Communication Graduate Schools in the U.S.

Communications is the study of how people relate, share information and learn from one another through various situations and the media. Graduate-level programs in communications may result in a master's degree or doctorate.

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How to Select a Communications Graduate School

Those seeking to enroll in communications graduate schools often consider degree levels and specializations when choosing a program. Prospective students can decide whether they'd like to achieve a master's degree or a doctorate. The former often involves putting together a thesis and lasts approximately two years. The latter requires the completion and defense of a dissertation, and the deadline varies by school but is typically anywhere from 4-9 years. Some schools offer dual degree programs with an M.A. or M.S. in Communications as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Juris Doctorate (J.D.).

There are also several potential areas of specialization within communications, including journalism, public relations, international communications and political communications. Someone interested in pursuing journalism may wish to attend a school with a lauded newspaper, while a broadcast communications student might seek a campus with advanced technological facilities. Internship opportunities and business partnerships between the school and the local community may also help sway a person's enrollment decision.

Communications Graduate Degree Program Overviews

Master's Degree in Communications

The Master of Arts in Communications program requires 16-24 months of study. Students can choose an area of emphasis in areas such as corporate or non-profit communications, public relations, broadcast media, health communications or journalism. Many Master of Science programs feature similar course loads but emphasize analytics and research methodologies. Dual degree programs may incorporate an examination of law, public affairs or public relations.

Doctoral Degree in Communications

Doctoral students can specialize in designing information systems or they can pursue expertise in cultural studies, new media, media literacy, globalization and other subsets of the communications field. Dual or joint degree programs are available at some graduate schools; students learn communications while focusing on a complementary field like law, business or journalism. This program commonly results in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) but may result in a Doctor of Science (D.S.).

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6 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Master
        • MA in Communication
        • MA in Communication: New Media & Marketing
        • Master of Arts in English

    What is your preferred start date?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
    • Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
    • Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    When would you like to start classes?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Which subject are you interested in?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    When are you looking to start classes?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • Colorado (2 campuses)

    Online and Classroom-Based Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Communications and Journalism
      • Communication Studies
        • Speech Communications and Rhetoric
      • Comparative Language Studies and Services
      • English Composition
      • English Language and Literature
      • Foreign Language and Literature
  • School locations:
    • Texas (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Communications and Journalism
      • Communication Studies
        • Mass Communication Studies
        • Speech Communications and Rhetoric
      • Comparative Language Studies and Services
      • Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
      • English Composition
      • English Language and Literature
      • Foreign Language and Literature
      • Journalism
      • Public Relations and Advertising
  • School locations:
    • Florida (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Communications and Journalism
      • Communication Studies
        • Mass Communication Studies
      • Comparative Language Studies and Services
      • Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
      • English Composition
      • English Language and Literature
      • Foreign Language and Literature
      • Journalism
      • Public Relations and Advertising
  • School locations:
    • Alabama (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at The University of Alabama include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Communications and Journalism
      • Communication Studies
        • Mass Communication Studies
        • Speech Communications and Rhetoric
      • Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
      • English Composition
      • English Language and Literature
      • Foreign Language and Literature
      • Journalism
      • Public Relations and Advertising

Popular Schools

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