Communication degree programs explore the creation and conveyance of information in relationships, organizations, and cultures. Typically two-year degrees, MS and MA in communication programs cultivate skills in writing, speaking, comprehending, and analyzing information. MS programs often focus heavily on research and theory, while MA programs may emphasize more creative and professional aspects of the field.
On-campus and online master's in communication programs may require an accredited bachelor's degree in a related discipline, but some schools accept applicants from any academic background. To graduate, master's candidates typically must complete a thesis or other project.
Many communication master's programs offer specializations in areas such as advertising, public relations (PR), corporate communication, and journalism, and graduates often pursue careers in corresponding arenas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that public relations specialists earn a median annual salary of $61,150. The BLS also projects jobs for these specialists to grow by 7% from 2019-2029.
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These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
What Are the Goals of Communication?
An essential aspect of life, communication pervades interpersonal relationships and public domains, including media and entertainment, advertising and marketing, politics and culture, and the performing arts.
By cultivating both foundational and specialized communication skill sets, communication master's programs can help qualify graduates for management positions. Some working professionals use this degree to facilitate transition into new careers in areas such as public relations, politics, business, and journalism.
What Are the Benefits of a Degree in Communication?
Earning an advanced communication degree can lead to salary advancement, promotion, new career opportunities, and improved relationships.
Improved Personal Relationships: Studying communication enriches students' understanding of other people and cultivates effective techniques for listening, expressing thoughts and feelings, and establishing boundaries.
Improved Professional Performance: Communication graduates can apply their learning to professional roles and relationships. Many communication courses and concentrations focus on public relations and business communication situations and strategies.
Diverse Career Opportunities: A communication master's degree can help qualify students for careers in diverse fields such as journalism, marketing and advertising, media planning, and public relations.
Promotion: Many entry-level media and communication positions require a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree can position graduates for leadership positions such as marketing manager, public relations manager, and postsecondary education administrator.
Salary Advancement: Some communication professionals earn an advanced degree to move up their company pay scale or to qualify for better-paying jobs elsewhere.
Accreditation for a Master's in Communication
When choosing between communication programs, prospective students should pay close attention to accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high academic standards. Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. The Council of Higher Education Accreditation oversees several regional accrediting agencies.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For instance, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions.
Programs within a school may also receive accreditation. Prospective communication students should look for programs accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication or the National Association of Schools and Art. Students can verify a school or program's accreditation status through the Department of Education's searchable database.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What can you do with a master's in communication? | Communication master's degrees support careers in public relations, journalism and media, advertising and marketing, and organizational administration. |
| How long is a master's in communication? | Communication master's programs usually take about two years of full-time study to complete, but some schools offer accelerated and/or part-time programs. |
| Does a communication degree pay well? | PayScale salary data suggests that master of arts in communication graduates make an average annual salary exceeding $63,000. |
| How do I start a career in communication? | Many communication jobs require a bachelor's degree in a related field, so aspiring communication professionals typically begin their career by earning a bachelor's degree. |
Courses in a Communication Master's Program
Communication master's programs vary by school, degree type (MS or MA), and concentration. However, most online master's in communication programs include research, theory, professional, and capstone courses. Programs also typically feature elective course and concentration options that facilitate specializations in areas such as digital storytelling, corporate communication, organizational management, and public relations.
Most communication master's programs feature theses or other projects that encourage advanced critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills. Master's students may also participate in communication internships that facilitate hands-on learning.
Course content and titles vary by program, and the following list outlines several courses commonly found in master's in communication programs.
Communication Theory
This core course surveys communication theory and its various applications in research and practice. Students learn modern theories pertaining to interpersonal communication, public relations, mass communication, and persuasion. Theories covered may include actor-network, groupthink, social learning, and cognitive dissonance. Learners may also encounter adaptive structuration theory, agenda-setting theory, and social exchange theory.
Communication Research Methods
This course trains students in gathering, understanding, evaluating, and applying research data in communication problem-solving. Enrollees learn to ethically utilize and analyze common qualitative and quantitative research methods, including case studies and surveys. Learners may study topics like textual analysis, experimental methods, and naturalistic inquiry. This course also cultivates skills in writing and presenting communication scholarship.
Strategic and Corporate Communication
Familiarizing enrollees with communication principles used by strategists and corporations, this course typically focuses on business-related media strategies and communication campaigns. Learners gain skills in audience targeting, campaign creation and evaluation, and stakeholder communication. They also study communication principles and strategies for community engagement, government relations, and public affairs. This course may appear as a core requirement or as part of a strategic and corporate communication concentration.
