Best Master's in Communications Programs

Students can begin their path to a master's degree in communications by earning bachelor's degree in communications. In order to work in the communications field, most positions require a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree in communications requires the completion of at least 120 credits and is typically earned in four years. This degree helps introduce students to communication research, theories, and writing that they explore further when earning a master's degree. This degree may be offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

Alternatively, students could also choose to earn their bachelor's degree in related subject areas such as public relations, marketing, journalism, digital media, media studies or corporate communications.

The admission requirements for communication master's degree programs include having earned a bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Those who are applying to this program must also have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA while earning their bachelor's degree or master's degree that has been completed or that they are currently enrolled in.

Other requirements may vary depending on the university, but students often have to submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, and pay an application fee.

A graduate degree in communications provides students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of communications which will assist them in their professional careers. While a bachelor's degree is typically the requirement to work in most communications related careers, with a master's degree students really get to focus on their track within the field. Most master's communications programs include concentrations in public relations, strategic communication, corporate communication, or health communication. A master's degree goes beyond taking introductory classes and requires students to complete advanced coursework.

No matter what field you are working in, being able to effectively communicate is an essential part of being able to do your job successfully. Students expand their knowledge of all types of communication including visually, orally and through writing. In addition, they also learn about new ways of communication to help those who have trouble communicating. The field is constantly changing and professionals in the field need to as well. The versatility of a communication degree in conjunction with the skills and knowledge students gain from this program benefit them in their everyday lives and throughout each step of their professional career.

When choosing a master's program in communications, students should consider the type of degree that best suits their career aspirations. A communication master's degree is most commonly offered as a Master of Arts, but some universities offer this program as a Master of Science. This degree includes more business-related coursework and may be a good option for may be interested in working in corporate communications. It may also include courses in technical, science, and health communication.

Students also may be able to find different variations of a communication degree that focuses on a specific subject area. For instance, if a student decides they want to work in the business sector but would like to major in communications, many universities offer master's degrees in strategic communication or corporate communications. These degrees include more courses that prepare them to work as business communicators. Corporate communication degrees may include courses in marketing, advertising, and branding as well as persuasive communication. Students may also major in public relations, which is one of the specializations they can have in a communications master's program.

Students should also consider the format in which the degree is offered. There are programs that can be completed entirely online or a hybrid option that includes in-person and online courses. Some universities may offer this degree as an accelerated program which allows students to earn their degree in less time.

If a student is unsure what they want the focus of their communication to be in, they can find an array of communications certificates that can be completed in a several weeks to a couple of months. Some of these certificates may be completed for college credit while others may be completed for professional development only. By completing a certificate allow students or professionals in communications to explore certain aspects of communications such as marketing, social media and digital writing. Students can find digital communications certificates that can be completed online.

A master's degree in communications consists of anywhere between 30-60 credits and can typically be completed in 2 years. The coursework in a communications degree may vary depending on if a student selected a Master of Arts or a Master of Science. For instance, a Master of Arts may include more humanities coursework and deal with social sciences. Whereas a Master of Science may have more research based or business-related coursework. Regardless, a master's degree in communications sculpts students into effective communicators improving their writing, speaking and reporting skills. The additional courses a student can choose from allow them to customize their degree.

Communication Foundational Courses

The foundational courses in this master's degree program establish an understanding of the field of communications. This includes the completion of research, advanced writing, critical thinking and problem solving. Students examine how they interact and how to effectively get their message across.

Foundational Courses often include:

• Communication Research Methods
• Introduction to Communication Theory
• Interpersonal Communication
• Ethics and Communication

Some universities offer students the option to choose a thesis or non-thesis option as a part of this program. Many communications degrees include seminars and/or capstone projects. In addition, some programs include the completion of an internship as part of the coursework.

Communication Specialist & Elective Courses

The specialists and elective courses in a communications degree give students the opportunity to customize their degree based on the area they want to focus on. Students apply their research methods and strategies to a particular sector. A communication degree can be applied to almost any occupation. By taking specialized courses, students are able to connect the coursework included in this degree to gain knowledge of how communications relate to the field of their choosing.

Examples of these courses include:

• Mass Media
• Digital Communication
• Strategic Communication
• Public Relations
• Political Communication
• Communication and Technology
• Health Communication

Licensure & Certification in Communication

For the most part, in order to work in communications careers, you do not need a license, but you can find certification helpful for certain careers. For instance, if you want to work in corporate communications as a director or manager, the Global Communication Certification Council, offers two types of certifications.

One of these certifications is the Communication Management Professional and is for generalist, specialist and other business career professionals in careers as managers. The other certification is the Strategic Communication Management Professional which is for those working in strategic communication providing advice or counseling to an organization.

