Master’s in Communication in Kentucky

The Bluegrass State is home to six universities that offer master's level communication programs. With mainly on-campus programs available, and a couple of online or hybrid options for students to consider, aspiring communication experts have the opportunity to specialize in organizational communication, public relations, mass communication, healthcare and other areas of the communication field. Graduates of master's in communication programs may seek employment in one of Kentucky's major industries, such as agriculture, automotive, healthcare or food and beverage. Fortune 500 companies with major operations in Kentucky include Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare, Ford Motor Company, UPS, and Humana Inc.

2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Kentucky

Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Kentucky? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our rankings consider key factors like faculty expertise, program flexibility, and alumni success. Whether you're aiming for a career in media, public relations, or corporate communication, our list highlights Kentucky's standout programs. Discover which schools made the cut and why. Learn more about how we rank programs by visiting our ranking methodology page.

#1

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dive into a dynamic Master's in Communication at the University of Kentucky, a nationally ranked program offering comprehensive training in media studies, interpersonal, and health communication. Students complete 30 credit hours, gaining advanced research skills and theoretical knowledge through flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks. With renowned faculty and cutting-edge research opportunities, this program prepares communications professionals for impactful careers in academia, media, and organizational settings.

  • Nationally ranked communication program
  • 30 credit hours required
  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Media Studies concentration
  • Interpersonal Communication focus
  • Health Communication specialty
  • Research methods training
  • Communication theory coursework
  • Teaching assistantships available
  • Typically full student funding

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Concentration: Interpersonal Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Kentucky's Master's in Communication program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum and prestigious faculty. Offering both thesis and non-thesis options, students delve into crucial communication theories and research methods. The program requires 30 credit hours, including core courses in Communication Theory and Research Methods, plus a choice between Interpersonal Communication or Mass Communication. With a focus on preparing students for advanced careers or further academic pursuits, the program emphasizes collaboration and individual scholarly interests. Admission requires a CV, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and an optional assistantship application, with the GRE not required for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • 30 credit hours required
  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Core courses in Communication Theory
  • Research Methods included
  • Interpersonal or Mass Communication choice
  • CV required for admission
  • Personal statement required
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Assistantship application optional
  • GRE not required for 2024-2025
  • Focus on individual scholarly interests
  • Collaboration with faculty emphasized
  • Prepares for advanced careers
  • Prepares for further academic pursuits
  • Prestigious faculty

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Concentration: Mass Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Kentucky offers a prestigious Master's in Communication, designed to deepen understanding of communication theories and research methods. This program requires 30 credit hours, including core courses in Communication Theory, Research Methods, and Statistics. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, tailoring their studies to their career goals. With a focus on areas like Media Studies, Interpersonal Communication, and Health Communication, the program prepares graduates for diverse roles in academia, media, and beyond. Admission does not require GRE scores for the 2024-2025 academic year, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. Financial support through assistantships is available, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

  • 30 credit hours required
  • Thesis and non-thesis options
  • Core courses in Communication Theory
  • Research Methods and Statistics included
  • Focus on Media Studies
  • Interpersonal Communication focus
  • Health Communication specialization
  • No GRE required for 2024-2025
  • Financial support available
  • Prepares for academia and media roles
  • Diverse career opportunities
  • Collaborative faculty and student research
  • Accessible admission requirements
  • Comprehensive educational experience
  • Tailored to individual career goals
Show More 2 Programs ˅
#2

Morehead State University

Morehead, KY - Public 4-Year - moreheadstate.edu

Master's - Communication, M.A.

Online Learning - Visit Website

Morehead State University offers a Master of Arts in Communication, designed for those aiming to advance their careers in various communication fields. This 100% online program requires 30 credit hours, allowing students to graduate in as little as one year. It focuses on enhancing skills in writing, research, and theory, alongside exploring areas like organizational and intercultural communication. Admission requires a 2.5 undergraduate GPA, sufficient academic preparation in communication, and a satisfactory GRE score or alternative qualifications. This program is ideal for professionals seeking to develop leadership and managerial skills in communication.

  • 100% online delivery
  • 30 credit hours required
  • Can complete in one year
  • Focus on writing, research, theory
  • Explores organizational communication
  • Covers intercultural communication
  • Advanced public speaking included
  • Media criticism course
  • Admission requires 2.5 GPA
  • GRE score or alternative needed
  • TOEFL required for non-native speakers
  • Prepares for leadership roles
  • Enhances managerial skills
  • Develops oral communication skills
  • Improves written communication
  • Teaches teamwork and critical thinking
  • Promotes professionalism
  • Career options in various fields
  • Graduates work in diverse industries
  • Specialty courses available
  • Flexible schedule for students
  • No campus visits required
  • Suitable for busy professionals
  • Strong focus on practical skills
  • Accessible from anywhere
#3

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY - Public 4-Year - eku.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Campus Based - Visit Website

Eastern Kentucky University's Master of Arts in Communication Disorders prepares professionals to enhance communication and swallowing support for individuals across diverse ages and backgrounds. This rigorous 63-credit program equips students with evidence-based skills in speech-language pathology, offering comprehensive training in clinical settings. With a full-time, in-state tuition of $530 per credit hour and free textbooks, students gain practical experience through multiple practicum opportunities and externships. The nationally ranked program boasts an impressive employment rate exceeding 90%, positioning graduates for impactful careers in healthcare, schools, and rehabilitation centers.

