Master’s in Communication in Arizona

Arizona is home to three schools that offer master's in communications programs, which are scattered around the state in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Glendale. With both online and on-campus programs to choose from, students in Arizona are prepared for communications careers in the state's major industries of electronics and technology, bioscience and healthcare, tourism and aerospace and defense. Major companies that call Arizona home and provide potential career opportunities for communications experts include Avenet, Inc., Republic Services, Magellan Health, Pinnacle West Capital and Sprouts Farmers Market.

2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Arizona

Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Arizona? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools known for their quality education, experienced faculty, and strong alumni networks. Start your journey towards a successful career in communication today. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.

#1

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Scottsdale, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

Arizona State University's Digital Immersion Master of Arts in Communication represents an innovative online program strategically designed for professionals seeking comprehensive communication skill enhancement. The curriculum uniquely integrates conflict resolution, cross-cultural communication frameworks, and strategic thinking techniques to prepare graduates for complex organizational environments. Students explore persuasive communication methods, leadership development, and global communication strategies through a dynamic 30-credit hour program with accelerated 7.5-week course modules. Tailored for working professionals, the degree equips participants with advanced communication competencies applicable across diverse professional landscapes including sales, marketing, public relations, and organizational leadership roles. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.00 GPA, personal statement, and professional resume.

  • Online Master of Arts in Communication.
  • 30 total credit hours required.
  • Classes last 7.5 weeks each.
  • Focus on conflict resolution.
  • Enhances cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Develops strategic thinking abilities.
  • Prepares for leadership roles.
  • Teaches persuasive techniques.
  • Covers global communication strategies.
  • Admission requires bachelor's degree.
  • Minimum 3.00 GPA for admission.
  • Personal statement required for application.
  • Resume or CV required for application.
  • No 'online' designation on diploma.
  • Offers comprehensive communication training.
  • Tailored for working professionals.
  • Focuses on practical application.
  • Enhances workplace interaction skills.
  • Prepares for diverse career paths.
  • Includes capstone course for real-world challenges.
#2

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu

Master's - MA Communication Studies

Campus Based - Visit Website

Arizona State University's Campus Immersion MA in Communication Studies provides a comprehensive 36-credit graduate experience focusing on advanced communication theories and practices. Students benefit from individualized instruction, faculty mentorship, and flexible academic pathways including optional thesis or applied project completion. The program uniquely supports scholarly development through conference travel funds, internship opportunities, and targeted scholarships. Designed for emerging communication professionals, the curriculum prepares graduates for leadership roles across academic, corporate, and media sectors. With personalized academic advising and a commitment to diverse learning approaches, students can craft specialized research trajectories aligned with their professional aspirations.

  • 36 credit hours required.
  • Comprehensive exam mandatory.
  • Optional thesis or project.
  • Individualized instruction available.
  • Faculty advising provided.
  • Scholarships for new students.
  • Travel funds for conferences.
  • Internship opportunities offered.
  • Campus immersion program.
  • Focus on communication theories.
  • Tailored study options.
  • Academic and career support.
  • Financial aid options available.
  • Engage with academic community.
  • Prepare for leadership roles.
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Commitment to graduate study.
  • Vibrant academic environment.
  • Support for professional growth.
  • Diverse academic interests catered.
*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

2025 Affordable Arizona Masters in Communication Degree Options

Finding affordable Master's in Communication programs in Arizona for 2025 is key for students aiming to advance their careers without high costs. The table highlights options with tuition and program details, focusing on low-cost and economical choices. Arizona offers diverse settings from Phoenix to Tucson, making it easier to find a program that fits both budget and lifestyle. Affordable education opens doors for more students, ensuring access to quality degrees. The right program balances cost and value, helping graduates succeed in the communication field.

School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of Arizona
  • One-year completion time.
  • Minimum 33 units required.
  • Professional Emphasis option.
  • Journalism Studies Emphasis option.
  • Includes final project or internship.
  • Flexible elective choices.
  • Covers multimedia reporting.
  • Includes media law education.
  • $11,500 - $17,300 (Graduate In-State)
  • $27,200 - $40,800 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
  • 36 credit hours required.
  • Comprehensive exam mandatory.
  • Optional thesis or project.
  • Individualized instruction available.
  • Faculty advising provided.
  • Scholarships for new students.
  • Travel funds for conferences.
  • Internship opportunities offered.
  • $10,700 - $16,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $21,400 - $32,100 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Northern Arizona University
  • Multiple graduate program tracks
  • 95% certification exam pass rate
  • 18% projected job growth
  • In-person Flagstaff campus
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Accelerated BS to MS track
  • Leveler track for non-CSD undergrads
  • Clinical experience opportunities
  • $10,000 - $15,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $17,700 - $26,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023.

