Master’s in Communication in Maryland
Maryland is home to three schools offering graduate-level communication programs, two of which are traditional on-campus programs and one entirely online. Communication students can focus their studies on health communication, public relations, strategic communication, political culture, general communication topics, and theory. Maryland's industries that may provide employment opportunities for graduates include biotech 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 Internationa,l 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 is a hybrid program designed for professionals aiming to enhance their strategic communication skills. With a curriculum that blends online and on-campus learning, students gain expertise in research, planning, and evaluating communication strategies for organizational success. The program's focus on public relations and strategic communication prepares graduates for leadership roles across various sectors. Offering a flexible structure, it includes options for comprehensive exams, a professional project, or a thesis, catering to diverse career goals. Located near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., students benefit from strong industry partnerships and internship opportunities.
- 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
The Master's in Communication & Advocacy at Towson University is a campus-based program that prepares students for impactful roles in global and organizational communication. Situated near Washington, D.C., it provides unparalleled access to advocacy organizations. Students can specialize in Globalization and Leadership or Critical/Cultural Studies, engaging in a comprehensive curriculum that includes a thesis or internship option. This 33-credit program is ideal for those looking to advance in media, nonprofit management, or pursue doctoral studies, with financial support options like graduate assistantships enhancing the learning experience.
- 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 stands out for its hybrid learning model, blending online and on-campus experiences to suit working professionals. This program delves into the essentials of modern communication, from digital media strategies to public relations, preparing students for leadership roles in diverse settings. With a focus on practical skills like social media management and web content creation, graduates are well-equipped for the fast-paced communication industry. The program boasts small class sizes, a customizable curriculum, and a faculty of seasoned professionals, ensuring a personalized and impactful educational journey.
- Master of Arts in Contemporary Communication
- 100% Online and On-Campus Options
- Small Class Sizes
- 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 Public Affairs Communications concentration provides comprehensive training for leadership roles across public, private, and non-profit sectors. This rigorous 36-credit program blends advanced communication theory with practical telecommunications policy applications. Students develop sophisticated analytical skills, leveraging cutting-edge technology while exploring complex communication challenges. The curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving, offering a thesis option for those pursuing advanced academic research. Graduates emerge prepared to navigate intricate communication landscapes, with specialized expertise in public affairs, policy development, and organizational strategic communication.
- 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's Master of Arts in Organizational Communications specializing in Telecommunications Policy offers a strategic pathway for professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. This meticulously designed program equips students with comprehensive skills in policy crafting, technological communication strategies, and organizational dynamics. Through intensive coursework, participants explore emerging telecommunications trends, develop critical research methodologies, and gain practical insights into complex communication environments. The program's flexible thesis option provides opportunities for in-depth scholarly investigation, positioning graduates for leadership roles in telecommunications, public policy, and strategic communication sectors.
- 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
Bowie State University's Master of Arts in Organizational Communications delivers a transformative educational experience for communication professionals seeking comprehensive skill development. The program's expansive curriculum synthesizes strategic communication principles, advanced research techniques, and practical leadership training. Students engage with complex organizational communication challenges, developing nuanced understanding of interpersonal dynamics, policy frameworks, and technological communication trends. With flexible thesis and non-thesis pathways, the program accommodates diverse career aspirations, preparing graduates for dynamic roles in public relations, organizational management, and strategic communication leadership.
- 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
2025 Affordable Maryland Masters in Communication Degree Options
Finding affordable programs is key for students looking to advance their education without high costs. The table highlights Master's in Communication options in Maryland for 2025, focusing on tuition and low-cost choices. It helps students compare prices easily. Maryland offers various economical paths for higher education, making it easier to plan your future. The data includes school names, programs, and tuition ranges to guide your decision. This info is vital for budgeting your education in cities across the state.
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Notre Dame of Maryland University |
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Morgan State University |
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Loyola University Maryland |
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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
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