study abroad opportunities and state-of -the-art laboratories for students to conduct research | Knoxville, TN | $13,264 (in-state); $31,454 (out-of-state) |
| University of Texas at El Paso | Students have access to communication audio labs, digital media labs, media production studios, and more | El Paso, TX | $8,961 (in-state); $24,324 (out-of-state) |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | Students can explore various forms of communications, including organizational, intercultural, and small group | San Antonio, TX | $10,168 (in-state); $25,174 (out-of-state) |
| University of Utah | The university supports graduate communication students by providing assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers | Salt Lake City, UT | $9,498 (in-state); $30,132 (out-of-state) |
| University of Washington | Tied at 19th ranking among all public schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2021 | Seattle | $12,092 (in-state); $39,461 (out-of-state) |
Source*: U.S. News & World Report (2020-2021)
Communication Master’s Programs FAQ
What is required to enroll in a communication graduate degree program?
Prospective students are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree in communication or a bachelor’s with some relevant coursework in communication. Transcripts must be transferred, as well as test scores from the GRE (if applicable). Universities may also have certain GPA requirements, a processing fee, and may require a resume and letters of recommendation.
Which universities offer a master’s in communication and a low tuition rate?
Tuition rates may vary depending on residence and program options. Of the schools listed, the University of South Florida has the lowest in-state tuition rate at just over $6,400 and Northern Illinois University has the lowest tuition rate at about $12,000 for those paying out-of-state.
Why choose a master’s in communication?
Communication is a broad subject that covers topics including but not limited to business, digital media, rhetorical analysis, health, non-profit and journalism. Choosing a communication program allows students to branch off into many different career fields. This broad range of skills that come with the degree can prepare students who want to advance their career and move into higher positions.
These are just some of the top communications masters programs available to students. Many other universities offer programs that can be beneficial in different ways, whether that be location, tuition, preference or any other factors. When choosing a school, make sure to consider not only what you can afford but also where and how you want to learn the skills for your desired career field.
List of all Mass Communication colleges in the U.S.
Communication is central to all aspects of society, from the political realm to health care and the corporate sphere. Graduates of master’s in communication programs are prepared to craft and mediate important communications between corporations, between the government and the public, between organizations and their members, between companies and their employees, and between companies and consumers. MastersinCommunications.com, provides students interested in master’s in communication programs, including master’s in communication studies, strategic communication, health communication, corporate and organizational communication, and political communication, with the academic and career information they need to make informed decisions about their graduate education.
Graduates of master’s in communication programs are prepared to excel in a wide variety of roles. Examples include corporate communication specialists, policy advocates, grant writers, journalists, public relations specialists, medical and health writers, marketing researchers, community college professors, and more. In addition, these programs can prepare students for doctoral studies in communication studies which can lead to additional career opportunities in academia.
Graduate Programs in Communication
For students who are interested in advancing their career in communication, either as a scholar in academia or as a professional in a corporate or non-profit setting, graduate programs in communication are available as master’s programs, doctorate programs, and certificate programs. Each of these options is suitable for different individuals depending on their professional goals, academic interests, previous degrees and work experience, and availability.
- Master’s Programs in Communication are ideal for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and who either want to complete a master’s degree for advancement in their profession, or to prepare for a doctorate program in communication or a related field. Master’s in communication programs are the most common graduate program in the field of communication, and there are also an increasing number of online and hybrid master’s in communication programs to accommodate professionals who are interested in earning their degree online while still working full-time or part-time.
- Doctorate Programs in Communication are for people who wish to conduct research in the field of communication to eventually enter a position of advanced academic research or pedagogy. While most doctorate programs in communication require a master’s degree for admission, there are some programs that offer a Master’s/Ph.D. track that accept students who have completed their baccalaureate degree. Typically, these programs are designed for students to earn both their master’s and Ph.D. and, hence, may not offer a terminal master’s option. In addition, doctorate programs are offered almost exclusively on-campus. Doctorate programs also culminate in a dissertation that represents students’ ability to conduct an advanced research endeavor that adds insight to the field of communication.
- Graduate Certificate Programs in Communication are a strong choice for individuals who do not want to pursue a full master’s program, but who wish to advance their skills and their career in a targeted area of communication, such as organizational communication, public relations, health communication, political communication, social media management, technical communication or a different field. Typically, certificate programs in communication are comprised of a sequence of 3-5 classes that are highly focused on the area in which students wish to learn more immediately applicable skills. Many certificate programs are offered in online and hybrid formats, as their students are generally working professionals. Some certificate programs may also allow students to transfer the credits they have earned towards a master’s degree if they choose to after completing the certificate.
| Featured Master’s In Communication Programs | |
|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins UniversityOnline Master of Arts in Communication with Concentrations in Public and Media Relations, Political Communication, Health Communication, Digital Communication, and Corporate and Non-Profit Communication | |
| University of DelawareOnline Master of Arts in Strategic Communication with Optional Concentrations in Public Relations or Digital and Social Media | |
| Georgetown UniversityOnline Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications | |
| Syracuse UniversityCommunications@Syracuse Online Master of Science in Communications with Specializations in Advertising, Public Relations, Journalism Innovation, and Media Management | |
| University of Southern CaliforniaOnline Master of Communication Management with Areas of Focus in Marketing Communication, Strategic and Organizational Communication, Market Research and Analytics, and Communication Management Generalist |
Academic vs. Applied vs. Generalist Master’s in Communication Programs
For students researching master’s degrees in communication, programs can generally be divided into thematic categories that are separate from program specializations. It is important to understand these themes so that students can choose a program that aligns with their professional and career goals. Programs can generally be categorized into three buckets: academic programs, applied communication programs, and “Generalist” programs that offer coursework in both communication theory and applied skill development.
