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Communications are a critical part of nearly every operation, from public administration to healthcare and business. A master's in communication is a versatile degree that can prepare students for a wide range of careers that require interpersonal communication or public relations. Students who are interested in the study of how people interact can pursue a broad range of specializations and online classes that interest them through an online graduate program.

Drawing from fields like sociology, psychology, and even philosophy, a master’s in communication provides students with the skills they need to communicate effectively in a broad range of settings. Communications is a useful degree for students who plan to enter careers in journalism, public relations, marketing, and other related fields. The study of communications also includes the study of various forms of media — including print, digital, and broadcast media.

A master’s in communication usually takes about two years to finish, and students will need a bachelor's degree to apply to the program. In some cases, students may be required to take an entrance exam, such as the GRE.

Looking for the cheapest available program? Check out the most affordable masters in communications.

An MA and an MS in communications are very similar degrees. MA stands for Master of Arts, while MS stands for Master of Science, but both degrees are similar when it comes to admissions requirements and online classes.

In some cases, an MS in communications may focus more on applied communication in fields like public health or science, while an MA might focus on communications theory. However, this difference isn’t true across the board. In most cases, MA and MS programs in communications have more similarities than differences.

Online master's in communications programs are designed to give students the skills they need to understand and analyze verbal and written communication. This may include both the practical application of communication studies in fields like journalism or public relations, as well as the theoretical study of communication. Some programs require a capstone project or internship to demonstrate skills learned in a real-world setting.

Below are some common online classes in a communication master's program:

• Research Methods in Communications: This foundational course explores topics such as quantitative, qualitative, and rhetorical  research methods. Courses may educate students about conducting surveys, experiments, interviews, and focus groups.
• Media Ethics: Students learn about ethical considerations for media professionals, including invasion of privacy, the rights of individuals, freedom of speech, and using care with sources. Media ethics can apply to a range of fields, such as journalism, broadcast journalism, advertising, and entertainment.
• Communication with Media Technology: The world of communications is fast-paced and constantly changing, especially when it comes to the latest technology. Classes will cover topics such as social media platforms, video skills, data visualization, and the latest tools and platforms that facilitate communication.
• Global Communication: Communication norms and standards can vary widely from country to country and culture to culture. Courses may cover the international study of communication, communication between cultures, business communication between companies in different countries, colonialism, and ethical and legal issues in international communication.

Another aspect likely to be covered in an online master's in communication program is AI. In fact, generative AI has become standard working equipment in one of the field's largest employers: 76% of public relations professionals now use AI on the job, and 86% use it to edit and refine their work, according to a of hundreds of PR practitioners reported by PRSA. 

Coursework in media technology, social platforms, and content production is therefore not an elective garnish on a communications master's; it maps directly onto how the profession already operates. When you compare programs, treat AI-assisted writing and digital production coursework as a sign the curriculum is current.

Students getting a master's in communications have a few different concentration options to choose from. While these concentrations aren’t available at all institutions that offer a degree in communications, they represent common courses of study that students may be able to pursue.

• Public Relations: Students who pursue a concentration in public relations study communication as it concerns companies and brands. Some topics of study may include brand management, crisis management, social media management, and marketing strategies. Students may go on to careers as marketers, spokespersons, or PR professionals.
• Political Communications: A concentration in political communications prepares students to apply their knowledge of communications to politics. Students may learn to analyze communication from government and elected officials, practice rhetorical strategies, and write political speeches. A concentration in political communications could benefit students seeking careers as campaign strategists, speechwriters, and press secretaries.
• Digital Media: Digital media encompasses a broad range of topics, from social media to websites to advertising. Students who pursue this concentration develop practical skills when it comes to creating and analyzing content for the web. Students may pursue careers as copywriters, website designers, or social media managers.
• Journalism: Many students who pursue a graduate degree in communications go on to work in the journalism field. While a master's in communications emphasizes a slightly different skills set than a master's in journalism, there’s a lot of overlap between the two categories. Students may study topics including writing and editing, media law and ethics, and research and interview skills.
• Advocacy and Activism: A concentration in advocacy and activism exposes students to topics like social justice, protests, and social change. Students may study both the history of communication when it comes to advocacy and activism, as well as current events. They will learn more about analyzing media and popular culture, digital activism, and digital inequality.

