Compare online master’s in communications programs

An online master’s in communication can help you communicate effectively in your personal and professional life — whether you’re resolving conflict with your spouse or friend, or negotiating the salary for your dream job. The right course will help you develop your communications skills and strategies, predict and keep up with evolving media trends, and ultimately emerge as a master communicator.

What is a master’s in communication? 

A masters in communications is an advanced degree for individuals who want to propel their communication careers forward or prepare for a doctorate program in communication or a related field. This kind of program focuses on theories, strategies, research methodologies, and leading practices for effective communication. It will prepare you to use advanced communication skills and strategies across industries and in varying roles.  

Online master’s in communication requirements 

All master’s in communication program applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree. While specific admission requirements vary depending on the school and program, most require:

• A minimum undergraduate GPA

• A résumé

• College transcripts

• A personal statement 

• An academic writing sample

• Letter(s) of recommendation

• TOEFL scores (if applicable)

Not quite ready to pursue your master’s degree? Explore edX’s online bachelor’s degrees.

Want to explore more options for your master’s education? Browse edX’s online master’s programs. 

How to apply

Once you’ve decided to earn your master of communications online, you can request more information. This step will connect you with an admissions advisor. Your advisor will discuss the program, admission requirements, and your unique goals before you start your application. 

What you’ll learn

Good communication is an art and a science. A master’s in communication will teach you how to merge both elements. You’ll complete core courses with optional elective courses or specializations. Core and elective courses often cover strategic communication, organizational communication, intercultural communication, research methods, and theory. Specializations may include public relations, social media studies, advertising, and political communication. You’ll learn how to leverage communication to:

• Resolve conflict or crisis

• Negotiate business deals

• Craft organizational messaging and talking points

• Navigate communication with individuals of diverse backgrounds

• Promote products, services, and events via integrated channels

• Persuade and resist persuasion 

Looking to strengthen your communication in the workplace? Learn business communications online.  Keen to help businesses reach new heights? Learn marketing online. 

Ready to harness the power of social media? Learn social media marketing, with edX.

Interested in covering the five Ws on a local and global scale? Learn journalism online. 

Online master’s in communication specializations 

The topics taught as part of a master’s in communication curriculum are usually broad, with the aim of preparing you for jobs across industries. However, you can also choose a specialization to focus your studies and hone your expertise in a particular area. Examples include:

• Strategic communication and public relations (PR): Build and maintain a positive relationship between organizations and the public via internal and external channels. 

• Integrated communication and advertising: Ensure all communications channels work together harmoniously, providing a consistent brand image and message across multiple platforms. 

• Communication and leadership: Improve your leadership abilities and decision-making skills with proven communication techniques and strategies.  

• Health communication: Create communication strategies, messages, and products to educate the public about pressing health issues. 

• Advocacy and social impact: Engage with complex social challenges that impact organizations and society at large. 

• Media and arts management and promotion: Organize and manage programs and events for performing arts and entertainment industries. 

• Political communication: Manage and influence political campaigns, policymaking, and political processes through various media platforms. 

• Technical communication: Help others understand complex information by developing your technical writing, critical thinking, and information design skills. 

What can you do with a master’s in communication? 

Effective and strategic communicators are key players in any business. That’s why plenty of communications jobs spanning numerous industries, skills levels, and titles exist. Once you earn your master’s in communication, you can decide which role aligns with your interests and professional goals. Job titles include: 

• Communication consultant

• Corporate manager

• Fundraising manager

• Human resources (HR) manager

• Human resources (HR) specialist

• Postsecondary education specialist

• PR manager

• PR specialist

• Sales manager

• Corporate communications director

• Social and community services manager

• Vice president of communications

Master’s in communication salary and job outlook

Nearly every corporation, nonprofit, and government agency needs communications professionals to craft and deliver their messages to the world. This constant need creates more job openings and opportunities for graduates seeking communications positions. 

Positions for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are projected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032 (faster than average), leading to almost 34,000 new jobs. The average salary for advertising and promotions managers was $127,830 in May 2022, while the average salary for marketing managers was $140,040 in May 2022.^{Footnote 1}