Top Masters Programs in Communication

What is Communication Master’s program?

Communication is a study of the various methods and tools humans use to interact with one another, but professionally and privately. Communication includes elements of oral and written language, history, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and statistics. Master’s in communication jobs cover a wide range of industries, including business administration, education, law, technology, and journalism.

There are 167 schools offering graduate degrees in Communication. Clark University had 78 international graduate students in its 167 program, which is one of the highest counts in the country. Clark University had the most women graduates in this program.

Yale University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $44,500 per year
Total Cost:  $89,000 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Connecticut
Acceptance:  6.53%

What You Can Do with a Yale MPH.

Degree Requirements PhD Biostatistics Implementation and Prevention Science Methods Pathway.

Degree Requirements PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Degree Requirements PhD SBS Program Maternal and Child Health Promotion.

Summer International Program in Environmental Health Sciences (SIPEHS).

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Podcasts Yale School of Public Health

  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research Assistantships:  1565
  • Teaching Assistantships:  1598
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Stanford University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $55,011 per year
Total Cost:  $110,022 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  California
Acceptance:  5.19%

Best Of: Using Skills From Improv to Master Your In-The-Moment Communication.

In January 2020, Stanford Graduate School of Business launched the podcast Think Fast Talk Smart with the goal of helping people improve their communication skills.

Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.

But if you think it, most of our professional communication is spontaneous in nature. These spur-of-the-moment communication events can be as important, if not even important, than our planned high-stakes communications. For most people these impromptu situations can be quite challenging.

Let me start by introducing Adam Tobin. Adam is a senior lecturer in Film and Media Studies here at Stanford University, and a teacher in Continuing Studies. Dan Klein is also a lecturer at Stanford, both at the Graduate School of Business as well as in Theater and Performance Studies. Adam and Dan, thanks for being here.

But over the course of 10 weeks of practicing doing this, of doing it with other people, of getting the experience of that playful support, being able to fail and have it still work out, I start to see the armor crack.

So usually the third question that I ask is to ask the person to give three ingredients that go into a successful communication recipe.

Get Hired: How the Right Communication Can Advance Your Career.

Communication Tips from the Classroom and Around the World.

In this 150th episode, Matt Abrahams, Shawon Jackson, and podcast listeners discuss their favorite pieces of communication advice.

In this podcast episode, we discuss actions you can take to reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.

Learn shape the way others see you through your verbal and nonverbal communication in this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart.

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Using Skills From Improv to Master Your In-The-Moment Communication - Stanford Graduate School of

  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research Assistantships:  2280
  • Teaching Assistantships:  1007
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
Johns Hopkins University logo
Ranked as:  #7 in Best National University
Tuition:  $59,425 per year
Total Cost:  $118,850 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Maryland
Acceptance:  11.06%

Master the art of communication and learn how to craft and share compelling messages that will cut through the noise to reach your target audience. Earn the MA in Communication at Johns Hopkins online or in D.C. Successful communication demands strong writing and presentation skills, strategic thinking, creativity, and an understanding of digital platforms, analytics, and audience engagement. The Master of Arts in Communication degree from Johns Hopkins University is designed for the workplace of today: a cutting-edge curriculum that integrates writing, research, technology, and strategy.

This 30-credit Master of Arts degree is composed of 1 Required Core Course, 3 Customizable Core Courses, and 6 Elective Courses. Within the Customizable Core Courses is the optional culminating experience of a Practicum. In addition, within the Electives you can choose to pursue one or two of the six optional Areas of Concentration.

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MA in Communication

  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research Assistantships:  2378
  • Teaching Assistantships:  304
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
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696 universities offer the Master's program in Communication.

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University of Pennsylvania logo
Ranked as:  #7 in Best National University
Tuition:  $41,760 per year
Total Cost:  $83,520 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Pennsylvania
Acceptance:  8.98%

The master's in Intercultural Communication puts you on the path to a variety of careers and academic pursuits—including international student advising, study abroad programming, and refugee and immigrant support. Students gain the skills and knowledge to understand linguistic and social practices between people with differing cultural and organizational backgrounds.

As a student in the Intercultural Communication program, you’ll participate in a broad range of course work and field experiences in the ethnographic study of communication between members of different cultural groups—including linguistic, social, racial, ethnic, national, and gender groupings—and within different organizational contexts.

