Communications vs marketing: Choosing the right master’s for your career goals
Planning to advance your career in digital media and/or storytelling? Discover the difference between marketing and communications master’s degrees in our guide.
If you want to take your strategic written and verbal communication skills to the next level, you may consider earning a master's in marketing or communications. But which is right for you? Learn more about each of these lucrative degrees in our guide.
Difference between marketing and communications master’s degrees
| Master’s in marketing | Master’s in communications |
|---|---|
| A curriculum that emphasizes market strategies, consumer behavior, branding, and sales | A curriculum that emphasizes media literacy, organizational communication, public discourse, and communication theories |
| For those who enjoy data-driven problem solving, influencing consumer decisions, and exploring the power of branding | For those who enjoy strategic storytelling, facilitating conversations, and studying the impact of various forms of media on the public |
| Best prepares you for mid-level to senior roles in digital marketing, advertising, market research/analysis, SEO, and/or content creation | Best prepares you for mid-level to senior roles in public relations (PR), crisis communications, event planning, and/or corporate communication |
Marketing vs. communications master's degrees
In a marketing master's program, you learn how to reach a specific audience and sell them a product or service. In a communications master's program, you learn what to say to both internal and external stakeholders — and how to craft a compelling message.
While these two disciplines both teach strategic messaging, they serve different purposes and prepare you for different kinds of careers.
What is a marketing communications master's degree?
A marketing communications master's degree combines key principles of advanced marketing and communications studies to prepare students for mid-to-senior-level roles that involve business communications, storytelling, integrated marketing strategy, branding, and digital media. At the master's level, a marketing communications degree often incorporates media theory, integrated campaign development, and leadership skills.
Communications vs. marketing master's degree cost
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2020, the average student budget was $27,919 for communications and journalism master's degrees and $30,111 for business, management, and marketing master's degrees.
Business, management, and marketing roles generally have higher earning potential, which may offset this difference in cost. Program costs vary significantly, so check each program's tuition costs and financial aid opportunities.
Curriculum for marketing vs. communications master's degrees
Master's in marketing
In a master's in marketing degree program, you'll learn how to combine strategy, storytelling, and analytics to become a successful marketer. In these programs, you may analyze case studies, complete creative projects, and discuss emerging digital marketing topics. Some of your coursework may cover:
- Social media marketing
- Marketing management
- Branding
- Market research
- Content creation
- Marketing analytics
- Ethical marketing strategy
Master's in communications
Master's in communications degree programs cover everything you need to know to successfully manage a newsroom, become a PR maven, or deepen your business communications expertise. In these programs, you'll learn the latest trends, techniques, and technologies necessary to succeed in an evolving field. Some of your coursework may cover:
- Strategic communications
- Media management
- Data-driven journalism
- Web and mobile story production
- Research methods
- Leadership
- Business management
Program outcomes
Both marketing and communications master's program graduates can apply their degrees in various ways. Many aspiring journalists succeed in digital media by combining journalism and marketing skills.
What you can do with a master's in marketing
Some of the jobs you can get with a master's in marketing may include:
- Marketing or advertising managers
- Market research analysts
- Art directors
- Marketing executives
According to NCES, the average adjusted gross income for business, management, and marketing master's graduates in 2020 was $74,596.
What you can do with a master's in communications
Some of the jobs you can get with a master's in communications include:
- Journalist
- PR manager
- Professor
- Communications executive
NCES reports the average adjusted gross income for communications and journalism master's graduates in 2020 as $45,392.
Salary and career outlook
| Marketing roles | Communications roles |
|---|---|
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Marketing vs. communications: Which degree is right for me?
As you decide between a marketing and communications master's degree, consider:
- Your interests: Would you rather learn how to sell products and services or write a byline from the perspective of a CEO? Are you more interested in interpreting data or telling a story? Would you prefer to build an advertising campaign or an editorial calendar?
- Your budget: While program costs vary, marketing master's programs tend to be more expensive than communications programs. Remember to factor in your financial aid eligibility and fees not covered by tuition when calculating how much you'll pay for school.
- Your career goals: Think about what you want to do once you've earned your master's degree. Choose a program with a curriculum that best prepares you to achieve your goals.