Master’s in Communication in Iowa

Iowa is home to three universities that offer master's in communication programs. Across the state, communications students can choose between online and on-campus degree programs with professional concentrations in public affairs, brand communication, information technologies, corporate communication, etc. Online programs may be particularly appealing in a rural state like Iowa because they allow students in remote areas to take courses from home without commuting to campus. As the nation's largest producer of corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs, many communications graduates in Iowa may find work in the agribusiness and innovation sectors and in Iowa's other top industries, such as healthcare, financial services, or advanced manufacturing.

2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Iowa

Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Iowa? You're in the right place. At mastersincommunications.org, we've done the homework for you. Our rankings spotlight top schools that offer outstanding communication degrees. These programs stand out for their quality, faculty, and resources. They prepare students for success in various communication fields. Curious about how we rank these programs? Check out our ranking methodology to learn more.

#1

Drake University

Des Moines, IA - Private 4-year - drake.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Concentration: Brand Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website

Drake University's Master of Arts in Communication with Brand Communication concentration delivers a comprehensive digital learning experience tailored for ambitious communication professionals. The specialized track equips students with advanced strategies in brand messaging, digital marketing, and strategic communication. Students explore complex branding techniques, media relations, and consumer engagement through a rigorous 33-credit curriculum. The program's asynchronous six-week courses provide maximum flexibility, enabling working professionals to enhance their skills without disrupting career trajectories. Graduates emerge with sophisticated brand communication expertise, prepared to lead dynamic marketing initiatives and craft compelling organizational narratives across diverse industries.

  • 100% online program
  • 33 credit hours
  • $663 per credit
  • Three specialized tracks
  • Six-week asynchronous courses
  • No application fee
  • Transfer credits accepted
  • Expert faculty
  • Interdisciplinary curriculum
  • No in-person requirements
  • Focus on ethical communication
  • Global communication strategies
  • Career-focused outcomes
  • Flexible study schedule
  • Professional recommendations required
  • Personal essay for admission
  • Accredited program
  • Prepares for leadership roles
  • Diverse career opportunities
  • Strong alumni network

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Concentration: Communication Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

Drake University's Master of Arts in Communication Leadership track provides a transformative learning pathway for professionals seeking advanced strategic communication skills. This innovative program emphasizes leadership development, organizational communication, and comprehensive professional growth strategies. Students engage with complex communication theories, explore contemporary leadership challenges, and develop sophisticated interpersonal and strategic communication capabilities. The curriculum integrates practical experiences with theoretical foundations, enabling participants to drive meaningful change within organizational environments. Graduates gain comprehensive insights into communication dynamics, positioning themselves as forward-thinking leaders capable of navigating complex professional landscapes.

  • 100% Online Degree Program
  • 33 Credit Hours Total
  • 1-2 Years Completion Time
  • $663 Per Credit Hour
  • No Application Fee
  • Three Specialized Tracks
  • Asynchronous Six-Week Courses
  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Expert Faculty Instruction
  • Potential 50% Salary Increase

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Concentration: Public Affairs & Advocacy - Online Learning - Visit Website

Drake University's Master of Arts in Communication Public Affairs & Advocacy concentration provides a strategic pathway for professionals passionate about social change and strategic communication. This specialized track prepares students to become influential communicators in policy development, nonprofit sectors, and advocacy organizations. Participants develop advanced skills in public communication, policy analysis, and strategic messaging techniques. The program emphasizes ethical communication practices, media engagement, and sophisticated advocacy strategies. Students learn to craft compelling narratives, influence public discourse, and drive meaningful social transformations through sophisticated communication methodologies.

  • 100% Online Degree Program
  • 33 Credit Hours Total
  • 1-2 Years Completion Time
  • $663 Per Credit Hour
  • Three Unique Concentration Tracks
  • Six-Week Asynchronous Courses
  • No Application Fee
  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Flexible Learning Schedule
  • Professional Recommendations Required
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA - Private 4-year - dbq.edu

Master's - Master in Management - Communication Management

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Dubuque's Master in Management - Communication Management offers a strategic professional development pathway for aspiring communication leaders. Structured as a 30-credit hour program, this degree empowers professionals to master complex organizational communication dynamics through an intensive 5-week, face-to-face course format. With only 10 courses required, students can complete the program in approximately 15 months, making it an accelerated and flexible option. The curriculum integrates cutting-edge theoretical frameworks with practical managerial applications, preparing graduates to navigate sophisticated communication challenges across diverse industry sectors. The program's unique design accommodates transfer students, allowing up to 15 credits of equivalent graduate coursework.