A degree in Intercultural Communication prepares you for careers such as cultural exchange advising and administration, study-abroad programming, refugee and immigrant support, curriculum development, and consulting around organizational and cultural complexities. The program also provides a solid foundation in ethnographic and discourse analysis research methods for students considering a career in intercultural research and/or doctoral study. Although specific interests and career goals vary, all students learn to analyze the many linguistic, discursive, social, and cultural issues encountered in interaction.

The master’s degree program in Intercultural Communication offers a campus-wide interdisciplinary experience. In addition to 7 required courses, you choose 5 electives from across Penn GSE and the University of Pennsylvania. A key component of the program is the summer internship, in which you can put into practice skills and theories you learn the classroom.

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Master Degree in Intercultural Communication

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Northwestern University logo
Ranked as:  #10 in Best National University
Tuition:  $56,567 per year
Total Cost:  $113,134 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Illinois
Acceptance:  9.31%

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. 
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Master of Science in Communication

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Duke University logo
Ranked as:  #10 in Best National University
Tuition:  $59,140 per year
Total Cost:  $118,280 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  North Carolina
Acceptance:  7.74%

Elevate Your Influence With Duke Business Communication Training.

Business person uses strategic communication skills during a boardroom presenation.

Companies and individuals often seek communication skills training for a variety of compelling reasons, each aimed at enhancing effectiveness in personal interactions and professional engagements. Here are some of the key reasons:.

Improving Leadership Abilities: Effective communication is fundamental for leaders. Duke strategic communication program helps leaders to clearly articulate visions, strategies, and expectations to diverse stakeholders, enhancing their ability to lead and inspire teams.

Enhancing Team Collaboration: Good communication skills are crucial for fostering teamwork and collaboration. Our strategic business communication course can help individuals understand and be understood by their colleagues better, leading to productive and cohesive teams.

Facilitating Change Management: During periods of change, clear communication is vital. Communication training assists leaders and employees in effectively conveying and accepting changes within the organization, which can ease transitions and reduce resistance.

Boosting Persuasive Power: Whether it negotiating deals, selling products, or pitching ideas, persuasive communication can significantly impact outcomes. Training sharpens these skills, enhancing the ability to influence and persuade others effectively.

Executive communication training helps individuals and teams communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds, preventing misunderstandings and building international relationships.

Improving Customer Relations: Effective communication is key to customer service and client relationships. Our intensive business communication course helps employees handle inquiries, complaints, and negotiations effectively, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Managing Crises: In times of crisis, effective communication is essential to manage the situation and mitigate damage. Training prepares individuals and organizations to handle crises with clear, strategic communication.

Career Advancement: Strong communication skills are often linked to career progression. Individuals invest in communication training to enhance their professional image, increase their visibility, and open up opportunities for advancement.

Each of these reasons highlights the strategic value of communication skills in both personal growth and organizational development, making such training an essential investment for sustained success.

Whether you're steering a corporation, leading a team, or pioneering new business ventures, effective communication is the cornerstone of success. Our Strategic Business Communication program is designed to empower professionals across various roles with the skills to influence outcomes, drive change, and achieve strategic goals. Discover how enhancing your communication abilities can open new pathways for professional advancement and organizational impact.

Dynamic Managers: Supercharge your team performance and cohesion through superior communication skills. Perfect for leaders aiming to inspire, drive results, and forge strong stakeholder relationships.

Dedicated Sales and Business Development Professionals: Boost your negotiation prowess and client management capabilities. This communication training program is tailored for professionals eager to secure new clients, cultivate lasting relationships, and accelerate revenue growth.

Government and Nonprofit Leaders: Sharpen your ability to articulate initiatives, rally support, and adeptly manage complex stakeholder networks. Essential for those in roles that demand persuasive communication to drive social and organizational change.

Our program is crafted to provide you with a blend of lectures, hands-on practice, and real-world simulations tailored to your professional needs.

Apply Real Tools in Real Time for Immediate ROI: Use practical tools during the program that you can immediately apply to your daily challenges and long-term projects.

Prepare to transform your approach to communication and influence with guidance from the best in the field.

Snacks are also provided throughout the program day.

At the conclusion of the program, you will be better able to:.

He has been designing and delivering communications and leadership executive programs since 2013 to thousands of executives in organizations across the globe, from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies.

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Cornell University logo
Ranked as:  #17 in Best National University
Tuition:  $30,042 per year
Total Cost:  $60,084 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  New York
Acceptance:  10.71%

Graduate study in Communication at Cornell appeals to students willing to rethink how the traditional categories, such as mass and interpersonal communication, still fit in an age of chat rooms, virtual reality, cell phones, and 500 channel cable systems. The university is looking for students who, for example, see that when a community is upset over a public works project this is not just a public relations problem, but a complex system of social influences that needs to be understood.

