Master’s in Communication in Idaho

The Gem State has a lot to offer, but a wide variety of postsecondary education options is not one of them. Make no mistake, some excellent postsecondary education options dot Idaho's landscape, but many options will never be available in other states like California and Massachusetts. This is especially true in the communications space. Idaho has just two universities that offer graduate education degree programs in communications, and both are public universities tied into the state's postsecondary education system. The two schools are Boise State University in Boise and Idaho State University in Pocatello. Because the state funds both schools, the graduate degree programs in communications will look remarkably similar.

However, there will be some differences as no two programs are the same. Yes, both degrees are Master of Arts programs, and yes, both schools will have very similar curricula and graduation requirements. The Idaho State program will be slightly more flexible than the Boise State program, and the opportunities outside of the core coursework regarding internships and projects will also be different.

The state also boasts a solid market for communications professionals. Everyone from AmeriCorps to the Idaho Power Company is looking for marketing and communications professionals who are willing to pay upwards of $100,000 for the right candidate. Even the state and some of its other universities are looking for competent communications professionals and marketing coordinators.

2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Idaho

Idaho offers some exciting communication master's programs that stand out for their quality and innovation. Our team at Masters in Communications has carefully evaluated and ranked the top communication graduate programs across the state. These rankings consider factors like curriculum strength, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student outcomes. Students seeking advanced communication degrees will find compelling options in Idaho's academic landscape. Institutions in Boise, Moscow, and other cities provide robust programs for aspiring communication professionals. For a detailed breakdown of our comprehensive evaluation process, check out our ranking methodology.

#1

Idaho State University

Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

Idaho State University offers a dynamic Master of Arts in Communication that empowers students with comprehensive communication expertise through a flexible, interdisciplinary approach. The 30-credit online program allows personalized curriculum development, combining communication, media, and persuasion courses with advanced graduate-level studies. Students can choose between completing a Graduate Degree Paper or Thesis, providing versatile academic pathways. The program is strategically designed for professionals seeking advanced communication knowledge, with an emphasis on individualized learning and research opportunities. Advisors guide students in crafting cohesive study plans that align with their career goals and academic interests.

• 30-credit graduate degree
• Flexible program of study
• Two-year completion time
• Requires GRE verbal 40th percentile
• 15 credits from Communication courses
• 15 credits from 6600-level courses
• Options for Thesis or Graduate Degree Paper
• Interdisciplinary course options
• Advisor-guided study plan
• Designed for advanced communication knowledge

*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).

But we aren't here to discuss the corporate world of communications just yet. Here is a brief primer on the programs at Boise State University and Idaho State University.

Boise State University

What to Know: The Master of Arts degree in Communication is designed to be a two-year graduate program that requires 31 credits for graduation. Students are expected to choose from three specific areas of study: Relational and Organizational Studies; Critical/Cultural Studies; and Media Studies. The program has many core requirements that will be common throughout most communications programs. Still, students also have some freedom to explore the different areas of study and can have a hand in helping plan the final thesis and project.

To apply, students must show they have earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication or a related field. They also need to show a scholarly writing sample, a list of communications courses the student has taken, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a statement of interest in being a graduate assistant if interested.

What does it cost? The program’s cost is not cheap, but it isn't much worse than what you will see at other public universities across the Western United States. For a full-time Idaho resident, tuition fees are roughly $8,700 annually. Full-time non-residents pay $14,450 in tuition a year. All things considered, these tuition prices are not all that steep.

Many would consider these prices very reasonable. In addition, communications students can access usual financial aid and loan packages and are eligible for a GEM Scholarship. That scholarship waives non-resident tuition for out-of-state and international graduate students with a GPA of at least 3.00. It is worth nearly $30,000 throughout the two-year program.

Idaho State University

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is designed to be intentionally flexible for its students. The flexibility is supposed to allow students in the program to supplement their communications coursework with credits from other departments. Students must complete 30 credits to graduate, including 15 credits from 6600-level courses and 15 credits in Communication, Media, and Persuasion. Students will also be required to produce a graduate degree paper and will choose a thesis option plus additional thesis-related credits. Students can apply for a graduate assistantship and are expected to take 9-12 credits per semester. Another note is that the additional courses students take need to form a "cohesive program of study".

What does it cost? The tuition at Idaho State is very comparable to the tuition at Boise State, which is to be expected considering both are state universities. According to the ISU website, total tuition for a full-time graduate student and Idaho resident is $4,464 per semester ($3,583 for tuition and $881 for the fee) and part-time students who are Idaho residents can take classes for $447 per credit. Non-residents pay the same amount in tuition, but the fee is substantially higher. The total tuition for a graduate student and non-resident of Idaho is $11,852 and part-time students can take classes for $687 per credit. Like other schools, Idaho State offers an array of financial aid options, including but not limited to, scholarships, loans, and federal and state grants.

Idaho Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs