Best Online Master's Degrees in Communications

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

A bachelor's degree in communications is a common undergraduate degree for those who wish to pursue a master's in communication. A bachelor's degree in communications helps introduce students to communication research, theories, and writing that they explore further when earning a master's degree. These degrees are offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. In order to get a master's in communication, students can also earn their bachelor's degree in related subject areas such as public relations, journalism, media studies, graphic design, or business.

Students can continue their studies and earn a Ph.D. in Communication. The coursework is centered around research and writing which includes the completion of a dissertation. A Ph.D. in Communication allows graduates to complete independent research, work for government agencies, or teach at colleges and universities. This degree can be completed in around 3-5 years.

One of the benefits of a communication degree is the ability to have a degree that covers a broad field of study or specialize in a specific area. Many online master's communications program includes concentrations in public relations, strategic communication, corporate communication, or health communication. A communication degree is a wide-ranging degree that spans various fields from business or media to government and even healthcare. 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.

A master's degree in communication teaches students the skills and strategies to communicate in a number of ways. Students expand their knowledge of communication orally, visually, and through writing. A master's degree allows students to elevate their studies and have the ability to advance their careers to working for large organizations and companies. This is not just limited to the field of communication. Students can work for corporations, nonprofits, and government. The versatility of a communication degree serves students no matter the career path they choose. The skills and knowledge students gain from this program benefit them in their everyday lives and how they interact with others.

A communication master's degree is typically offered as a Master of Arts because it is in the humanities. However, a number of 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 a business-related field. This coursework helps expand this degree beyond a humanities degree. It may also include courses in technical, science, and health communication.

Students may also 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 corporate communication or strategic communication. These degrees include more courses that prepare them to work as business communicators. Cooperate communication degrees may include courses in marketing, advertising, and branding as well as persuasive communication. Alternatively, students can select a master's degree in visual communication. This is a good option for an individual who is creative and wants to learn more about contemporary and historical art. This degree allows students to work in careers such as graphic designers, visual communication designers, or art directors. For students interested in computer science and design, they can work as a digital communications specialist. These professionals work in website development, video production, and computer animation.

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.

The curriculum for an online master's in communication is based on research and writing courses. Coursework also includes theories, models, and the history of communication. This degree consists typically of 30 credits and can be completed in 1-2 years.

Communication Foundational Courses

Foundational courses included in an online communication degree include:

• Research Methods in Communication
• Conducting Communication Research
• Communication Theory

Communication Specialist & Elective Courses

Depending on their area of interest students can choose to take courses in:

• Political Communication
• Health Communication
• Corporate Communication
• Public Relations
• Mass Media
• Communication and Gender

These courses give students the opportunity to customize their degree based on the area of communication 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 selecting one of these 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.

Licensure & Certification in Communication

You do not need a license to work in communications, but you can find certification helpful for certain careers. For instance, if you want to work as a business communicator, the Global Communication Certification Council, offers two types of certifications. The first certification is the Communication Management Professional and is for generalist, specialist and other business career professionals in careers as managers. The second certification is the Strategic Communication Management Professional which is for those working in strategic communication providing advice or counseling to an organization.

The admission requirements for online 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 degree in communications allows someone to work in a number of different areas. This includes business, marketing, advertising, and sales. Students can work in arts and communications careers such as writers, editors, publishers, journalists, or broadcasters. Students can also work in roles 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. Students can choose to work in politics as a speechwriter or political campaign manager.

Other careers include working in public relations, such as a public relations specialist, for non-profits as a fundraising manager, or in postsecondary education as a professor.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Communication

A master's degree allows students to work in a wide range of careers that spans across many fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth for communications careers such as public relations specialist or advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, 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.

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists work to create a positive public image for the 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 projected to increase by 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is due in part because organizations need to maintain their public image. 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.

How to Become an Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Manager

This degree allows students to work in business communication jobs such as advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers work to create campaigns that create interest in products or services for potential buyers. In order to work in a manager role, you need to have work experience in advertising, marketing, promotions, or sales. This can include having worked in entry level positions such as sales representatives or publicist. At least a bachelor's degree is required to work in most advertising, promotions, and marketing management positions. However, a master's degree, such as a master's in communication, helps an individual advance their professional career. This degree may help them to work in positions at large companies or organizations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to increase 6 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is in part because advertising, promotions, and marketing campaigns are essential for the success of businesses and organizations as well as the economy. As of May 2019, the median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers was $125,510 and $136,850 for marketing managers.

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. Students may also be able to find work-study at the college/university they are attending. Federal work-study allows students to work part-time and earn money which helps pay for their education.

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 writing or editing, the American Copy Editors Society, offers awards and scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are offered through the ACES Education Fund. Applicants should have made a commitment to editing written material as their career.