Cornell Communication students are the kind of students who think differently and change things. They may be interested in changing how institutions collaborate to improve natural resources management, or in exploring how teenagers combine the use of TV and Instant Messenger. The university don’t believe in shoving students into a mold. There are few required courses. With the guidance of a committee of faculty members, each student designs a rigorous program that fits his or her goals.

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PhD in Communication

  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
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Columbia University in the City of New York logo
Ranked as:  #18 in Best National University
Tuition:  $51,194 per year
Total Cost:  $102,388 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  New York
Acceptance:  6.66%

Columbia University’s Master of Science in Strategic Communication positions students to fill that need. Graduates acquire and develop all the essential skills and tools for a successful career in a wide range of communication fields. Classes take place on Columbia’s New York City campus and most students complete the program in 16 months (with or without a summer “Practicum:” a graduate-level internship). An accelerated 12-month version of the degree is also available, but it does not permit an internship.

In This Full-Time Master’s Program, students will learn the communication skills that employers value most, including the strategic approaches, analytical frameworks, and organizational mindset you will need to advance in your career; discover how to apply communication strategy to support or affect organizational outcomes at the highest level; gain the confidence and skills to become a change agent in your organization and in the world; develop effective communication strategies through advanced analytical skills, stakeholder assessment, storytelling know-how, research tool design and evaluation, and digital strategy; gain access to elective classes in other School of Professional Studies programs and elsewhere at Columbia, aligning your path of study with specific interests and objectives; have numerous learning opportunities outside the classroom, including supplemental seminars and workshops such as the Strategic Communication Speaker Series; and an in-depth Capstone Project with a real organization, real research and recommendations, and a presentation to senior executives at the organization.

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Master of Science in Strategic Communication: Full-Time Path

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University of California-Los Angeles logo
Ranked as:  #20 in Best National University
Tuition:  $28,131 per year
Total Cost:  $56,262 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  California
Acceptance:  14.33%

The M.S. degree is not a stand-alone, terminal degree. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. degree program may be granted a terminal M.S. degree if they do not complete the Ph.D. requirements and exit the program. To be granted the M.S. degree, students must complete all required courses for the Ph.D., and complete the second year research paper, approved by the student’s adviser and two additional ladder faculty members from the Department of Communication. If the student is continuing in the Ph.D. program, this degree is optional.

The expected course load is 12 units per quarter for a minimum of two years. However, if needed, the minimum course load may be adjusted downward by petition with the approval of the student’s committee chair and the department chair. Students must be registered and enrolled at all times unless on an official leave of absence.

Students must complete 11 courses (44 units)—of which at least 9 must be 200-level graduate courses—all taken for a letter grade, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. All students are required to take seven core classes: one communication theory and research course (COMM 200); one research design course (COMM 220); two approved statistics courses, with at least one at the 200 level (e.g., POL200A-D; PSY 250A-C; STAT 101, 102); and three seminars that correspond to the three areas of study (COMM 230; 250; 270). In addition, students are required to take three elective courses from within our department or elsewhere, and a TA training class (COMM 495). Any additional elective courses above the 11 course requirement may be taken for a letter grade or S/U grading. Depending on the student’s area of study and prior academic preparation and study, a student may be advised to take other preparatory courses as determined by the faculty adviser.

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Communication MS

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University of California-Berkeley logo
Ranked as:  #20 in Best National University
Tuition:  $29,347 per year
Total Cost:  $58,694 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  California
Acceptance:  17.48%

The Berkeley Transformative CHRO Leadership Program co-led by Laszlo Bock.

A communication skills training to develop your confidence and presentation abilities. Learn create a memorable pitch.

Develop your authentic voice and turn your communication weaknesses into strengths through world-class theater techniques and storytelling.

In my view, I learned that becoming a good manager is, at its heart, really becoming self-aware and deliberate your own behavior and communication with other people. This program gives you a very clear snapshot of your own behavior and communication style and gives you tools that you can use TODAY to improve every aspect of managing a team.

Often we as leaders have found our way to our positions through trial and error mixed with passion and energy to always be better. Because of that, we may lack the internal confidence in our deepest set beliefs and have doubt in our abilities at times. This course helped me to solidify what I already intuitively knew was right, understand the importance of my impact and learn new tools and knowledge to go even further. Beyond that, I now have a wonderful network of humans to keep me accountable which no amount of private studying could ever provide you.

