Best Online Master’s in Communications Programs of 2023

University of Southern California is one of the top universities in the entire nation, ranked #25 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. USC's online programs stand out for their innovation, user experience, rigor, and strong reputation. The motto of USC Online is "Same Faculty. Same Program. Same Degree," which means that whether you choose to earn a Master of Communication Management on campus or online, you'll be taught by the same luminaries, study the same curriculum, and be held to the same high standards. You can earn your degree through USC Online in as little as 16 months and can pursue a generalist degree or focus on one of three concentrations: Marketing Communication, Strategic and Organizational Communication, and Market Research and Analytics.

Johns Hopkins University is renowned around the world for its academic excellence. It's therefore little surprise that JHU's faculty are among the best in their fields and have a genuine passion for teaching motivated students. In the Master of Arts in Communication program, your professors include writers, authors, editors, publishers, strategists, analysts, and social scientists who bring decades of hands-on experience to the virtual classroom. Closely related to JHU's stellar faculty is the university's strong, extensive alumni network and industry associations. This network can go a long way toward expanding your professional network and opening doors to your dream career. You also get to personalize your curriculum by selecting a concentration and elective courses.

Purdue University Global makes it easy to start your degree program on your own time. New cohorts begin approximately every six weeks, so whenever you're ready to start, the opportunity is just around the corner. Purdue Global's Master of Science in Communication reflects the university's commitment to openness in communication and public affairs. In addition to the core curriculum, you get to choose one of four concentrations: Strategic Communication/Public Relations, Integrated Communication and Advertising, Communication and Leadership, and Health Communication. At $420 per credit, Purdue University Global's tuition is highly affordable, and students affiliated with the military or those who live in Indiana qualify for reduced tuition rates.

Northeastern University is known for its hands-on applied learning and curriculum that includes numerous internship and co-op opportunities. NU's online Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication is highly customizable and personalized; you can choose from six start dates per year, benefit from small class sizes that ensure personal attention, and can tailor your degree to your unique interests by selecting one of seven concentrations: Public and Media Relations, Cross-Cultural Communication, Social Media, Human Resource Management, Leadership, Sales Management, and Project Management. True to NU's reputation, your online education extends well beyond the course webpage. You get to immerse in one of two 12-week experiential learning opportunities: an online "co-op at work" experience where you design a project initiative in your current workplace, or a faculty-supervised virtual consulting project with a sponsor in the private or nonprofit sectors.

American University, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers a high-quality Master of Science in Strategic Communication that can be completed entirely online. American University graduates fare very well on the job market - AU has a 95% placement rate within six months of graduation. You can take advantage of AU's robust career services and follow in the footsteps of graduates who have secured jobs at companies as diverse as NPR, Microsoft, and the U.S. Department of State. Although location doesn't matter as much for an online program as it does for an on-campus program, AU's D.C. roots attract faculty with immense experience in government, advocacy, nonprofits, and other related industries and they help you connect with change-makers in these fields.

University of Florida Online is among the most highly ranked and well-respected online universities not only in Florida but in the entire country. U.S. News & World Report ranks UF Online #1 in America for Best Online Programs. As a UF Online student enrolled in the Master of Science in Mass Communications degree program, you get access to all the perks of a traditional UF education. You get to personalize your degree by choosing among eight marketable concentrations: Audience Analytics, Political Communication, Social Media, Digital Strategy, Public Interest Communication, Web Design, Global Strategic Communication, and Public Relations. Besides a first-class education, you can join UF's extensive alumni network, which can help you make connections and open doors even decades after you complete your degree.

Florida International University is one of the largest and most well-established online universities in the country, with students from across America and throughout the world. Students of FIU's Master of Science in Mass Communications: Global Strategic Communications are provided a range of student support services - from academic coaches and technical trouble-shooters to tutors and other developmental opportunities - so you can make the most of your education and graduate on schedule. The degree has a dual focus on communication management and digital communication, which prepares you to be a versatile communications job candidate. In addition to the core curriculum, you get to choose among dozens of elective courses, including "Communication for Change Management," "Global Reputation Management," and "Media Planning," among many others.

Webster University takes flexible scheduling to new heights with its multiple modes of delivery and course lengths. Courses are offered in both semester and eight- or nine-week periods and can be taken in synchronous or asynchronous delivery formats because Webster offers a wide variety of in-person, Live Virtual, and 100% online course options. Whatever your schedule and whatever your preferred learning format, Webster probably has opportunities for you. Webster's Master of Arts in Communications Management can be completed online or in person at the Switzerland campus. You take core courses like "Media Communications," "Media and Culture," and "Strategic Communications," and then have the option to customize your learning path through your choice of electives.

Liberty University offers a high-quality online master's degree in Communication with many start dates throughout the year. Courses are run in eight-week terms, so you can make accelerated progress toward earning your degree. Liberty makes it easy to transfer up to 50% of the required degree credits, which is rare for a graduate program. If you started your master's degree studies elsewhere and want to transfer, Liberty is one of the best options. Liberty is a Christian institution, and so you should expect the Master of Arts in Communication degree program to blend theory, application, and faith and teach you how to incorporate your Christian faith into your professional life.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the preeminent public universities not just in America but in the world. UNC Chapel Hill offers several exciting communications-related graduate programs with options to customize according to your unique needs and goals. The online Master of Arts in Digital Communication program is designed for working communications professionals and can accomodate your existing responsibilities. You take two courses per semester - a part-time load that enables you to continue fulfilling your work and family commitments. On your final project, you get to work one-on-one with a faculty member, getting personalized advice and support along the way. The final project and other assignments throughout the degree program can be tailored to your unique work experiences and goals.