Master’s in Communication in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to nine schools that offer master's-level communication programs. With several online degree programs and the ability to focus studies in various areas including healthcare, technical communication, communication law, public relations and many others, a master's degree is within reach for anyone with career aspirations in communications in Minnesota. Major employers in Minnesota include numerous healthcare agencies, companies, and hospitals, with healthcare employment an estimated 11 percent of total employment in the Twin Cities. In addition to healthcare, major industries in Minnesota that may offer employment opportunities for expert communicators include information technology, retail, financial services, and professional services.
2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Minnesota
Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Minnesota? You're in the right place. Mastersincommunications.org has done the homework for you, ranking top programs to help you make an informed choice. Whether you're aiming for a career in media, public relations, or digital communication, Minnesota offers excellent options. Our rankings consider key factors like curriculum, faculty expertise, and career support. For a deeper dive into how we rank these programs, check out our ranking methodology.
Winona State University
Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu
Master's - Strategic Communication
Online Learning - Visit Website
Winona State University's Strategic Communication Master's program prepares professionals to excel in modern communication roles. This online degree equips students with advanced skills in creating multicultural, inclusive communication strategies across diverse organizational contexts. Students learn cutting-edge research techniques, develop leadership capabilities, and gain expertise in driving organizational communication through innovative approaches. The program focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion, making graduates highly competitive in today's dynamic communication landscape.
- Fully online master's degree
- 33 total program credits
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes
- Diverse career preparation
- Flexible course scheduling
- Real-world project focus
- Industry expert instructors
- Customizable elective options
- Multicultural communication emphasis
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN - Public 4-Year - mnsu.edu
Master's - Communication and Media
Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University-Mankato's Master of Arts in Communication provides a versatile academic pathway for professionals seeking career advancement or doctoral preparation. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum blending core communication theories with practical research methods. Students explore diverse communication domains, including intercultural, interpersonal, organizational, and rhetorical studies. With a rigorous two-year format, the program emphasizes academic excellence through core coursework and a substantial thesis component. Designed for ambitious learners, this graduate degree equips students with advanced analytical skills and research capabilities essential for success in academic and professional communication environments.
- Master's degree in Communication
- 2-year program completion
- Thesis-based curriculum
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Diverse communication focus areas
- Core courses in communication theory
- Quantitative and qualitative methods
- Professional and academic career preparation
- Research-intensive program
- Flexible elective course options
Master's - Communication and Composition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University-Mankato offers a Master of Science in Communication and Composition, tailored for those aiming to teach at community and technical colleges. This interdisciplinary program blends communication and composition theory with practical pedagogy. Applicants need a bachelor's degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and 30 semester hours in related fields. The program requires a personal statement, a writing sample, three recommendation letters, and a resume. International students must meet English proficiency standards. The program can be completed in two years, offering a pathway to dual certification in Communication Education and Teaching of Writing.
- Interdisciplinary program
- Focus on teaching
- Community college focus
- Technical college focus
- Communication theory
- Composition theory
- Pedagogy courses
- Dual certification option
- 30 semester hours required
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Personal statement required
- Writing sample required
- Three recommendation letters
- Resume required
- English proficiency for internationals
- TOEFL iBT 80 minimum
- IELTS 6.5 minimum
- Duolingo 110 minimum
- Credential evaluation required
- Two-year completion
- Rolling admissions for U.S.
- May 1 deadline for internationals
- September 1 deadline for internationals
- No summer start for internationals
- Probationary status possible
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu
Master's - MA in Mass Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Minnesota's MA in Mass Communication offers a research-intensive academic program designed for aspiring communication scholars and professionals. Students explore diverse areas like advertising, health communication, journalism studies, and political communication, developing advanced research skills. The program prepares graduates for careers in communication research, policy, industry roles, and community college education. Requiring 25 graduate credits and a comprehensive thesis, students work closely with faculty to conduct original scholarly research, with opportunities to potentially transition into a PhD program.
