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
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
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Arkansas State University Programs
| P.O. Box 1930 State University, AR 72467 (870) 972-3091 |
University of Arkansas - Fayetville Programs | 417 Kimpel Hall Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-5957 |
University of Arkansas - Little Rock Programs | 2801 S. University Ave., Stabler Hall 705 Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 569-3250 |