An online master’s degree in communications may provide students with the skills and training needed to effectively utilize communication theories. Students enrolled in these upper-level programs use research, analysis, and writing skills to provide assorted communication needs to specific organizations. Coursework within these programs may include communication-based electives and major-specific courses, such as persuasive storytelling, interpersonal communication, and mass media in modern society.

Upon graduation, students may seek employment or further their education and enroll in a doctoral-level program in communications. Master’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in marketing, corporate communications, and public relations.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 21% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s degree in communications may include major-specific courses and communications-based electives. In these upper-level programs, students may learn how to conduct research in communication, understand certain leadership styles, and develop strategies for dealing with conflict. Core communications courses may include the following:

• Mass Media in Modern Society
• Interpersonal Communication
• Persuasive Storytelling
• Public Relations Concepts and Strategy
• Communication Theory
• Rhetorical Criticism
• Research Methods in Communication

Career Options

Graduates of online master’s in communications may find jobs in marketing, advertising, copywriting, public relations, media management, and social media. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as public relations managers and specialists are expected to increase by 21% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Public Relations Manager and Specialist
• Advertising Manager
• Copywriter
• Media Manager
• Account Executive

Continuing Education

Master’s-level graduates may pursue additional education and enroll in a doctoral-level program in communications. In these research-heavy PhD programs, students may gain additional skills pertaining to mass communication and help them obtain leadership positions.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook