Master’s in Communication in Maryland
Maryland is home to three schools that offer graduate-level communication programs, two of which are traditional on-campus programs and one that is fully online. Communication students can focus their studies on health communication, public relations and strategic communication, political culture and general communication topics and theory. Maryland's major industries that may provide employment opportunities for graduates include bio health and life sciences, financial services, agribusiness and advanced manufacturing. In addition to career opportunities in academia or education, communication grads may pursue job openings at communication firms in Baltimore or nearby Washington D.C., or with major corporations in Maryland such as Lockheed Martin, Marriott International or Discovery Inc.
2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Maryland
Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Maryland? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the perfect fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools known for their quality education, experienced faculty, and strong alumni networks. Whether you're aiming for a career in media, public relations, or digital communication, our rankings guide you to the best options. Check out our ranking methodology to see how we choose the best programs.
Towson University
Towson, MD - Public 4-Year - towson.edu
Master's - Communication Management M.S.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Towson University's Master of Science in Communication Management equips students with the skills to research, plan, implement, and evaluate communication strategies for organizational success. This hybrid program allows for at least 50% online coursework, blending theory, research, and practical application. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in public relations, corporate communication, and more, with opportunities for doctoral study. The program emphasizes critical thinking, global multicultural fluency, and both quantitative and qualitative research skills. Admission requires meeting specific deadlines and criteria, with a curriculum designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in strategic communication.
- 36-credit degree requirement
- Hybrid program with online options
- Focus on public relations and strategic communication
- Prepares for leadership roles in communication
- Opportunities for doctoral education
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Global multicultural fluency
- Quantitative and qualitative research
- Business and academic writing
- Communication management expertise
- Flexible, hybrid program structure
- Comprehensive exams, professional project, or thesis options
- Wide variety of elective courses
- Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program available
- Small class sizes for networking
- Experienced, knowledgeable faculty
- Convenient class schedules for professionals
- Unique emphasis on strategic public relations
- Located near Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
- Strong partnerships for research and internships
Master's - Communication and Advocacy M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Towson University's Master's in Communication & Advocacy prepares students for leadership in global and organizational communication. Located near Washington, D.C., it offers unique access to advocacy hubs. Students choose between Globalization and Leadership or Critical/Cultural Studies tracks. The program includes a 12-credit core, a 6-credit thesis or internship, totaling 33 credits. Graduates pursue careers in media, nonprofit management, and more, with pathways to doctoral studies. Admission requires meeting specific criteria, with financial support options like graduate assistantships available.
- 33 credits to complete.
- Thesis or internship option.
- Focus on global leadership.
- Critical/cultural studies track.
- Located near D.C. advocacy hubs.
- Prepares for doctoral studies.
- Career in media, nonprofits.
- Graduate assistantships available.
- 12-credit core sequence.
- 6-credit thesis/internship.
- Access to advocacy organizations.
- Qualitative research training.
- Arts-based research methods.
- Nonprofit management skills.
- Public advocacy preparation.
- International development focus.
- K-12 education administration.
- Higher education administration.
- Media consulting careers.
- Communication consulting skills.
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - ndm.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Notre Dame of Maryland University's Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication offers a cutting-edge program designed to prepare professionals for dynamic communication roles. The curriculum equips students with comprehensive skills in digital media strategies, public relations, and innovative campaign development. Ideal for working professionals seeking career advancement, the program provides flexible learning options including online, on-campus, and hybrid formats. Graduates gain expertise in social media management, web content creation, and organizational communication, positioning themselves for success in rapidly evolving media landscapes.
- Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication
- 100% Online and On-Campus Options
- Small Class Sizes
- Ranked Affordable Program
- Customizable Course Selection
- 7:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- Evening and Weekend Classes
- Experienced Professional Faculty
- Career-Focused Curriculum
- Web and Content Management Focus
Bowie State University
Bowie, MD - Public 4-Year - bowiestate.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications
Concentration: Public Affairs Communications - Campus Based - Visit Website
Bowie State University's Master of Arts in Organizational Communications with a Telecommunications Policy Concentration (Thesis) is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in various sectors, including public, private, and non-profit organizations. This program emphasizes managerial and analytical techniques, access to cutting-edge technology, and real-world problem-solving. It requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA for admission, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes core and non-core courses, culminating in a thesis. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in public policy, telecommunications, and organizational development, among others.