Earning a certification may help students build a professional career or increase their chances of advancement within their place of employment.

After earning their master's degree, students can continue their studies and earn a PhD in Communication. The coursework is centered around research and writing which includes the completion of a dissertation. This degree can be completed in around 3-5 years. A PhD in Communication allows graduates to work doing independent research in the field of communications. In addition, they may be employed by government agencies or teach at colleges and universities.

Students studying in the field of communications can find many organizations made of up professionals with the industry. This may include organizations that represent communications as a whole or those that represent those working in a particular occupation. Many of them not only include members who have worked in communications for many years, but support and resources for students and graduates just starting off their careers. Some of these organizations include:

• The American Communication Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit virtual professional association made up of communication scholars and practitioners. The mission of the ACA to promote the use of new and evolving technologies in communication instruction, research and criticism. The association is based in the United States, but it is a virtual organization that includes communications professionals from across the world.
• Another organization is the Public Relations Society of America which is the nation's leading professional organization for the communications field. Its membership comprises over 30,000 professionals and students. The PRSA works to provide professional development programs, learning opportunities and resources to members throughout their career in public relations.
• The International Communication Association (ICA) works to advance the scholarly study of human communication by supporting academic research worldwide. The ICA was founded more than 50 years ago. Today it is made up of more than 4,500 members across 80 countries.

A master's degree provides current professionals in communications with the opportunity for career advancement. This includes being promoted to communications manager or communications director or holding new positions. Graduates could also go on to work in careers in which they complete academic research, lead companies or hold government positions, many of which may require a graduate degree.

A degree in communications allows graduates to be employed in an array of industries. Students can work in arts and communications in positions such as writers, editors, publishers or journalists. A master's degree can help professionals advance to roles in which they are in charge of communications departments or lead a group of team members. There are also many positions available in digital communication and social media communications. They can also work in corporate communications which allows them to have jobs in business, marketing, advertising, and sales. While a bachelor's degree is typically the requirement to hold these positions, with a master's degree, graduates can hold higher ranking senior positions or work to training new hires.

Another area that students can choose to work in is public relations, which maintains the image of clients or organizations. A master's degree is a requirement to hold positions such as a public relations specialist. In addition, there are occupations in organizational communication such as in human resources. This includes human resource managers who work to plan and organize the administrative duties within an organization or company. Graduates can also work in verbal communications careers such as announcers, broadcast news analysts, Interpreters and translators.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Communication

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth for communications careers such as public relations specialist or technical writer, is expected to grow faster than average for other occupations. This is in part because communications professionals are necessary to ensure the success of businesses, organizations, nonprofits, and individuals. We need professionals in these careers to be able to effectively communicate information to the public in a variety of ways.

How to Become a Technical Writer

In addition to other written communications jobs such as content writers, reporters and editors, graduates can choose to work as a technical writer. Technical writers work to help make technical or complex information easier for people to understand. This includes writing instructional manuals, how-to guides and journal articles. Technical writers improve the communication and make it more user friendly.

In order to work as a technical writer, you typically need a bachelor's degree. In addition, to a college degree, applicants should have knowledge or experience with a technical subject. This may include science, engineering, business or design. A master's degree provides professionals with the opportunity for career advancement. In large companies, entry level technical writers may learn from experienced writers and interact with specialists before working on their own projects. In addition, those who have experience and a master's degree may be promoted to working on projects that are more challenging and training junior staff members.

Employment of technical writers is expected to increase by 7 percent from 2019 to 2029 which is faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing use of web-based products leads to a higher demand for technical writers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for technical writers was $72,850 in May 2019.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists work to create a positive public image for the client or organization they are representing. This includes writing media releases and utilizing social media to alter public perception of their organization. The requirements to work in this career are having at least a bachelor's degree in communications or related majors such as public relations, journalism, or business.

Students may choose to complete internships at public relations firms or work in the public relations departments of businesses. Experience working in entry-level positions can help them gain experience for this occupation. In addition, a master's degree allows students to hold higher positions in public relations and represent high-profile organizations or clients.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. The median annual wage for public relations specialists was $61,150 as of May 2019 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Just as you do when applying to undergraduate programs, those interested in earning a graduate degree should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to see if they qualify for any federal aid. There are several types of financial aid that can help students continue their education. This includes grants, which is money that does not need to be repaid, and loans, which is borrowed money that needs to be paid back with interest.

There are many scholarships students can find depending on their background, the state in which they are located, and the communication career they plan on working in. For instance, if a student plans on working in public relations, the PRSA and PRSSA offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students.