Strategic Public Relations
Exploring the public relations branch of strategic communication, this course covers public relations theories, principles, ethics, and applications. Topics may include organizational environment, situations, and PR responses. Enrollees learn how to create effective public relations strategies, objectives, plans, and designs. This course also covers the various uses of social media channels for public relations strategy and communication.
Persuasive Communication
Often a core requirement, this course examines major persuasion theories and discusses the role of audience, situation, and message in successful persuasion. Topics covered may include humor, argumentation, presentation, and visual persuasion. Learners may practice composing and analyzing persuasive messages in interpersonal, cultural, and mass media contexts. This course also examines the ethics of persuasion in various situations and media.
How to Become a Public Relations Specialist
According to the BLS, public relations specialist positions usually require a public relations-related bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited school. Common related majors include communication, English, business, and journalism. Many communication and journalism majors create portfolios to showcase their communication skills and talents.
Ideally, aspiring public relations specialists also acquire related experience through a job or internship. Earning a communication master's degree and/or professional certification can also improve candidates' job prospects.
Career and Salary Outlook for Communication Majors
Graduates of communication master's programs can work in a variety of sectors, industries, and roles. Many graduates pursue careers in journalism, media planning, marketing and advertising, or public relations. The following list outlines several common careers for graduates.
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing ManagerCollaborating with advertising, design, financial, and management teams, these managers create campaigns and programs to attract consumer interest. They're often responsible for areas like contract negotiation, personnel management, market research, and campaign planning. Candidates typically need at least a bachelor's degree and some related professional experience.
Market Research AnalystTasked with predicting sales prospects by tracking market conditions, market research analysts help guide company decisions on areas like product choice, pricing, and target demographics. These analysts often spend their days collecting and analyzing data, forecasting performance, measuring marketing programs and strategies, and presenting information to clients and executives.
Postsecondary Education AdministratorThese leaders may manage entire schools or departments, such as student affairs, admissions, academics, or finance. Duties depend on the role, but they often include strategic planning, budgeting, personnel management, and university reporting. Most postsecondary education administrators need at least a master's degree.
Public Relations and Fundraising ManagerPublic relations and fundraising managers oversee an organization's public image or funding sources, respectively. PR managers compose and review press releases and advise executives, while fundraising managers may meet with donors and apply for grants. These professionals often hold bachelor's or master's degrees in related fields.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager | $135,900 | 6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $63,790 | 18% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $95,410 | 4% |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Manager | $116,180 | 9% |
Source: BLS
Certifications and Licensure for Communication Majors
A communication-related master's degree meets or exceeds the minimum education requirements for many communication-related careers, but some jobs may require or prefer additional credentials, such as professional certification. The following three certifications can bolster candidates' job prospects.
How Can a Master's Student Pay for College?
Funded by various types of organizations, scholarships typically consist of a financial award granted based on qualifications including identity, field of study, financial need, and/or academic merit. Recipients do not need to repay scholarship awards. The following list outlines several financial aid opportunities for communication master's students.
Center for Justice and International Law communication InternshipWho Can Apply: CEJIL awards this internship to communication and journalism students, as well as graduates focused on Latin American human rights issues. Eligible applicants must possess strong skills in web editing and social media, research, and writing in English and Spanish. Translation experience, NGO experience, and/or Portugese language skills may improve candidates' competitiveness for this internship.Amount: Varies
Broadcast Education Association ScholarshipsWho Can Apply: The BEA runs several scholarships for students demonstrating high integrity, strong academic performance, and electronic media professional potential. Applicants must submit two recommendation letters, transcripts, and a thesis or dissertation proposal (if applicable).Amount: $1,000-$4,000
International Radio and Television Society Summer FellowshipWho Can Apply: Available to high-performing undergraduate and graduate students in any major, IRTS' nine-week, expenses-paid summer fellowship provides an elite media bootcamp experience for aspiring communication professionals. Recipients learn about diverse media, interview industry leaders, and gain real-world experience at media corporations.Amount: Travel expenses to NYC, nine weeks of Manhattan housing, and a living allowance.
Eastern Communication Association Centennial ScholarshipWho Can Apply: This scholarship goes to nominated master's in communication enrollees with ECA membership. Thesis advisors must write a nomination letter, and nominees must submit a four-page summary of their original research project idea.Amount: Varies
Bodie McDowell ScholarshipWho Can Apply: Awarded by the Outdoor Writers Association of America, this scholarship serves talented undergraduate and graduate learners aspiring to outdoor communication careers. Candidates must submit letters of recommendation, work samples, and clear articulations of their outdoor communication career goals.Amount: $1,000-$5,000