See below for details about master's in communications programs available in Arizona:

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Arizona State University in Glendale offers students several options for masters-level communications studies, including online programs and traditional on-campus programs.

What to Know: The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers three master's level programs, the on-campus Master of Mass Communication program and the on-campus Master of Arts in Sports Journalism program. Arizona State University also offers an online Master of Arts in Communication program, and an online Master of Science in Technical Communication and an on-campus accelerated Master of Arts in Communication Studies.

What Does It Cost?: Tuition costs vary depending on the program chosen. Tuition per credit hour for the online programs is $586 per credit hour. Tuition for the on-campus programs also varies depending on the program selected and can be calculated online here.

Anything Else?: The online programs offer multiple start dates per academic year and accept applications on a rolling basis. Graduate applications for on-campus programs open September 1. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications received before December 1 are given priority for both admission and funding. The final application deadline is July 1.

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff offers both an on-campus Master of Arts in Communication program and a fully online Master of Arts in Communication program.

What to Know: The on-campus Master of Arts in Communication program prepares students for careers in higher education, government, business, and community service as well as mass media. In addition to a general communication focus, students can also choose to focus on Documentary Studies as part of the 36-credit on-campus program.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the on-campus program is $9,240 per year for Arizona residents and $21,588 for non-residents. Tuition for the online program is $550 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission to the fall semester is July 1 and October 1 for admission to the spring semester.

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

University of Arizona in Tucson offers a Master of Arts in Communication program in a traditional on-campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 34-credit program in which students may choose from three concentrations and is designed to be completed in two years.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the program is $820 per unit for Arizona residents and $1,746 per unit for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline is January 5, and the final application deadline is March 1 entry the following August. The program does not accept an application for entry in the spring semester.

Arizona Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University

  • Master's - Strategic Communication, MA

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online master's program
    • 30 total program units
    • Per unit cost: $690
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Christian perspective integration
    • Industry professional faculty
    • Multiple entry points annually
    • Real-world client projects

Chico, CA

California State University-Chico

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • 30 total units required
    • Advanced research methods training
    • Thesis or comprehensive exam options
    • Multiple communication specialties
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Five-year completion timeline
    • Advanced coursework in communication theories
    • Interdisciplinary approach

Davis, CA

University of California-Davis

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Concentration: mediated communication - Campus Based - Website

    • Two tracks: Thesis and Non-thesis.
    • Two years of study required.
    • Close faculty collaboration.
    • Robust advising services.
    • Online application process.
    • Focus on communication theories.
    • Tailored to career goals.
    • Prepares for academia, research.

Fullerton, CA

California State University-Fullerton

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Concentration: Argumentation and Persuasion - Campus Based - Website

    • Specializations in various communication areas.
    • Prepares for doctoral studies or teaching.
    • Diverse student body and faculty.
    • Emphasis on research and practical application.
    • Comprehensive exams, thesis, or research project required.
    • Hands-on teaching experience available.
    • Faculty with national and international reputations.
    • Focus on critical thinking and scholarly discipline.
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Concentration: Intercultural Communication - Campus Based - Website

    • Specializations in multiple areas
    • Hands-on teaching experience
    • Diverse student community
    • Comprehensive exams required
    • Thesis or research project
    • Preparation for doctoral studies
    • Focus on practical application
    • Faculty with national/international reputations
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • Specializations in various communication areas.
    • Diverse student body including international students.
    • Faculty with national and international reputations.
    • Preparation for doctoral studies or teaching careers.
    • Hands-on teaching experience available.
    • Comprehensive exams, thesis, or research project required.
    • Focus on applying theory in practical settings.
    • Opportunities for informal learning outside the classroom.

