Master’s in Communication in Arkansas
Arkansas offers three schools for students interested in pursuing a master's in communication degree. With three on-campus programs and one online program, students can concentrate their studies in journalism, radio/TV, media research and strategic communication among other options. Upon graduation, students in Arkansas will be prepared for careers in academia or one of Arkansas' major industries such as retail, agriculture, transportation, and food manufacturing. Major companies that call Arkansas home and provide potential career opportunities for communications experts include Wal-Mart Inc., Acxiom Corp., Dillards Inc., and J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas offers several high-quality communication master's programs that prepare students for dynamic careers in media, public relations, and digital communication. Our team at Masters in Communications has carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top communication graduate programs based on academic rigor, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. These programs provide comprehensive training in advanced communication strategies, research methods, and professional skills. Students can expect cutting-edge curriculum that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical experience. For a detailed breakdown of our comprehensive selection process, review our ranking methodology.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Mass Communication
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Master of Arts in Mass Communication provides a rigorous academic pathway for media professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. The comprehensive 33-credit program emphasizes scholarly research, critical media analysis, and multi-platform storytelling strategies. Students explore complex media dynamics through flexible online and on-campus learning formats. With an optional thesis or professional project track, graduates develop advanced skills in strategic communication, public relations, and media research. The program welcomes professionals with diverse backgrounds, valuing practical and academic experiences while maintaining high academic standards.
- 33 credit hours required
- Thesis or professional project option
- Available online and on-campus
- Focus on media research and theory
- Enhances strategic communication skills
- Baccalaureate degree required for admission
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
- Professional goals letter required
- Resume submission required
- Two recommendation letters needed
- GRE scores optional for admission
- Up to nine cognate graduate hours allowed
- Cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher
- Focus on multi-platform storytelling
- Critical thinking about media content
- Scholarly research emphasis
- Adviser approval required for program
- Professional and academic experience valued
- Flexible learning options
- Enhances public relations skills
Master's - Master of Arts in Mass Communication
Concentration: Media Research - Online Learning - Visit Website
Specializing in Media Research, UA Little Rock's Master of Arts in Mass Communication offers an intensive 33-credit graduate experience. This concentration provides scholars and professionals a deep dive into systematic media investigation, enabling advanced critical analysis of communication landscapes. Students engage in scholarly research methodologies, exploring media's societal impacts through rigorous academic frameworks. The flexible online program supports working professionals, offering specialized training in media research techniques, data interpretation, and theoretical communication approaches. Graduates emerge equipped with sophisticated research skills applicable across journalism, academic, and strategic communication domains.
- 33-credit hour program
- Online degree option
- Two specialized tracks
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- $396 per credit hour
- Thesis or professional project option
- Media research track available
- Strategic communication focus
- Professional multi-platform journalism
- Scholarly and professional research skills
Master's - Master of Arts in Mass Communication
Concentration: Professional Mass Media - Online Learning - Visit Website
UA Little Rock's Professional Mass Media concentration within the Master of Arts in Mass Communication prepares students for advanced media leadership roles. This 33-credit program cultivates sophisticated multi-platform communication skills, emphasizing practical journalism and strategic media production. Students develop comprehensive understanding of contemporary media environments, learning to navigate complex communication landscapes with professional expertise. The online format accommodates working professionals, providing flexible learning opportunities that blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on professional development. Graduates gain competitive advantages in strategic communication, digital journalism, and media management sectors.
- 33-hour online graduate program
- Two concentration options
- Media research pathway
- Professional mass media track
- Thesis or professional project
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- $396 per credit hour
- Flexible online learning
- Critical media analysis
- Multi-platform journalism focus
2025 Affordable Arkansas Masters in Communication Degree Options
Finding affordable Master's in Communication programs in Arkansas is key for students planning their 2025 education. The right program balances quality with low-cost options, making higher education accessible. Arkansas offers several economical choices, helping students manage tuition without sacrificing their goals. This table highlights such opportunities, focusing on cost-effective solutions across the state. It's a practical guide for those seeking value in their advanced studies.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
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| Arkansas Tech University |
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| Arkansas State University |
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See below for details about masters in communications programs available in Arkansas:
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Arkansas State University offers students a Master of Arts in Communication Studies degree as a traditional on-campus program.
What to Know: The primary focus of the program is on the fundamentals of communication theory and the understanding and use of complex methods of communication research. Students can choose to specialize in journalism or radio/TV studies.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition is $267 per credit hour for Arkansas residents and $534 per credit hour for non-residents. This cost does not include additional mandatory fees or course materials.
Anything Else?: The application deadline is July 1 for admission to the fall semester and November 15 for admission to the spring semester.
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FAYETTEVILLE
The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville offers an on-campus Master of Arts in Communications degree program.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program has a specific emphasis on civic engagement, where students will study how to use communication to create more inclusive organizations, more resilient communities and more informed and engaged citizens.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition is estimated at $9,938 per academic year for Arkansas residents and $25,122 per academic year for non-residents. This cost does not include additional mandatory fees or course materials.
Anything Else?: The application deadlines for admissions considerations are August 1 for the fall semester, December 1 for the spring semester and April 15 for the summer session.
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - LITTLE ROCK
The University of Arkansas in Little Rock offers both online and on-campus Master of Arts in Mass Communication programs for students to choose from.
What to Know: Both the online and on-campus Master of Arts in Mass Communication programs offer a Media Research option that prepares students to analyze and conduct scholarly research in mass communication, as well as a Professional Mass Media option that provides students with advanced professional training in multi-platform journalism or strategic communications/public relations. Students will either write a thesis or create a professional project as a capstone experience to end the program.
What Does It Cost?: Cost per credit for the online program is $383. The tuition for the on-campus program is $6,600 per academic year for Arkansas residents and $14,560 for non-residents. This cost does not include mandatory fees or course materials.
Anything Else?: The application deadlines for the on-campus program are July 15 for the fall semester, April 15 for the summer semester and December 10 for the spring semester.
Arkansas Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
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