Media communications is a rapidly evolving field. Individuals in these occupations frequently adapt to new technology, ethical and privacy considerations, and the changing values of their audience. A master’s degree in media communications helps current communications professionals specialize their skills and achieve leadership roles.
Media and communication-related occupations have an average annual salary of $66,240, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A master’s degree in media communications prepares graduates for advanced positions in marketing, public relations, government, nonprofit, or business environments.
Online master’s programs in media communications require between 30 to 38 credits to graduate; in most cases, attendees complete at least three credits of internship or project-based work. Students pursuing a full-time course of study can graduate with their master’s in less than two years.
We enlisted Blanca Villagomez, a program counselor and coordinator at UC-Irvine. She provides insights into choosing a program, navigating the application process, and the advantages of pursuing an online master’s degree.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Media Communications degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 8 Accredited Online Master's in Media Communications Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Intelligent Score: 99.08In-state: $7,770
Out-of-state: $24,900
In-state: $6,138
Out-of-state: $6,138
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 22-28
Resident: $357
Non-Resident: $700
Online, On-Campus
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
36
Colorado State University
Intelligent Score: 98.66In-state: $9,426
Out-of-state: $28,147
In-state: $10,520
Out-of-state: $10,520
SAT: 1070-1280
ACT: 23-29
$751
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
Brenau University
Intelligent Score: 98.60In-state: $30,000
Out-of-state: $30,000
In-state: $13,356
Out-of-state: $13,356
SAT: 930-1160
ACT: 17-23
$824
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 95.29In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$670
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
Webster University
Intelligent Score: 93.45In-state: $28,500
Out-of-state: $28,500
In-state: $13,500
Out-of-state: $13,500
SAT: 1078-1260
ACT: 20-27
Webster University’s online master’s in Media Communication is fully customizable. Students can pursue multiple areas of study at their leisure, including Animation, Screenwriting, and Public Relations. With many working students enrolled each semester, Webster’s innovative curriculum is designed to teach students skills and techniques they can use the very next day at work. Webster students also have the opportunity to earn a Master of Business Administration alongside their master’s in Media Communication. Interested students can take a variety of business courses to complete degree requirements and will receive two diplomas upon graduation. This additional layer of customization can increase the value of these graduates on the job market. Webster University recommends students meet with an admissions counselor before applying so that they can review the application process and become familiar with any additional materials.
$730
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36
University of Florida
Intelligent Score: 92.44In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
The University of Florida offers a wide variety of specializations for students who want to earn an online master's in Media Communication degree. Students can choose from eight different concentration options to complete degree requirements — including Public Relations, Social Media, and Web Design. Students may also choose to pursue an additional certification from four different options that include Audience Analytics and Global Strategic Communication. This level of degree customization allows students to pursue a degree more in line with their interests and can make graduates competitive hires. The University of Florida encourages interested students to connect with an admissions counselor before applying to review the application process in detail and learn about supplementary materials like transcript requirements or a letter of recommendation.
$886
Online
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
36
University of Georgia
Intelligent Score: 91.99In-state: $9,790
Out-of-state: $28,830
In-state: $8,878
Out-of-state: $8,878
SAT: 1250-1460
ACT: 29-33
Students earning an online master's in Media Communication from UGA benefit from an innovative curriculum that focuses on digital media strategy and implementation. This project-based program allows students to work on real-world problems - including product development and client-based projects. By building this skill set, graduates of the UGA program are uniquely prepared for their future careers. UGA welcomes applicants from all educational backgrounds and is a great option for those making a career change or looking to advance in their current role. To apply, prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Additional application requirements include three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
$629
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
Stephen F. Austin State University
Intelligent Score: 91.53In-state: $7,842
Out-of-state: $18,858
In-state: $5,262
Out-of-state: $5,262
SAT: 980-1150
ACT: 18-24
Stephen F. Austin State University provides a flexible degree program for students seeking an online master's in Mass Communication. Rather than offer multiple specializations, SFA offers a generalist degree that touches on many subjects relevant to the field, including advertising, public relations, and broadcasting. This straightforward curriculum is a great option for working students as it provides plenty of opportunities for career advancement while maintaining a manageable learning environment. SFA also provides students with multiple capstone options, such as a thesis, nonthesis, or media project option to complete course requirements and be eligible for graduation. Their nonthesis option allows students to complete a comprehensive exam instead, which gives students an additional layer of flexibility for their degree plan. To apply, prospective students must have a bachelor's degree or be in their final year of undergraduate study. Additional application requirements include a minimum 2.5 GPA, a letter of recommendation, and essay responses.
Resident: $370
Non-Resident: $779
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30-36
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Media Communications Program
Choose your area of study
Media communications degrees are available as either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). The former tends to be more interdisciplinary, whereas the latter is more data and research-driven. Either course of study will prepare you for a career in media communications.
These programs often allow you to focus your studies on a particular speciality area. Common concentration options include corporate communication, video editing, public relations, social media, advertising and marketing, web design, and media ethics. Take some time to define your career goals, then look for the programs that best match those goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in media communications program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for communications education.
From there, consider the following:
- Will students develop a creative portfolio? Some media communications programs facilitate a project-based approach, helping students develop a professional portfolio throughout their coursework. This portfolio is valuable for your future job search.
- Can online attendees benefit from student support resources? Your tuition should include student support resources, including mental health counseling, academic advising, research databases, and technical assistance. If you have specific learning-based or physical accommodations, contact the school’s disability services office to determine how each program can meet your needs.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit their website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Check the admissions requirements to ensure you meet each program’s eligibility standards. You must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university; most schools also set a minimum GPA requirement for your undergraduate coursework (often a 2.75 or higher).