I received valuable techniques I can implement at work right away. This course is like 10 different courses packed in one. Therefore, absolutely worth the money. It will take some time for me to reflect on the material and learnings as it was so much. The different blocks are very unique and tangible.

This course was a fantastic deep dive into key themes to master excellent communications. I loved the novel tools to increase confidence, project my voice, manage difficult situations while on the stage, and craft a pitch with impact. I also found that the course methodology allowed for all participants to go out of the comfort zone, share and receive feedback, and practice genuinely to get better.

I found the tools, content, stories, and takeaways so relevant to our company as we are navigating cultural changes coming out of the pandemic, aspiring to grow, and just beginning and update to our strategic plan. The learning around driving innovation, knowing the right leadership tools to apply at the right time, and purposefully aligning culture to our strategic goals give me so many ideas to bring back to my peers.

One of the most valuable things this program was actively dedicating 2-4 hours per week to focus on growing as a black leader.

Black Executive Leadership Accelerator Participant, Jan March 2022.

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What kind of scholarships are available for Graduate Programs in Communication?

We have 4 scholarships awarding up to $22,275 for Masters program in for Communication, targeting diverse candidates and not restricted to state or school-based programs.

Scholarship nameAmountCredibility
NAJA-Facebook Journalism Project Scholarship$10,000Medium
Changemaker Scholarship for Masters Programs$5,775High
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship$4,000Medium
Jack G Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarships$2,500Medium

Find scholarships and financial aid for Communication graduate programs

$500 $20000

Are there any one year masters programs in Communication?

A full-time Master’s program is usually a 2-year program, but there are accredited and Nationally ranked universities that offer 1-year and 18-month Master’s programs. An 18-month program can be completed in one year because if you are able to complete the credit requirements, you can get the degree in 1 year.

15 Universities offer On-campus Masters's Program within One Year - 18 months. The tuition for a Master's can range from $6,444 to $57,666.

On-campus Masters 1 year - 18 months in Communication

Are there universities offering online Master's in Communication?

Online Master's degree in Communication is offered by 73 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $5,370 per year at Regent University to $39,500 at Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network.

Online Master's in Communication

Are there colleges for the Communication Masters program that do not require GRE/GMAT?

Quite a few accredited universities have waived off the GRE score requirements for admissions to Masters programs. 581 offer Graduate programs in Communication. Below are listed 10 universities that do not require GRE/GMAT for admission to Master's program. For viewing the all the schools that have waived off GRE/GMAT for the admission, use Match Me Masters.

No GRE schools for Masters in Communication

Which are the accredited universities that offer phd/doctoral programs offered in Communication?

73 universities offer graduate PHD program in Communication

Best Communication graduate PHD programs

How much does it cost to get a Master's in Communication and how to find the most affordable Masters program?

Master's degree in Communication is offered by 574 US universities. The tuition for the Master's degree can range from $7,028 per year at East Texas Baptist University to $59,425 at Johns Hopkins University.

The tuition at public universities will be lower for in-state students when compared to private universities but you get more financial aid at private universities.

Most affordable Master's program in Communication

What is the GRE score required for admission to Master's degree in Communication?

Gre score requirements differ from school to school. Most colleges do not publish the cutoff scores. For example 579 universities offer Master's programs in Communication.

Northwestern University: There is no minimum GRE required.

The University of Texas at Austin: GRE Information

Gre score requirements for Master's program in Communication

Is it worth getting a master's degree in Communication?

Before you invest 2-3 years of your life and anywhere between $40,000 - $110,00 of your hard earned money, students do ask as to what is the return on investment on the Master's degree. Here are some of the statistics from bls.gov.

Career Outlook

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.

Career Opportunities with master's degree in Communication


Job Title 2020 median Pay Number of Jobs Job Outlook What they do
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $80,560 1,276,900 Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 139,600 openings for postsecondary teachers 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. Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
Writers and Authors $67,120 143,200 Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 15,400 openings for writers and authors 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. Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.
Editors $63,400 108,600 Employment of editors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 11,200 openings for editors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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. Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.
Public Relations Specialists $62,810 272,300 Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 29,200 openings for public relations specialists 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. Public relations specialists create and maintain a positive public image for the clients they represent.
Fundraisers $59,610 101,300 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. Fundraisers organize events and campaigns to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization.

Best paying jobs for Communication - Updated 2023

How can I compare the Communication Graduate Programs?

Compare the GRE score requirements, admission details, credit requirements and tuition for the Master's Program, from 696 universities offering Graduate School Programs in Communication. Compare Graduate School Programs in Communication

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