Communication Master’s program at Northwestern University

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Master of Science in Communication

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The Northwestern Master of Science in Communication (MSC) degree program is a doorway for those who find the skills to transform into valued and effective leaders. Students will develop the skills necessary for an instant competitive advantage in the workplace while integrating communication theory with practical implementation in this MSC program.

The intimate setting of the master's level communication seminars guarantees that each student will receive individualized attention from the top academics, business leaders, and professionals who have years of practical experience. The core of a flexible and broadly applicable curriculum that applies to practically every business is this competence in communication strategy, leadership, organizational behavior, information technology, and global economies.

There are two paths in the Northwestern MSC degree, each customized to your busy schedule and executive experience.

  • Custom Leadership Program (CLP): In the Northwestern Custom Leadership Program (CLP), students earn an MS in Communication while learning how to affect positive change. The program takes less than a year to complete. Students attend a mix of weekday and weekend courses. Courses last for 10 weeks each. 
  • Online Leadership Program (OLP): This program comprises 5-week courses, with students taking one class at a time, culminating in a total of 2 classes per quarter. Most students complete the program in 1 year. MSC students take classroom learnings and immediately apply them in day-to-day projects. 
12 Months Duration
- Credit hours
No GRE Required
Yes Scholarships Available

Composition of student population

370 Female Students
135 Internation Students
83 Graduate Students Enrolled

Master of Science in Communication - No GRE

Completed online application, including a statement of purpose, resume, and $40 application fee.

Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. An unofficial copy of each transcript should be included with the online application. Once admitted, official transcripts must be submitted before the first day of classes.

Official transcripts must be sent in envelopes sealed by the issuing colleges or universities. Transcripts not received in this manner are not considered official and will not be accepted.

The program does not accept DuoLingo, TOEFL Essentials, or the IELTS test.

GRE GMAT scores are NOT required and will not be reviewed by the admissions committee.

How does the Communication Master’s degree program tuition at Northwestern University compared with other universities in Illinois?

Tuition for Master’s in Communication program at Northwestern University

$56,567 In-state Tuition & Fees
$56,567 Out-of-state Tuition & Fees
UniversityIn state Tuition / Year
Communication Masters program at University of Illinois Chicago$17,121
Communication Masters program at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale$16,026
Communication Masters program at Western Illinois University$11,996
Communication Masters program at University of St Francis$13,839

Which other public university offers Master’s program in Communication in Illinois?

Here is the list of top 4 public universities offering Communication Master’s program.

Program NameTuition / Year
Communication at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

In-state: $17,912

Out-state: $30,083

Communication at University of Illinois Chicago

In-state: $17,121

Out-state: $27,036

Communication at Western Illinois University

In-state: $11,996

Out-state: $11,996

Communication at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

In-state: $9,300

Out-state: $9,300

Which other private university offers Master’s program in Communication in Illinois?

Here is the list of top 4 private universities offering Communication Master’s program.

Program NameTuition / Year
Communication at Loyola University Chicago$19,154
Communication at Illinois Institute of Technology$30,695
Communication at DePaul University$19,760
Communication at Lake Forest College$14,896

Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in Communication

Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,000 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

The median annual wage for fundraisers was $59,610 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 101,300.

Universities with similar Graduate Program

Program NameTuition / Year
Communication Masters program at Western Illinois University$11,996
Communication Masters program at Seton Hall University$25,172
Communication Masters program at Kean University$17,356
Communication Masters program at University of Memphis$10,746

Are there Online Masters programs offered in Communication?

Here is the list of top-ranked universities offering online masters program in Communication

Program NameTuition
Communication Online Masters programs at University of Southern California$48,715
Communication Online Masters programs at University of Florida$12,737
Communication Online Masters programs at Northeastern University$55,452
Communication Online Masters programs at Syracuse University$41,714