- 36 credit hours required
- Thesis option available
- Focus on telecommunications policy
- Access to modern technology
- Prepares for doctoral studies
- Comprehensive examination required
- Real-world problem-solving focus
- Core courses in communication theory
- Non-core courses in leadership
- Electives outside ORGC allowed
- Graduate Program Coordinator available
- Covers domestic and international policy
- Includes mediation and conflict resolution
- Focus on organizational development
- Skills in effective presentations
- Interpersonal communications training
- Group and organizational communications
- Communications audits training
- Desktop publishing skills
- Internet-based research methods
- New telecommunications technology
- Issue and crisis management
- Applied communications research
- Planning communications campaigns
- Preparation for diverse careers
Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications
Concentration: Telecommunications Policy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Bowie State University offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Communications with a concentration in Telecommunications Policy, designed for aspiring leaders in public, private, and non-profit sectors. This program equips students with essential skills in communications theory, research, and practical applications, preparing them for doctoral studies or careers in telecommunications policy, public relations, and more. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA, an application fee, and submission of undergraduate transcripts. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving, access to cutting-edge technology, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes a thesis option for those interested in further academic pursuits.
- Master's in Organizational Communications
- Telecommunications Policy Concentration
- Thesis option available
- 36 credit hours required
- Prepares for doctoral studies
- Access to Internet and labs
- Cable TV and radio production
- Real organizational problem-solving
- 2.5 GPA for admission
- Bachelor's degree required
- Application fee required
- Undergraduate transcripts needed
- Effective presentation skills
- Interpersonal communications
- Organizational development
- Telecommunications policy crafting
- Desktop publishing
- Internet-based research
- New telecommunications technology
- Issue and crisis management
- Applied communications research
- Mediation and conflict management
- Communications campaigns planning
- Comprehensive examination required
- Thesis includes original research
Master's - Master of Arts in Organizational Communications
Campus Based - Visit Website
Embark on a transformative journey with Bowie State University's Master of Arts in Organizational Communications. This innovative program equips professionals with cutting-edge communication skills for leadership roles across diverse sectors. With a comprehensive curriculum focusing on strategic communication, research, and policy, students develop expertise in organizational dynamics, telecommunications, and interpersonal communication. The program prepares graduates for dynamic careers in public relations, policy development, and organizational management, offering a thesis option that paves the way for advanced doctoral studies.
- 36 credit hour master's program
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Telecommunications Policy concentration
- 2.5 GPA admission requirement
- Prepares for doctoral studies
- Access to computer labs
- Real-world problem solving
- Leadership communication focus
- Applied research opportunities
- Diverse career preparation
See below for details about the master's in communication programs in Maryland:
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore offers a Master of Science in Public Health in Health Education & Health Communication in an on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Public Health in Health Education & Health Communication program is designed for students who wish to study health promotion, education and communication strategies for future careers working with individuals, organizations and communities. The program consists of one academic year of coursework and a minimum of six months of field placement experience.
What Does It Cost?: The tuition for the Master of Public Health program for the 2018-2019 academic year is $67,680 for the 11-month program, which is $13,536 per term for 5 terms.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission is December 1.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
The University of Maryland offers a doctoral program in communication that will award an M.A. degree to students who have finished the M.A. requirements by the end of their second year of study.
What to Know: The graduate-level communication program allows students to choose from the following focus areas: Communication Science & Social Cognition, Public Relations & Strategic Communication and Rhetoric & Political Culture.
What Does It Cost?: With few exceptions, the University of Maryland's Department of Communication only admits full-time graduate students it funds predominately through teaching positions. Some students also work on funded research projects with faculty.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission is January 9.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Maryland
STEVENSON UNIVERSITY
Stevenson University offers an online Master of Science in Communication Studies program.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication Studies program is a fully-online 36-credit hour program that culminates in a thesis.
What Does It Cost?: Stevenson offers a discounted partnership tuition rate for students who are employees or students of various partner organizations, a list of which can be found here. The standard tuition rate is $670 per credit hour in 2018.
Anything Else?: Designed for working professionals, the graduate degree in Communications studies is offered in 8-week sessions.
NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers a 100% online MA in Contemporary Communication that focuses on current and emerging communication management. Enrolled students develop skills in new media, technology, public relations, and more as part of this 36-credit degree program. Taught by experienced faculty and featuring rolling admission, this pathway is suitable for students who wish to enter entrepreneurial, organizational, or digital communication careers. Learn more about their program here.
Maryland Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
School | Contact Information |
---|---|
Johns Hopkins University | 615 N. Wolfe Street Baltimore, MD 21205 (410) 955-3543 |
Notre Dame of Maryland University Programs | 4701 North Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21210 (877) 383-6704 |
Stevenson University Programs | 100 Campus Circle Owings MIlls, MD 21117 (877) 531-7118 |
University of Maryland Programs | 2130 Skinner Building, University of Mayrland College Park, MD 20742 (301) 405-0870 |