Online Master’s in Health Communication Programs in 2025
Healthcare is a hot-button issue in the country. The healthcare industry needs communications experts with a knowledge of medicine, public health, disease, and other health crises to develop solid communications and public relations strategies. A master's in health communication can put you front and center in a field that overlaps medicine and business/media communications. 2024, possibly more than ever, needs more precise, culturally sensitive, and diverse health communication.
Earning a master's in health communication can lead to high-level careers such as:
- A senior communications specialist for a hospital or healthcare system
- Medical communications for a PR firm
- Physician relations representative
- Corporate communications manager for pharmaceutical or health insurance companies
- Health communications specialist
With the high demand for distance education options, many master's in health communication programs are offered online to accommodate busy working professionals looking to climb the career ladder.
2025 Best Online Masters in Health Communication Programs
Looking for the best online masters in health communication programs? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We've ranked top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools offering flexible online options, expert faculty, and strong career support. Start your journey today with a program that matches your needs. Check out our ranking methodology to see how we picked the best programs. Find the perfect program to advance your career in health communication.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL - Public 4-Year - illinois.edu
Master's - Health Communication, MS
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's online Master of Science in Health Communication empowers professionals to excel in healthcare communication strategies. The comprehensive program explores communication dynamics across interpersonal, organizational, and media platforms, equipping students with robust research methodologies and theoretical foundations. Designed for working professionals, the flexible curriculum allows seamless integration of advanced learning with existing career commitments. Students develop sophisticated communication skills to effectively disseminate health information, analyze complex healthcare messaging, and drive meaningful engagement in diverse healthcare environments.
- 100% online, asynchronous format
- 1-2 years degree completion
- No GRE required
- 32 total credit hours
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Rolling admissions year-round
- In-state and out-of-state tuition
- Research methods focus
- Health communication specialization
Master's - Health Communication, MS
Concentration: Interpersonal Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focused on Interpersonal Communication, this University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign online Master's program provides deep insights into healthcare communication nuances. Students explore intricate human interaction patterns, communication theory, and strategic messaging techniques specific to interpersonal healthcare contexts. The curriculum emphasizes research-driven approaches to understanding patient-provider relationships, communication barriers, and effective health information transmission. Graduates emerge with advanced skills to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, design targeted communication interventions, and enhance healthcare communication strategies through sophisticated, evidence-based methodologies.
- 100% Online Degree
- 1-2 Years Completion Time
- No GRE Required
- 32 Total Credit Hours
- Rolling Admissions
- In-State/Out-of-State Same Tuition
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Research Methods Focus
- 24 Elective Credit Hours
- Professional Communication Skills
Master's - Health Communication, MS
Concentration: Organizational Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Organizational Communication concentration offers a strategic approach to health communication management. This online program equips professionals with advanced skills to analyze, design, and implement communication strategies within complex healthcare organizations. Students explore organizational communication theories, leadership dynamics, and systemic communication challenges. The curriculum prepares graduates to develop comprehensive communication frameworks, manage interdepartmental communication challenges, and create innovative solutions for healthcare communication infrastructure, positioning them as valuable strategic communicators in diverse healthcare settings.
- 100% online asynchronous program
- 1-2 years to complete
- No GRE required
- 32 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions year-round
- Fall and Spring start dates
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Minimum 12 500-level hours
- Research methods focus
- Interpersonal communication emphasis
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - Public 4-Year - newbrunswick.rutgers.edu
Master's - Master of Health Communication and Information
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a Master of Health Communication and Information (MHCI) program, blending online and on-campus learning for flexibility. This hybrid program, requiring 36 credit hours, is designed for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in healthcare communication and information systems within 15 to 24 months. It focuses on developing health campaigns, improving provider-patient interactions, and applying communication strategies in healthcare settings. The program supports both full-time and part-time students, with options to transfer up to 6 credits and rolling admissions for convenience. Highlights include hybrid delivery, flexible enrollment, and a strong focus on healthcare communication.
- Hybrid program delivery options
- Complete in 15-24 months
- 36 total credit hours required
- Flexible part-time enrollment
- No language requirements
- Transfer up to 6 credits
- Rolling admission available
- Full and part-time options
- Healthcare communication focus
George Washington University
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - gwu.edu
Master's - Public Health Communication and Marketing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
George Washington University offers a hybrid Master of Public Health in Public Health Communication and Marketing, designed for professionals aiming to master the strategic use of communication and marketing tools within public health. This 45-credit program emphasizes the development, implementation, and evaluation of health communication initiatives, blending rigorous academic training with practical experience. Students will learn to design targeted communication programs, develop social marketing strategies, and advocate for policy changes. The program prepares graduates to lead innovative public health communication efforts, with a curriculum that includes a required practicum and interprofessional education, offering both on-campus and online course options for flexibility.