Long Beach, CA

California State University-Long Beach

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • 30-unit comprehensive MA program
    • 2-year typical completion time
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • No specific communication degree prerequisite
    • Teaching and graduate assistantships available
    • Diverse communication course offerings
    • Prepares for doctoral or teaching careers
    • Multiple elective communication areas

Los Angeles, CA

University of California-Los Angeles

  • Master's - Master of Science in Communication

    Campus Based - Website

    • Ph.D. in Communication
    • Three research areas
    • 11 course requirement
    • Comprehensive funding package
    • Normative 5-year program
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Strong faculty mentorship
    • Research-focused curriculum

University of Southern California

  • Master's - Communication (MA)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts in Communication
    • 32 total units required
    • Two program options available
    • Core courses: COMM 525, 526, 550, 552
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Comprehensive exam or thesis pathway
    • Maximum 2 400-level courses allowed
    • Up to 4 transfer units accepted

Northridge, CA

California State University-Northridge

  • Master's - Communication Studies, MA

    Campus Based - Website

    • 33-unit graduate communication program
    • Multiple research and career paths
    • Advanced communication theory focus
    • Thesis or project option
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Performance and cultural studies
    • Rhetorical studies concentration
    • Professional career preparation
  • Master's - Communication Studies, MA

    Concentration: Performance, Language and Cultural Studies - Campus Based - Website

    • 33 units of coursework
    • Culminating experience options
    • 3.0 GPA for admission
    • Tailored study program
    • Comprehensive communication perspective
    • Performance, Language, Cultural Studies
    • Rhetorical Studies
    • Communication Theory
  • Master's - Communication Studies, MA

    Concentration: Rhetorical Studies - Campus Based - Website

    • 33 units of coursework
    • Culminating experience options
    • 3.0 GPA for admission
    • Tailored study opportunities
    • Prepares for Ph.D. pursuits
    • Community college instruction prep
    • Communication industry career prep
    • Includes Performance, Language Studies

Riverside, CA

California Baptist University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 30 Total Program Units
    • 12 Months Completion Time
    • $600 Per Unit Cost
    • Asynchronous Course Format
    • Strategic Communication Focus
    • Biblical Perspective Integration
    • Advanced Communication Skills

Sacramento, CA

California State University-Sacramento

  • Master's - M.A. in Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • 30-unit graduate communication program
    • Flexible evening class schedules
    • Multiple culminating experience options
    • Paid Teaching/Graduate Assistantships
    • Two to three years completion time
    • Tuition $5,906 per year (in-state)
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • No mandatory GRE scores

San Bernardino, CA

California State University-San Bernardino

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • 30-unit graduate program
    • Two-year completion timeline
    • Evening classes available
    • Flexible professional schedules
    • Graduate internship opportunities
    • Three culminating experience options
    • Multiple funding opportunities
    • Award-winning faculty

San Diego, CA

National University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

    Online Learning - Website

    • 10-month online master's degree
    • 45 quarter units total
    • Four-week course structure
    • Flexible online/in-person options
    • Year-round enrollment
    • Advanced communication strategy focus
    • Multidisciplinary communication approach
    • Professional faculty network

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-semester full-time program
    • Diverse communication seminar topics
    • Western Regional Graduate Program
    • Social justice focused curriculum
    • Three culminating experience options
    • Research methods training
    • Career paths in multiple sectors
    • Graduate seminar style courses

Stockton, CA

University of the Pacific

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Concentration: Media and Public - Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts in Communication
    • Four concentrations available
    • Communication Education focus
    • Communication Studies focus
    • Political Communication focus
    • Media and Public Relations focus
    • Stockton campus location
    • In-person course format
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Concentration: Communication Education - Campus Based - Website

    • 2 years program length
    • In-person course format
    • Stockton campus location
    • Four concentrations available
    • Communication theory focus
    • Methodology and practice training
    • Prepares for doctoral programs
    • Solves work-related communication problems
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Concentration: Political Communication - Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts in Communication
    • Four concentrations available
    • In-person course format
    • Located on Stockton campus
    • 2 years program length
    • Focus on communication theory
    • Methodology and practice training
    • Prepares for doctoral programs
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

    Concentration: Communication Studies - Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts in Communication
    • Four concentrations available
    • In-person course format
    • Located on Stockton campus
    • 2 years program length
    • Focus on communication theory
    • Methodology and practice training
    • Prepares for doctoral programs
*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.