Why This Matters
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DEVELOP SOUGHT-AFTER TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Transferable skills are aptitudes that are applicable to a number of jobs. In-demand skills like communication, critical thinking, organization, and teamwork are all part of a communications curriculum.
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MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS JOBS TO RISE 6%
Job growth for media and communications occupations is expected to increase at an average pace through 2031, with an estimated 68,600 new jobs added in that time frame. Job prospects are best for those with degrees.
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THE U.S. NEEDS 33K NEW MARKETING MANAGERS
Jobs for advertising and marketing managers are expected to increase at a faster-than-average pace in the coming years. Most jobs require a bachelor’s degree, but some may seek employees who have an advanced degree.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online communications degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list have been accredited by reputable organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission and Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that assess the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of colleges and universities.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online communications degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 65 Online Communications Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
The overall job outlook for media and communications and related occupations is strong, although a decline in employment is expected in some areas. The demand for broadcast reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts is expected to decline 9 percent, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is due to the shifting landscape of print and broadcast journalism. Having an understanding of multimedia journalism, and skills like social media and editing, will help keep job candidates competitive in this area of communications.
Individuals working in communications-related fields do not need any formal credentials or licenses. However, there are many professional organizations you can join. Membership in one or more of these organizations is a sign of professionalism to employers, and also gives you access to networking and training opportunities. These organizations include the International Association of Business Communicators, the Events Industry Council, and the Public Relations Society of America. These organizations may have student chapters you can join while you are completing your degree.
Since communications is such a broad field, many programs offer students the opportunity to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. Popular specializations within communications include social media and digital marketing, media literacy and criticism, healthcare communications, human resources management, and more.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Communications programs:
- Are there internship opportunities available? Having hands-on experience in communications is valuable when applying for jobs. Some programs require internships, while others offer them on an optional basis. For students attending online programs, this can mean making an in-person commitment for a period in the program, but it may be advantageous when it comes time to job search.
- What are the thesis requirements? Depending on the master’s program you choose, you may be required to complete a research thesis as part of your degree. For students who are considering pursuing doctoral study in communications or a related field, writing a thesis may be worthwhile, as many doctoral programs require an academic writing sample as a prerequisite for admission.
Review the eligibility requirements and application procedures for the programs that interest you to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications for admission. Information about admission requirements is usually available online, or you can contact the school’s admissions office.
You should also consider how you will finance your college education. Funding options include federal financial aid, scholarships, assistantships, and possibly tuition benefits from your employer.