- 45-credit Master of Public Health program
- Public Health Communication concentration
- Practicum experience required
- Interprofessional education component
- Strategic communication focus
- Social marketing techniques training
- Policy advocacy skills development
- Comprehensive evaluation methods
- On-campus and online course options
- 5-year completion timeline
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS - Private 4-year - mc.edu
Master's - Master of Science Healthcare Communication
Online Learning - Visit Website
Mississippi College offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Communication, tailored for professionals aiming to lead in health services administration. This online program focuses on enhancing communication strategies to influence healthcare policies and organizational change. It covers public relations, marketing, and ethical communication, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. Designed for flexibility, it allows working professionals to advance their careers without interrupting their current roles. The curriculum is career-oriented, emphasizing strategic communication skills and professional portfolio development, ensuring students are well-equipped for the challenges of healthcare communication.
- 32 total credit hours
- Fully online degree format
- Master of Science degree
- Healthcare communication leadership focus
- Develops strategic communication skills
- Prepares for health services roles
- Graduate communication core included
- Professional portfolio development
- Focuses on organizational communication
- Career-oriented curriculum design
Choosing an Online Master's in Health Communication Program
Great care should be taken to choose the right online graduate-level health communication program for you. You'll want to ensure that the school and program chosen have a favorable reputation, skilled and responsive faculty, and learning options that suit your needs. With some research, finding the perfect master's in health communication program is easier than you might think.
Accreditation
Proper accreditation is the key to finding an academically rigorous and respected health communication program. Regional accreditation organizations such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission are good ones to watch for. Schools and programs with accreditations tend to carry extra weight on a resume, so they are worth looking into.
Program Cost
While each master's in health communication program will have its own set of costs due to location, type of school, and other factors, there are a few expenses that students expect to pay, regardless of school. Tuition, mandatory fees, and course materials like textbooks must be accounted for. For example, the online master's in health communication through the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign costs $712 per credit hour, translating to $2,848 for an 8-week course or $1,424 for a 4-week course. This cost is the same for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Financial aid, scholarships, and student loans are typically available for qualified students.
Program Length
Around 40 credits are needed to graduate from an online graduate-level health communication program, though the exact number of credits required depends on the school chosen. These programs can be completed in 1 to 2 years, depending on full or part-time study. The average length of a master's in health communication program is 16-18 months from start to finish.
Admissions Requirements
Generally speaking, students will need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission to a master's in health communication program:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Current resume with applicable work experience
Classes and Courses
Students enrolled in an online master's of health communication program can expect to take a mix of advanced health and communications courses, which typically culminate in a final thesis or project. The curriculum may consist of courses like the following, which are offered as part of the health communication program at Boston University:
- The American Health Care System for Health Communicators
- The Biology of Disease
- Contemporary Health Care Marketing
- Media Relations for Health Communicators
- Health Communication
Advantages of Online Master’s in Health Communication Programs
Online graduate-level health communication programs are cropping up nationwide for a good reason: the sheer convenience of these programs cannot be beaten. Online learning is ideal for those who want to expand their roles or advance their careers. The same is true for those with children, families, or other obligations that would render traditional, classroom-based education impossible. Those in rural areas also find distance education a lifesaver, eliminating the need to relocate or shoulder the burden of a lengthy commute. Regarding commuting and transportation expenses, online health communication programs also cut out these costs, saving students a bundle. Many find that these programs’ flexibility, ease, and reduced cost make higher education a real possibility.
Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Health Communication Programs in 2025
Select Your State:
Illinois
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 801 South Wright Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 333-0035 |
Massachusetts
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Boston University | 1010 Commonwealth Avenue, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02215 (617) 358-1960 |
Lasell College | 1844 Commonwealth Ave. Newton, MA 2466 (617) 243-2400 |
Mississippi
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Mississippi College | 200 S. Capitol Street Clinton, MS 39056 (601) 925-3229 |
Missouri
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Missouri | 120 Neff Hall Columbia , MO 95211 (573) 882-4821 |
Washington
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Washington State University | PO Box 645220 Pullman, WA 99164 (509) 335-7333 |