- Academic Master’s in Communication Programs: Students who want to study communication and conduct social scientific research should look for programs designed to prepare students for doctoral programs in communication. These programs focus on teaching students communication theories and research methodologies designed to prepare them to become communication scholars and/or teach communication at the college level. These programs are typically offered on-campus and follow a traditional two-year master’s program format where students either teach undergraduate courses (through a teaching fellowship) or conduct research (through a research fellowship) while pursuing their master’s degree. Common program names include Master’s in Communication Studies and Master’s in Interpersonal Communication, though specific concentrations for research and scholarship-focused master’s in communication programs will vary.
- Applied Master’s in Communication Programs: Master’s in applied communication programs focus on preparing students for careers in industry through courses that focus on concrete skills development. Students typically still take core courses in communication theory, communication research methods, and interpersonal communication, but the concepts they learn in these classes are placed in the context of improving communication and media strategies within and for businesses and organizations. For example, depending on the specialization (see below for more information on communication specializations), programs may combine core communication courses with applied courses in organizational communication, organizational leadership, integrated marketing communications, and media and public relations. The goal of these programs it to prepare students to work in industry. As such, while there are traditional on-campus programs, many offer evening courses and/or online courses designed for working professionals. Common applied communication programs include Master’s in Strategic Communication and Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communication.
- Generalist Master’s in Communication Programs: While there are a handful of academic programs specifically designed to prepare students for doctoral programs, many master’s in communication programs can be thought of as “generalist” programs that combine theoretical and applied concepts in their curricula. These programs are designed to allow students to choose either an academic or professional career path post-graduation. One way this is achieved is by allowing students to customize their program through choosing applied and/or theoretical courses for their elective requirements. Many smaller universities that offer a single master’s in communication program or universities that do not offer a doctoral program in communication will offer a generalist type program.
Important Considerations When Researching Academic vs. Applied Programs
Students should note that while some program specializations are more clearly defined as academic versus applied, for example communication studies versus strategic communication or integrated marketing communications, students may not be able to tell if a program is academic, applied, or generalist based on the specialization and/or program name alone. For example, a master’s in mass communication program may have a professional/applied track in which students learn about different types of media and how to manage media campaigns, and a theory/research track where students study different forms of media and how media is used to impact society. Another example would be master’s in health communication programs which can focus on researching interpersonal communication in healthcare settings (which would be more of an academic program) or marketing and public relations in the healthcare industry (which would be more of an applied program).
Generalist master’s in communication programs may have emphases or areas of focus that are not clearly indicated by their program name. For these programs, focus areas are often determined by the expertise and/or research interests of the faculty who teach in the program. Finally, some programs focus on how to use communication theories and methods to promote social justice. There are both academic and applied communication programs that focus on social advocacy, the difference is that academic programs are typically designed for students who want to study the root causes of social injustice and discrimination from a communication perspective, while applied programs focus on how communication strategies can be used to drive social movements and campaigns designed to promote positive social change. Due to these variances, students should thoroughly research programs to understand the concepts, principles, and methods they can expect to learn before applying.
Note: The program categories outlined above are general and meant to help students better understand the types of programs that are available so that they can choose a program that aligns with their academic and professional goals. Students should think of master’s in communication programs on a spectrum, with fully academic and fully applied programs on each end, and generalist programs that combine academic and applied coursework in the middle to varying degrees, depending on the specific specialization or emphasis of the program. In general, the majority of master’s in communication programs fall somewhere in the middle.
Master’s in Communication Specializations
In addition to academic and applied master’s in communication programs, many schools now offer students the ability to specialize in a specific communication discipiline or field of practice through clearly defined specializations options. Specializations, which may also be referred to as concentrations or areas of emphasis, allow students to tailor their graduate education to their professional and career interests. Common specializations offered as part of master’s in communication programs include:
- Communication Studies
- Business, Corporate and Organizational Communication
- Global and International Communication
- Health Communication
- Marketing Communication and Public Relations (including Integrated Marketing Communications)
- Media Communication and Mass Communication (including Digital Communication)
- Political Communication
- Strategic Communication
- Technical Communication
There are also generalist master’s in communication programs that do not have formal concentrations, but that allow students to tailor their studies through elective courses in different areas/fields of communication. For these programs, students should review the electives offered by the program carefully to ensure they align with their professional and career goals. Regardless of the type of program, master’s in communication programs across different specializations tend to have one or two core courses that cover similar fundamental communication theories and methods of communication research (e.g., qualitative and/or quantitative research methods).
collage