Master’s in Communication in Iowa
Iowa is home to three universities that offer master's in communication programs. Across the state, communications students have the choice between online and on-campus degree programs with professional concentrations available in public affairs, brand communication, information technologies, corporate communication, and many others. Online programs may be particularly appealing in as rural a state as Iowa because online programs allow students in remote areas to take courses from home without having to make a long commute 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, as well as 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.
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
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
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
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
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Drake University Programs | 2507 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311 (844) 254-4221 |
University of Dubuque Programs | 2000 University Avenue, 310 Van Vliet Hall Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 589-3188 |
University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA 52242 (319) 335-3500 |