Online Master’s in Communication Management Programs in 2024

Are you interested in the business aspects of a communications career? A master's degree in communication management may be the route for you. This advanced program will teach you to take charge of an organization's communications goals and strategies and use critical thinking to approach communications issues with high business acumen. If a management-level career in communications is your dream, this graduate degree is worth looking into.

A master's degree in communication management can lead to careers in:

• Non-Profit Organizations
• Strategic Corporate Communication/Public Relations
• Marketing Communication and Brand Recognition
• Media and Entertainment Management
• Health and Social Change Communication
• International Business
• New Communication Technologies

Once you advance your communications career, you must choose the right school and program. Luckily, many online options are available for students wishing to earn a master's in communication management, making it easier to achieve their higher-education goals.

2024 Best Online Masters in Communication Management Programs

For those interested in marrying a communications career with leadership and business, an online Master's in Communication Management degree can take you far. To help you sort through your program prospects, we've researched online programs nationwide to narrow down our top picks in the field. Browse our rankings for the 2024 Best Online Master's in Communication Management programs below to start your educational journey today.

#1) University College, University of Denver – Denver, CO

With multiple online concentrations, the University of Denver's University College offers students several rewarding pathways to a Master of Arts in Communications Management. These programs can be completed in as few as 18 months and comprise four courses, five concentration courses, and three elective courses. Students can choose from Learning and Development, Marketing Communication, Organizational Communication, Organizational Development, Public Relations, and User Experience Strategy. With flexible online coursework and experienced faculty, grads of the program are well-prepared for leadership-level careers.

Learn more about University College's offerings here.

Highlights:

• No GRE or GMAT is required
• 10-week term length
• No application fees

#2) Temple University – Philadelphia, PA

Temple University’s Master of Science in Communication Management is a dynamic 31-credit online program designed to explore diverse aspects of communication principles, practices, and strategies within the evolving workplace. Tailored for entry- and mid-level professionals, the curriculum emphasizes vital areas, including audience analysis, communication strategies for emerging media, organizational communication, and research and data synthesis. The program’s virtual format, featuring webinars, teleseminars, and online interactions, enables flexible learning and accommodates students’ schedules. The program also offers three concentrations-Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution, Public Relations, or Strategic Communication and Cross-Cultural Leadership-providing a specialized focus on individual career goals.

Learn more about Temple's offerings here.

Highlights:

• Full-time and part-time attendance options
• Non-matriculated students may take up to 9 credits before applying
• Merit scholarships available

#3) Webster University – St. Louis, MO

Advance your communications career with Webster University’s online Master of Arts in Communications Management, catering to aspiring young professionals and mid-career managers seeking a transition or progression. This program combines Media Communications and Business Management coursework, offering a distinctive educational profile. Designed for flexibility and accessibility for working professionals, it provides a pathway to enhance skills and knowledge crucial for success in communications management. Whether you’re already in the communications field or looking to pursue a communications career, this program equips you with the skills needed for clear, concise, and compelling strategic communications-a sought-after skill by employers. With the convenience of online learning, you can continue working full-time while earning your master’s in Communications Management from Webster University.

Learn more about Webster's offerings here.

Highlights:

• A full-time option can be completed in 1 year plus two terms
• A part-time option can be completed in 2 years plus two terms
• Fall and Spring start dates

Choosing an Online Master's in Communication Management Program

Choosing the right online graduate-level communications management program boils down to researching. Ensuring the program is high quality, meets your budgetary needs, and fits into your life is critical. The following should be considered when inquiring about online masters of communications management programs:

Accreditation

An adequately accredited school can give students peace of mind regarding quality since accrediting bodies are diligent about holding the institution to high academic standards. Regional accrediting organizations such as the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission are a few to look for when comparing schools with online masters of communication management programs.

Program Cost

Online graduate communication management degrees can range widely in price. Things like the type/size of the school, location, and program length can all affect the total cost. Generally, students must pay for the program's tuition, mandatory school fees, and textbooks and course materials.

Online programs are typically less expensive than traditional, classroom-based programs, but again, many factors come into play with program costs. For example, tuition for the online Master's in Communication Management program at the University of Denver in Colorado costs roughly $31,680. This does not include additional mandatory fees.

Program Length

An online master's of communication management program will generally take 1-2 years from start to finish, with most programs taking around 16 months to complete. Approximately 32-48 total credit hours will be needed to graduate. Most online programs also allow rolling admission, meaning students can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

Admissions Requirements

In general, the following requirements will need to be met to gain admission into the online master of communication management program:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field
• GPA of 3.0 or above
• Letters of reference or recommendation
• Portfolio or resume of applicable work
• Submission of transcripts from all colleges previously attended

Classes and Courses

The curriculum of a master's in communication management program may contain course titles similar to the following, which are a part of the University of Southern California's Master of Communication Management online program:

• Strategic Corporate Communication
• Communication in Work Settings
• Global Marketing Communication
• Audience Analysis
• Uses of Communication Research
• Communicating Strategy and Change

Advantages of Online Master’s in Communication Management Programs

An online master's in communication management is convenient and ideal for many potential grad students. Taking courses from home, on your schedule, is a life-saver for many working professionals and those with family obligations who wish to complete their graduate degrees. Aside from the flexibility, online options are typically less expensive overall, as students don't have to deal with the transportation costs of commuting and parking. An online master's in communication management program is also essential for those in more rural settings who don't have access to a nearby university. Many students appreciate utilizing technology to complete this degree in a way that fits into busy lifestyles.

Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Communication Management Programs in 2024

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California

Colorado

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