Communications programs rarely require GRE scores, though your application packet may include a personal statement, a portfolio of your previous work, and letters of recommendation. These materials can take several weeks to assemble, so give yourself ample time to prepare before application deadlines.
“The keys to preparing for the college application process are self-reflection, skill-building, understanding a school’s admission requirements, and staying organized,” Villagomez advises. “Students can stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines. I encourage students to decide what systems help them organize the application requirements and track their progress for each school.”
Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
“Expectations and pacing can vary greatly across online courses,” says Villagomez. “The course syllabus is a great way to understand class expectations, how to access the professor’s office hours, and key assignment deadlines. Despite the different modalities, all online degree programs require high self-motivation, effective time management, and structured independent study.”
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Submit a FAFSA form even if you won’t take out federal loans. Some grant opportunities and scholarships require you to have a FAFSA form on file to qualify. Then, speak to a financial aid counselor for the school to discuss potential funding options; some schools have merit- or needs-based scholarships.
If you’ve already earned any graduate credit or have professional experience in the media industry, contact an academic advisor to ascertain whether you can receive transfer credit, ultimately saving you on tuition. Students who have served or whose families served in the military are likely eligible for additional discounts. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Media Communications Program?
Students enrolled in an online master’s degree program in media communications gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities involved in developing campaigns, leveraging new technology, and managing budgets. Throughout their study, participants build a professional network with fellow students and faculty, and they engage in hands-on, team-based projects that they can later feature in their portfolios.
Full-time students can graduate within two years. Degree programs integrate a final, comprehensive assignment, often as a three-credit internship or capstone experience. Coursework is typically delivered remotely through scheduled lectures and discussions; some programs incorporate occasional in-person networking events.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in media communications program
- Managing Communications Systems. Students review real-world case studies to gain the practical knowledge needed to effectively manage a comprehensive media project. Coursework emphasizes the necessary skills to manage a creative team, a project budget, external vendors, and production schedules.
- Digital Media Writing and Production. Students develop competencies in online storytelling and best practices for audience engagement. Participants understand the principles of building a community around digital content.
- Public Communication Technologies. Participants learn how current communication tools are evolving alongside the advent of new digital technology.
- Corporate Media Ethics and Issues. Course content evaluates digital media through the lens of moral considerations. Students develop the skills required to navigate complex ethical situations within the workplace, including privacy and credibility.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Media Communication?
Career outlook
In our digital age, effective communication has become a driving force behind success in various industries. An online master’s degree in media communications equips individuals with the skills, strategies, and insights needed to navigate the complex world of modern media and make a significant impact. From digital marketing and public relations to journalism and content creation, there is a diverse array of opportunities for those who earn an online master’s degree in media communication.
Indeed, organizations across industries are seeking skilled professionals who can effectively communicate their messages to target audiences, manage an online presence, and build meaningful connections. With the growth of social media, digital advertising, and online journalism, the need for individuals who understand the nuances of media communication has become increasingly important.
An online master’s degree in media communications opens doors to a wide range of dynamic career paths. Here are some possible options for graduates to consider:
- Public relations or fundraising manager — Public relations managers direct the creation of materials that will enhance the image of their clients, while fundraising managers write grants and direct other efforts to raise money.
- Median annual salary: $125,620
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 7,800 annually
- Advertising, promotions, or marketing manager — Conduct market research, plan advertising and promotional campaigns, and supervise marketing staff.
- Median annual salary: $138,730
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 34,000 annually
- Film and video editor or camera operator — Capture, arrange, and manipulate moving images for television, movies, and other media.
- Median annual salary: $62,420
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New job openings projected: 8,200 annually
Online Master’s in Media Communications Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in media communications degree program?
Apply online through each graduate school’s application portal. While media communications programs have their own specifications, most applications include the following:
- A completed application (with a processing fee)
- Letters of professional or academic recommendation
- A resume
- A personal statement including your career goals
- A portfolio of written, visual, or audio work
- A writing sample
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
Before officially applying, contact an admissions advisor with questions or to walk you through the process.
How much does an online master's in media communications degree cost?
The cost of an online master’s in media communications ranges from $13,000 all the way up to $61,000. Private schools tend to charge much more than public schools, and public schools typically charge out-of-state students much more than in-state students.
In addition to tuition, obtaining your master’s in media communications will involve expenses such as books, computer hardware (webcams, microphones, and laptops), and high-speed internet. You should also consider video editing, web design, and other specialty software costs.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in media communications degree?
A typical master’s degree in media communications comprises 30 to 36 credit hours. Full-time students can graduate in less than two years (sometimes as little as 16 months). Part-time students can earn their graduate credentials in two years if they take courses each semester (fall, spring, and summer).
Is an online master's in media communications worth it?
Pursuing an online master’s degree in media communication offers considerable advantages and the potential for a rewarding career. This advanced degree equips you with a skill set that is applicable across industries and positions you to excel in the rapidly evolving world of media. Villagomez agrees. “The flexibility, convenience, and accessibility of online programs can enhance students’ learning, boost their motivation, and support their retention. Accredited online degrees are just as reputable and legitimate as traditional degrees.”
One of the key benefits of earning a master’s in media communications is the potential for increased earning potential. Graduates of this program often qualify for higher-paying positions, particularly in leadership roles that require strategic communication expertise.
Online master’s programs in media communication offer flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments. Virtual learning platforms give you access to multimedia tools, discussions with peers and professors, and networking opportunities, enabling you to enhance your knowledge and skills from anywhere.
In addition, the networking opportunities you have with an online master’s program are invaluable. You’ll have the chance to connect with fellow students, faculty, and professionals in the field, expanding your professional network and potentially leading to job opportunities and collaborations.
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