Communications is a versatile and rewarding degree that can prepare students for work in a wide range of fields. Many employers look to hire employees who are skilled at written and verbal communication and possess technical skills, such as social media management and SEO. 

Something important to note about all of these roles we list below are that they can all be acquired with just a bachelor's degree, even a bachelor's in communications or journalism. That said, it's also the case that a master's degree is highly likely to increase your salary and advancement opportunities within these fields. That's why we also list the top 10% of earners, as these are likely individuals with more advanced education than the bare minimum. 

are responsible for researching and reporting on news and current events. They may work either for legacy media institutions, like print newspapers and magazines, or for up-and-coming digital media companies. They may also pursue careers in radio or television. 

• Median Salary: $62,200 per year, $29.91 per hour
• Top 10% of earners: $144,140
• Job Growth: -6% (decline)

are in charge of managing the public perception of individuals and companies. They use their skills in communications to create PR strategies that paint their clients in a positive light. 

• Median Salary: $74,750 per year, $35.94 per hour
• Top 10% of earners: $135,150
• Job Growth: 2% (slower than average)

use their communications skills to explain technical concepts. They may get jobs writing instruction manuals, journal articles, and guides. Their job is to make complicated information accessible to a lay audience. Students who have a background in the hard sciences or engineering may be especially well-suited to this career track.

• Median Salary: $90,390 per year, $43.46 per hour
• Top 10% of earners: $145,270
• Job Growth: 1% (slower than average)

are in charge of planning and executing marketing campaigns for businesses and organizations. They may specialize in particular marketing fields, such as print marketing, paid advertising, social media marketing, or content marketing and SEO. Marketing managers may have supervisory responsibilities over other employees. 

• Median Salary: $165,780 per year, $79.70 per hour
• Top 10% of earners: $286,240
• Job Growth: 6% (faster than average)

Finally, we want to mention that demand evidence sits behind this career list: in of hundreds of employers, nearly 90% said they seek evidence of problem-solving ability in new graduates, and at least 70% look for written communication skills, initiative, a strong work ethic, and technical skills. 

Those criteria land squarely on the competencies a communications master's develops. Listing those skills explicitly on a resume, the way NACE advises, is how graduates convert the degree into interviews.

A master’s in communications degree will provide you with versatile real-world skills and make you an attractive applicant on the job market. However, graduate degrees in communications can also be expensive and require student loans. 

Ultimately, whether or not a communications degree is worth it for you depends on your own particular situation, including your educational background, career goals, budget, and personal responsibilities.

Consider the following pros and cons as you make your decision about whether to pursue a graduate degree in communication:

Potential Advantages

• Develop useful, in-demand skills: Employees who can communicate effectively are always in high demand. A graduate degree in communications can help students be more competitive for jobs in fields like marketing, writing, and public relations.
• Flexible career paths: Students with a degree in communications are well-suited to a wide variety of career paths. Pretty much any occupation that involves a lot of reading, writing, and analyzing communication could be a good fit for students with this degree.
• Creative, engaging field: One of the main draws of a career in the communications field is that it’s a creative, engaging discipline that allows you to put your creative energy to use.

Potential Drawbacks

• Lower salary than some other graduate degrees: Communications workers earn an average of , according to the BLS, which is slightly lower than the median average salary for all fields. While a master's degree typically results in a higher salary than a bachelor's, students may be able to increase their earning potential with other, more specialized graduate degrees.
• Fast-changing industry: Communications is a fast-paced field that is always changing, especially when it comes to applied communications and communication technology. Students may find that some technical communications and marketing knowledge may eventually become outdated.
• Many resources available online: While a graduate degree in communications is one way to develop your communication skills, it’s far from the only way. Students can find plenty of resources for free online.

Interested in exploring related degrees? Check out the best online master's degrees in marketing.

One of the most important things to look for when choosing an online degree is accreditation. Online schools that have accreditation are regularly evaluated by approved accrediting groups to make sure they provide a quality education that meets academic standards.

If a school does not have accreditation, you won't be able to use any federal financial aid if you qualify. You also won't be able to transfer your credits to other schools or qualify for licensure with your degree.

Students who are trying to decide if a master's in communications is right for them can use LinkedIn to help decide if they should get the degree or pursue something else. Look at professionals who have the job you want and see what their education background is like. Do they have a master's degree in communications, or did they study something else? You can also look at career outcomes for alumni of different online colleges to see where they ended up.