  • 63 total credit hours required
  • In-state tuition $530/credit
  • Free textbooks provided
  • Nationally ranked program
  • Multiple clinical experiences
  • 90%+ employment rate
  • Accredited speech-language pathology program
  • Bachelor's degree prerequisite
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Externships in medical/school settings
#4

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY - Private 4-year - bellarmine.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bellarmine University's Master of Arts in Communication (MAC) program is designed for those aiming to advance their careers in the dynamic field of communication. This program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for real-world challenges. With classes scheduled on weeknights, it caters to working professionals seeking flexibility. The curriculum includes 10 courses, focusing on communication theory, ethical and legal issues, and contemporary organizational and social issues. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA and prerequisite scores of B or higher in specific courses. The program emphasizes small group analysis, applied coursework, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

  • 10-course program
  • Weeknight classes
  • Small student-to-faculty ratio
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Focus on communication theory
  • Ethical and legal issues coverage
  • Contemporary organizational issues
  • Admission requires 3.2 GPA
  • Prerequisite scores of B or higher
  • Designed for working professionals
  • Hands-on experiences
  • Small group analysis
  • Applied coursework
  • Preparation for career advancement
  • Flexible for part-time students
  • Spring or fall enrollment
  • Real-world application focus
  • Field experiences
  • Full-time faculty members
  • Optimal learning environment
  • Dynamic industry focus
  • Early Entry Dual Enrollment option
  • Graduate-level classes in senior year
  • Replaces up to 12 undergraduate credits
  • Contact for more information
#5

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY - Public 4-Year - louisville.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

Advance your communication skills with a Master of Arts in Communication. This flexible 30-credit program allows you to specialize your learning through electives and a thesis or non-thesis option. Develop expertise in communication theory, research methods, and practical application. A practicum option provides hands-on experience. For those with a 3.0 GPA, the GRE is not required for admission.

  • 30 credit hours
  • Thesis or non-thesis
  • 15 hours of core courses
  • 12 hours of electives
  • Practicum option available
  • 3.0 GPA required
  • GRE not required
  • Focus on communication theory
  • Quantitative and qualitative research
  • Develop practical skills

Keep reading for details on all of the master's in communication programs offered in Kentucky.

BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY

Bellarmine University offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on their campus in Louisville.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program was designed to accommodate working professionals as well as full-time students. Full-time students enroll in the fall semester and take four classes per term for fall and spring semesters followed by two courses in the summer session. Part-time students may take one or two courses per term until they finish the program.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $760 per credit hour for the Master of Arts in Communication program.

Anything Else?: While a concentration is not required for this program, students may elect to concentrate in Healthcare Communication.

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY

Murray State University in Murray offers Master of Arts or Science in Mass Communication or Public Relation as traditional on campus programs, in addition to a Master of Arts or Science in Organizational Communication that may be taken full online, in person or in a hybrid format.

What to Know: The Master of Arts or Science in Mass Communication or Public Relations programs are 31-credit hour programs that culminate in a comprehensive final project. The Master of Arts in Organizational Communication program is a 33-credit hour program that culminates in an oral defense of a thesis, and the Master of Science in Organizational Communication program is a 31-credit hour program that culminates in a comprehensive examination.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $544 per credit hour for Kentucky and regional residents, $800 per credit hour for non-residents and $644 per credit hour for online programs.

Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for all programs at Murray State University.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

The University of Kentucky in Lexington offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on its campus in Lexington.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 30-credit hour program that culminates in either a master's thesis or comprehensive written and oral exams.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $6,526 per semester for Kentucky residents and $15,682 per semester for non-residents. Some courses may have additional mandatory fees, and these costs do not include books or other supplies.

Anything Else?: New graduate students are admitted to the fall semester only. The application deadline is January 5.

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

The University of Louisville offers a Master of Arts in Communication program that can be taken either on campus or as a hybrid online/in-person program.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 37-credit hour program that culminates in a thesis or comprehensive exam.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $705 per credit hour for Kentucky residents, $1,470 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The program does not require an experiential component, but some students may choose to do a practicum in a private business, community organization or government agency that deals with communication in order to gain real-world experience while they study.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Kentucky

ASBURY UNIVERSITY

Asbury University based in Wilmore offers an online Master of Arts in Communication: Digital Storytelling degree.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication: Digital Storytelling program may be taken fully online if students have taken undergraduate media courses and/or have extensive professional experience. For students with less experience in digital storytelling and communication, students may need to take some production-oriented courses on campus during two-week summer intensives.

What Does It Cost?: Check with the bursar's office for the latest tuition and fees.

Anything Else?: This program was designed with working professionals in mind and can be taken on a part-time basis to accommodate a full-time work schedule.

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY

Murray State University offers one of their master's programs, the M.A./M.S. in Organizational Communication as a distance learning program in addition to traditional classroom or hybrid formats. Learn more about Murray State University's online program option here.

Kentucky Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

SchoolContact Information
Asbury University
One Macklem Drive
Wilmore, KY 40390
(859) 858-3511
Bellarmine University
2001 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 272-7200
Murray State University
209 Wilson Hall
Murray, KY 42071
(270) 809-5308
University of Kentucky
227 Grehan Bldg
Lexington, KY 40506
(859) 257-3621
University of Louisville
310 Strickler Hall
Louisville, KY 40292
(502) 852-6976