Your Guide to the MA in Communication

Communicating on behalf of a company to external and internal audiences is a critical business need. Earning a Master of Arts (MA) in Communication can build on the knowledge you gained in your bachelor’s degree program, prepare you for more advanced roles, and even lead to higher salaries.   

In this article, we’ll go over more about the MA in communication, what it takes to earn this graduate degree, and the roles you can explore after graduation. 

The Master of Arts in Communication is an advanced degree you can pursue once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, and which tends to focus on theories, strategies, and practices of effective communication. However, some schools also emphasize media studies given the close relationship between the two subjects.

Depending on the school you're interested in attending, you may have the opportunity to enroll in a Master of Science in Communication, which may focus more exclusively on the strategy of communicating as it relates to management and leadership in business.

Take time to research the different institutions offering an MA or MS in communication, and pay attention to the focus of each program as well as the coursework you'll be expected to complete. Think about how these parameters align with your larger educational and career goals.   

Learn more: MA vs. MS: A Guide

It typically takes two years to earn an MA in communication when you attend classes full-time, and total costs can range from $30,000 to $120,000 [1]. However, there are other options to explore.

Part-time degrees: Students enrolled in less than nine credits (or about three classes) per semester are considered part-time. When you want to continue working, enrolling in your program part-time may be beneficial despite the fact that it will take longer to earn your degree.

Online degrees: Many students enjoy the flexibility that comes with an online degree. For instance, rather than attending a scheduled class on campus, you can watch lectures when it’s convenient for you. Online degree programs often have several start dates as well, so you don’t have to wait until the fall to begin your education.

Dual degree programs: Some universities bundle the bachelor’s and master’s degrees together in a five-year offering, thereby reducing your education by about one full year. In such cases, you would need to elect to earn your master's while still working on your bachelor's and apply for your school's dual degree program, if available. 

Learn more: Online Classes: Your Degree and Learning Guide

Master’s level communication courses tend to involve the theory and strategy of communication as it applies to different settings, audiences, and needs. They also emphasize written, verbal, and visual communication skills.

While every school has a unique set of coursework, you’ll likely encounter classes that cover some of the following subjects: 

Writing for strategic communication

Rhetorical theory

Digital storytelling

Advertising campaigns

Media research and analysis

Crisis communications

Interpersonal communication

Media and culture

While each program will differ, you can expect to learn some of the fundamental communication skills below:

Cohesive writing 

Active listening 

Verbal and presentation skills

Selling and persuasion 

Critical evaluation 

Teamwork and collaboration

Analyzing an audience

Synthesizing content into a digestible format 

Researching

Managing stress under pressure

Handling tight deadlines

Communicating with a diverse group of people

Unless you enroll in a dual degree program, you’ll often need a bachelor’s degree before applying for an MA in communication. Your bachelor’s can be in a subject other than communication, though you may need to explain your interest in communication and why you’re interested in studying it at the graduate level.

You may also need to complete an entrance exam known as the GRE and achieve a minimum score, as well as provide letters of recommendation, a CV, a writing sample, and other materials. In many ways, applying to graduate school is similar to applying to an undergraduate program. Learn more with our step-by-step guide. 

An MA in communication is an opportunity to learn specific skills you can use in a variety of communications work, like organizational management, media management, strategic planning, crisis communications, global communications, and public outreach. An MA in communication can be applied to the following industries:

Mass media 

Journalism 

Corporate communications

Politics

Marketing

Speech communication

Higher education 

Students seeking a master’s degree often strive for senior positions—and they tend to earn more. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master’s degree holders earn a median weekly income of $1,574 compared to $1,334 for bachelor’s degree holders [2]. What’s more, a master’s degree can signal to employers that you’ve spent additional time and effort advancing your subject knowledge. 

Research suggests there is demand for this type of degree. Employment in media and communications positions is expected to grow 14 percent between 2020 to 2030, according to the BLS [3], and many industries require professionals who can communicate clearly, proactively, and efficiently. 

Learn more: Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

With a master’s in communication, you can explore a number of industries that require effective communicators.

*Data from BLS and Glassdoor

Enroll in an online course to see if studying communication is right for you. On Coursera, you can take an individual course or a specialization, like the University of Colorado Boulder’s Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation or Introduction to Public Relations and the Media Specialization. Get started with a free, 7-day trial today.