The Top 10 Best Online Communications Master’s Degree Programs Under $13K

When you speak, do people listen? Do you always seem to have the right words to navigate tricky situations? If so, friend, your skills are in high demand, and we humbly suggest looking into an online communications master’s degree.

You may be surprised to learn that communication is actually the most in-demand skill in 2024. Everyone can talk…but not everyone can communicate effectively in a way the garners buy-in and creates organizational transformation. Today, more than ever, companies are looking for people who are expert communicators. That means that there’s no better time than now to consider earning a master’s degree in communications online.

Keep reading to get the full scoop on what this would entail and to check out some of the best online communication master’s programs that might be a great fit for you!

Article Navigation: Overview—Online Master’s Degree in Communications | Types of Online Communications Courses | Best Schools for an Online Communication Master’s Degree Under $13,000 | Admission Requirements for an Online Communications Master’s Degree | What Can I Do with a Master’s in Communication? | Find Your Master’s Online with GetEducated

Overview—Online Master’s Degree in Communications

Structure of Online Communications Master’s Degree

Most online communications master’s degrees hover around 30-36 total credit hours. While some programs are fairly structured and have a set curriculum and course schedule, there are also many schools that offer flexible and self-paced programs. On average, it will take most students around two years to complete their degree. However, some may be able to finish much faster in just months.

The vast majority of these degrees are 100% online with no in-person requirements. But it’s always important to read the fine print here and make sure the schools you’re interested in aren’t the exception.

Since this is a master’s level degree, some programs will either require or offer the option of completing a master’s thesis with an oral defense. Other communication master’s programs may require a similar kind of capstone project without requiring a full thesis.

Accreditation is always an important factor in selecting an online college. On top of making sure the university itself holds accreditation, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for AACSB or ACBSP accreditation. These are programmatic business school accreditations. Since most online master’s in communication degrees are housed within the business department, you can be assured that it’s a quality program if it boasts one of these accreditors.

Related Article: Top 15 ACBSP Accredited Schools for an Online Business Degree

Examples of Communications Majors

Communications is a fairly broad field. Because of this, often colleges will offer different specializations or concentrations within their master’s programs. Let’s take a brief look at some common areas of focus:

• Strategic Communications: If you combine principles of social psychology, business management, sociology, communication, and organizational leadership, then you can start to get a picture of what you’ll learn while earning a master’s in strategic communications online. These students look at things from all angles to communicate in the most strategic and precise manner possible in order to achieve a desired objective that is agreeable to all parties.
• Marketing and Digital Marketing Communications: This is a type of communication specifically designed to sell. Marketing communicators understand how to translate brands, products, and services into messaging that will appeal to consumers and lead them to purchase. This can be done through more traditional channels or through newer digital channels like social media.
• Business Communications: This is the kind of communication that helps businesses reach their goals. Professionals in this area are experts in facilitating conversations amongst different workplace teams in a way that helps all teams reach overall objectives.
• Public Relations: These communicators are experts on maintaining the public image of a person, company, or brand. They serve as a sort of mediator between that person or company and the rest of the world and act as a representative and spokesperson.

Types of Online Communications Courses

Master of Arts in Communication Online

A Master of Arts in Communication is excellent for those interested in communications as it pertains to arts, culture, society, business, and media. These professionals aren’t usually as concerned about the theories and technical aspects of communication, but instead focus more on applied communication.

Courses within an online MA in communication program will likewise correspond to that focus. Basically, there will likely be fewer classes on theories and research within the field and more courses that center around real-world application. Reputable schools that house this program will definitely have institutional accreditation and also likely have AACSB or ACBSP programmatic accreditation.

Master of Science in Communications Online

Students interested in the actual science of this field may want to pursue an online MS in communication. This degree is more research-focused and dives deeply into different theories of communication. It’s often not as focused on real-world application and operates more at the theoretical level.

Again, the courses required for this degree will mirror this focus. Though there will likely be a good variety of course content, students can generally expect to see many classes on communication theories and fewer classes on application. Beyond school-wide accreditation, students may also want to make sure the school has AACSB or ACBSP accreditation.

Online MBA in Communications

This communications degree is actually a business degree. Instead of taking only communication-related classes, students in these programs will take a large core of business courses. The communications courses will be more like an added focus or specialization—usually around 9 total credits.

For students who want to accelerate their business career through their communication skills, this path is a no-brainer. Students earn that highly-coveted MBA while also mastering the art of how to effectively communicate. Because these programs are business schools at their core, it’s essential to make sure you find a reputable school with either AACSB or ACBSP accreditation.

Master of Professional Studies in Communications Online

This degree is a bit like if you combined an MA and MS in communication. A Master of Professional Studies in Communication degree blends both theoretical and application-focused classes to prepare students to be interdisciplinary experts of their field.

These students should expect to take a fairly wide-breadth of classes that cover all the basics of what a professional communicator should know. They should expect some research and theory along with plenty of practical, applied learning. Once again, students should be on the lookout for institution-wide accreditation as well as programmatic accreditation.

Best Schools for an Online Communication Master’s Degree Under $13,000

Now that you have a better idea of what this degree all entails, let’s check out some of the best and most affordable online graduate programs in communications:

1. East Carolina University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Communication
   Tuition (in-state): $8,673
   Tuition (out-of-state): $30,588

   ECU is on a mission to “be a national model for student success, public service, and regional transformation.” With over 26,500 students hailing from 70 different countries around the world, the university is a thriving beacon of education on the East Coast and offers over 270 total academic programs.

   The online communication master’s degree at ECU holds 30 total credit hours 100% online. The program is flexible and students are able to set their own pace and create a customized study plan. Students looking to pursue leadership or healthcare positions can also choose to adopt a focus in either Strategic Communication or Health Communications.

   Students of any academic background are welcome to apply as long as they possess a bachelor’s degree. Admission requirements include: an application, a resume, transcripts, a statement of purpose, and one letter of recommendation.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Communication

    

2. Fort Hays State University

   Degree: Master of Business Administration/Corporate Communication
   Tuition (in-state): $9,255
   Tuition (out-of-state): $11,900

   Fort Hays State University was founded over 100 years ago in 1902. The university prides itself on affordability and works hard to provide students with “the best value in education anywhere.” They have a total enrollment of almost 17,000 students—a majority of whom are online students.

   Their MBA program is 33 total credit hours—24 hours worth of core MBA courses and 9 hours worth of concentration courses. The university offers 15 different concentrations including one in Corporate Communication. After completing the MBA core, students can take courses in:

   – Managerial Communication
   – Problems in Business Communication
   – Managerial Reports & Presentations
   – Professional Development
   – Corporate Communication

   This is a fantastic option for students who want to cultivate their business skills alongside their communication skills.

   Students wishing to apply to FHSU will be required to submit: an application, a resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Business Administration / Corporate Communication

    

3. Eastern New Mexico University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Communication
   Tuition (in-state): $9,488
   Tuition (out-of-state): $12,420

   Eastern New Mexico University is a network of 3 different campuses plus an online school. They have over 5,000 total students and offer over 60 different programs. ENMU “combines an engaging learning  environment with current technology to provide a rich educational experience.”

   ENMU offers both a thesis option and a non-thesis option for their Master of Arts in Communication online degree. The thesis option includes 24 credit hours of coursework plus a six credit hour thesis and oral defense. The non-thesis option is 30 credit hours of coursework and includes a final capstone project.

   All students will complete courses in:

   – Communication Research Methods
   – Mass Media and Society
   – Critical Analysis of Mass Media
   – Communication Theory

   After completing this core, students are able to choose 6 additional elective credits.