  • 30 credit hour program
  • Focus on communication management
  • 5-week course format
  • Face-to-face delivery
  • Can be completed in 15 months
  • Up to 15 transfer credits
  • Latest theoretical applications
  • Practical managerial communication skills
  • Designed for professionals
  • Prepares for leadership roles
  • 10 courses required
  • Nine sessions per academic year
  • Enhances organizational communication
  • Ideal for career advancement
  • Focus on design and planning
  • Management and monitoring skills
  • For various sectors
  • Accelerated degree option
  • No online option mentioned
  • Admissions requirements not specified
#3

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA - Public 4-Year - uni.edu

Master's - Communication and Media (M.A.)

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Northern Iowa's Master's in Communication and Media provides a robust academic journey for students seeking advanced communication expertise. The program uniquely blends theoretical frameworks with practical media applications, appealing to both domestic and international scholars. Students develop advanced research skills through mandatory thesis completion, gaining deep insights into communication dynamics. The curriculum emphasizes scholarly rigor, supported by distinguished faculty with extensive professional experience. International students find particular value in the program's comprehensive approach, which prepares graduates for advanced professional roles in media, academic research, and global communication contexts. Comprehensive admission requirements ensure a competitive and diverse student cohort.

  • On-campus program
  • Requires thesis or research paper
  • Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
  • TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores required
  • Applicant statement needed
  • Three recommendation letters
  • Writing sample submission
  • Rolling admissions
  • 2-year program duration
  • Focus on theoretical and practical application
  • Nationally and internationally known faculty
  • Scholarly paper submission at application
  • Personal essay on career and personal goals
  • Graduate funding applications available
  • International student focus
*NCES IPEDS database, 2023 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2025 Affordable Iowa Masters in Communication Degree Options

Finding affordable Iowa Master's in Communication degree options is key for students planning their education in 2025. The right program balances quality with low-cost tuition, making higher education accessible. Iowa offers several economical choices across its cities, helping students save while pursuing their Master's. The table highlights programs with varying price ranges, ensuring options for every budget. Prioritizing cost-effective education allows more students to advance their careers without heavy financial burdens.

School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Drake University
  • 100% Online Degree Program
  • 33 Credit Hours Total
  • 1-2 Years Completion Time
  • $663 Per Credit Hour
  • Three Unique Concentration Tracks
  • Six-Week Asynchronous Courses
  • No Application Fee
  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • $10,200 - $15,300 (Graduate)
Saint Ambrose University
  • 60 credits
  • Fall start date
  • On campus (year 1)
  • Flexible location (year 2)
  • 2 year program
  • Max transfer credits 3
  • Start clinic first semester
  • Full-time child internship
  • $15,500 - $23,300 (Graduate)
University of Northern Iowa
  • On-campus master's program
  • Thesis or research paper required
  • Nationally recognized faculty
  • 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA
  • Official language proficiency tests
  • Three recommendation letters needed
  • Two-year program duration
  • Writing sample requirement
  • $9,100 - $13,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $18,300 - $27,400 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2023 survey (NCES).

Read on for more details about the master's in communications programs available in Iowa.

UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE

The University of Dubuque offers a Master of Arts in Communication program in a traditional on-campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program offers three program concentrations for students to choose from, including Leadership and Management Communication, Strategic and Corporate Communication, and Information Technologies Communication.

What Does It Cost?: Current tuition costs for the master's in communication program are not available online, so be sure to contact the Office of Financial Aid for the latest course fees.

Anything Else?: The University offers flexible course sequencing, fall, spring, and summer courses as well as evening courses for working professionals in order to make the program as accessible as possible. The program can be completed in two years of evening courses or as quickly as one year of full-time study.

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

The University of Iowa offers two options for master's-level communication degrees: an online professional program and an on-campus master's to doctoral program in Iowa City.

What to Know: The on-campus Master of Arts in Communication Studies is primarily a doctoral program but does occasionally admit students for a master's degree.

What Does It Cost?: For the 2018-2019 academic year, the cost for the online program is about $1,500 per course for tuition and fees. For the 2018-2019 academic year, graduate-level tuition and fees are estimated at $5,667 per semester for Iowa residents based on a 9-credit hour semester and $15,138 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: Application deadlines for the online program are July 15 for the fall semester, December 1 for spring, and April 15 for the summer. The application deadline for the on-campus program is January 1 for a fall semester start.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Iowa

DRAKE UNIVERSITY

Drake University in Des Moines offers an online Master of Arts in Communication program that can be completed in one year.

What to Know: The online Master of Arts in Communication program is a 33-credit program that allows students to select from three professional tracks, including Brand Communication, Communication Leadership and Public Affairs & Advocacy.

What Does It Cost?: The current cost for the Master of Arts in Communication program for 2018 is $650 per credit hour.

Anything Else?: With multiple course starts and six-week terms, the program is designed to be completed in as little as one year of study.

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

The online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program offers courses that meet online once per week in the evenings. Some online courses may also schedule classroom time for students who live in the Des Moines or Iowa City areas. Learn more about the University of Iowa’s communication graduate programs here.

Iowa 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.