   Prospective students must submit a statement of purpose as well as official transcripts that show a minimum GPA of 3.0.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Communication

    

4. Arkansas State University

   Degrees: Master of Science in Media Management; Master of Science in Strategic Communications
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $9,510

   Arkansas State University was originally founded as an agricultural school in 1909. Today they boast a total enrollment of over 13,000 students—about half of whom are taking some (or all) of their courses through ASU’s online program.

   ASU has a wide variety of options available for the communication professional. Students can pursue a:

   – Master of Arts in Communication Studies
   – Master of Science in Media Management
   – Or a Master of Science in Strategic Communication

   Students can also choose special concentrations within each of these broader degrees.

   The basic Master of Arts in Communication Studies is a 100% online 30 credit hour program that can be completed in as little as 10 months. The program hosts four core courses and six elective courses. All students will take classes in: Quantitative Research Methods, Communication Theory, Introduction to Graduate Study, and Quality Research Methods in Communication.

   Admission requirements include: an application, official transcripts, and a writing sample.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Media Management
   Master of Science in Strategic Communications

    

5. University of North Carolina-Wilmington

   Degree: Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication
   Tuition (in-state): $10,559
   Tuition (out-of-state): $33,607

   The University of North Carolina-Wilmington has a simple but profound vision: “UNCW transforms  lives.” Through their strategic pillars of “unparalleled opportunities, nationally prominent programs, community commitment, and world-class operations and infrastructure,” they make true their vision and transform the lives of over 18,000 students each year.

   The M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication has 10 total courses with 30 total credit hours. The curriculum is fairly set with 27 required core credits in classes such as:

   – IMC and the Strategic Mindset
   – Critical Topics in IMC
   – Communication Ethics and IMC

   After finishing the core, students will choose to take either Crisis Communication and IMC or Mixed Research Methods in IMC. Through the curriculum, students will “learn to create consistent messaging across all channels and produce a unified brand experience.”

   Prospective students will be required to submit: official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0, one letter of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication

    

6. University of Iowa

   Degree: Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $11,268

   The University of Iowa was founded over 175 years ago in 1847. Since the very start, the university has had a three-fold mission of teaching, research, and public service with a vision to “be the destination of first choice for a diverse and talented body of students, faculty, and staff.” Today the university is thriving and boasts a total enrollment of over 31,000 students.

   Their MA in Strategic Communication is entirely online with evening Zoom classes that fit into students’ busy schedules. The program is 30 credits long. It can take just two years, and allows students to customize their learning plans to fit their goals.

   All students will complete courses in: Foundations of Strategic Communication, Digital Strategic Communication, Strategic Communication Research, Strategic Communication Writing, and a Capstone Project. Students can then fill out their schedule with five hand-picked electives that suit their career aspirations.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

    

7. Montana State University-Billings

   Degree: Master of Science in Public Relations
   Tuition (in-state): $11,483
   Tuition (out-of-state): $19,002

   The history of Montana State University goes all the way back to 1927 where it began as a two-year program for elementary teachers. From its humble beginnings of just 149 students, today the college enrolls over 4,000 students a year. The University is on a mission to “deliver a transformative education that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.”

   MSU’s Public Relations master’s degree prepares students with “an enhanced understanding of the processes of facilitating and negotiating communication between individuals, groups, and organizations.” The program is 30 total credit hours and can be completed in 3-4 semesters.

   Students begin with a 24 credit core curriculum that hosts classes such as: Communication Law and Ethics, Issues in Public Relations, and Communication Theory. Students will also choose two elective courses from a lengthy list of possible options.

   Prospective students should be aware that one of the admission requirements is to have an undergraduate degree in communication or in another related field.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Public Relations

    

8. Fitchburg State University

   Degree: Master of Science in Applied Communication/Social Media
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $12,024

   The history of Fitchburg State University dates back to 1894 with 3 teachers, 46 students, and no permanent buildings. Today the school has a vibrant student body with almost 6,500 students and almost 200 full time faculty members. FSU holds to three Institutional Learning Priorities: “graduates have a deep understanding of the world, graduates know how to learn and how to apply their knowledge, and graduates are engaged citizens who demonstrate integrity and continuous personal growth.”

   Fitchburg offers an accelerated master’s degree in applied communications with an emphasis on social media. This program is 36 total credit hours and offered completely online. Because of its accelerated format, determined students can complete their degree in as little as five months.

   The curriculum begins with 5 core courses:

   – Communication Ethics
   – Visual Communication and Design
   – Intercultural Communication Competence
   – Quantitative Research Methods
   – Qualitative Research Methods

   Students will then take six courses on social media communications before finishing with a 3-credit capstone project.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Applied Communication / Social Media

    

9. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

   Degree: Master of Business Administration/Strategic Communication
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $12,132

   The mission of Southeastern Oklahoma State University is to “provide an environment of academic excellence that enables students to reach their highest potential.” They have a total enrollment of over 5,500 students and are dedicated to providing a path to success for every student “through a challenging, learner-centered environment.”

   The MBA/Strategic Communication program at SOSU is 36 total credit hours, entirely online. You can complete this degree in as little as one year. Because this is an MBA program at its heart, students will begin the curriculum with a 24 credit hour business core. Students will also take four specialization courses:

   – Strategic Communication
   – Effective Crisis Communication
   – Persuasion & Leadership
   – Strategic & Organization Communication

   While this program is open to students from all academic backgrounds, you should be aware that students joining the program with an unrelated undergrad degree may be required to take additional prerequisite courses before beginning the master’s program.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Business Administration / Strategic Communication

    

10. Missouri State University

    Degree: Master of Arts in Communication
    Tuition (in-state): $12,885

    Missouri State University describes itself as “a close-knit community of passionate and steadfast learners committed to ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement.” This wide-spanning system with four physical campuses and an online campus is home to over 26,000 students.

    Missouri State offers both a thesis and non-thesis option for their Master of Arts in Communication. Students selecting the non-thesis option will still be required to write a shorter seminar paper as well as pass a comprehensive exam.

    Both the thesis and non-thesis tracks are 33 total credit hours and 100% online. Full time students will complete the program in two years. The curriculum comes as four different sections:

    – Theory courses
    – Methodology courses
    – Elective courses
    – Research

    Prospective students without a background in communication or a related discipline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Find Out More:
    Master of Arts in Communication

     

Admission Requirements for an Online Communications Master’s Degree

Admission requirements for a master’s in communication online are typically pretty straightforward. Like all master’s degrees, students are required to have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and to submit their transcripts.

Many colleges welcome applicants with any type of academic background. That said, there are some that do require an undergrad degree in business, communication, or another related discipline. Alternatively, some programs may require that students with an unrelated bachelor’s degree take a few prerequisite courses before beginning their master’s.

Some colleges may have additional admission requirements that might include:

• A minimum GPA
• Letters of recommendation
• A resume
• A statement of purpose

Related Article: The 65 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Communications

What Can I Do with a Master’s in Communication?

The career options for someone with a master’s in communication are vast and varied. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this degree can prepare someone for a career in anything from management, to sales, to media, to administration, to finance, and beyond!

Expert-level communication skills are in high demand—needed in every type of organization around the world. Communication students can choose their industry of choice and then study hard to perfect the art of effective communication within that sphere.

Because of the wide-range of careers, there are also a wide-range of salary possibilities. On the lower end, they might make around $58,000 as an administrative assistant. On the high end, they might make around $123,000 as a project coordinator. And finally, on average, someone with a master’s in communication will make around $96,000 a year.

Find Your Master’s Online with GetEducated

There are many amazing options for those seeking online master’s degrees in communication. From MBA programs, to master’s in digital communication, to public relations—there is sure to be an exciting path that meets your goals.

If you have a natural gift for communication, know that you possess highly sought after skills. And in just a year or two, you could be well on your way to a brand new, lucrative career doing what you love!

If you want to learn more about this and other online degrees, then check out GetEducated to read all about the amazing online options that are available for you!