- Research-based academic program
- 25 graduate credits required
- Interdisciplinary research focus
- 10 thesis credits
- Multiple research concentration areas
- PhD transition possible
- Career paths in research/education
- Scholarly conference presentations
- Original independent scholarship
Master's - Professional MA in Strategic Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Professional MA in Strategic Communication at the University of Minnesota is a targeted graduate degree designed for communication professionals in advertising, public relations, and corporate communication. This comprehensive program equips students with advanced strategic communication skills, focusing on theory, research methods, and practical application. With a rigorous curriculum covering digital strategy, media integration, and communication leadership, students gain sophisticated insights into crafting effective communication strategies. The program requires a 3.0 GPA for admission and consists of 30 credits, making it an accessible and intensive professional development opportunity for mid-career communicators seeking to elevate their expertise.
- 30 total graduate credits
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- $1,665 per credit (resident)
- Twin Cities campus location
- Professional communication focus
- Advertising and PR emphasis
- Digital strategy courses
- Research methods training
- Leadership theory included
- Capstone project option
Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - csp.edu
Master's - Strategic Communication Management
Campus Based - Visit Website
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management, designed for professionals aiming to tackle communication challenges in corporate, public relations, and strategic planning roles. This program equips students with skills in emerging technologies, leadership, and intercultural communication. It's tailored for those with career interests or professional experience in communication fields. The curriculum covers strategic leadership, digital communication, crisis management, and more, preparing graduates for leadership roles in diverse industries. Admission requirements and program costs are competitive, making it an accessible option for advancing your career in communication management.
- 36 total credits
- Focus on strategic communication
- Covers digital communication
- Includes crisis communication
- Leadership communication skills
- Intercultural communication focus
- Project management included
- Corporate social responsibility
- Media strategies training
- Content strategy development
- Strategic customer experience
- Capstone reflection project
- Designed for professionals
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Competitive admission requirements
- Accessible program costs
- Emerging technologies focus
- Industry innovation insights
- Ethical leadership training
- Communication inquiry skills
Keep reading for details about the master's in communication programs offered in Minnesota:
METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Metropolitan State University offers a Master of Science in Technical Communication program on its campus in St. Paul.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Technical Communication program is a 32-credit hour program that includes advanced training in the theory and professional practice of technical communication. Students also have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Design of User Experience or in Project Management.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $227 per credit hour for Minnesota residents and $464 per credit hour for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for enrollment in the fall is June 1, October 1 for the spring and March 10 for the summer.
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO
Minnesota State University in Mankato offers two master's-level communication degrees that can be completed online or on-campus.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication & Composition program is designed for students interested in teaching communication and composition at community and technical colleges. The Master of Art in Technical Communication prepares students for doctoral studies, teaching opportunities, and for careers as information developers, technical writers, and editors.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $4,090 per semester for residents taking courses on campus. Online students pay in-state tuition plus $36 per credit hour in online fees. Non-residents taking courses on campus pay varying tuition rates, which can be found online here.
Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
St. Cloud State University offers a Master of Science in Mass Communications - Strategic Media Communications program in an on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Mass Communications - Strategic Media Communications program includes coursework in multimedia technology, media convergence, advertising and public relations to prepare students for careers in strategic media communications in a wide range of industries. Students also have the opportunity to gain hands on experience by working at St. Cloud State's 24-hour radio station, campus newspaper, or HD television studio.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $4,110 per semester for Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Manitoba residents, and $5,974 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission in the fall is July 15, and November 15 for admission in the spring semester.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis offers four options for master's in communications programs, including a Master of Arts in Mass Communication, Professional Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, Master of Arts in Health Communication and a dual MA/JD degree in Communication and Law.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Mass Communication program allows students to tailor their studies within several broad areas, including public relations, journalism, international mass communication, advertising, communication law and others. The program culminates in a thesis and a comprehensive examination. The Professional Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is designed for communication and marketing professionals who are working full-time, and the program is completed in two years of study. The M.A./J.D. in Communication and Law program provides students with a background in mass communication law and students earn a law degree simultaneously with their master's degree.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $1,422 per credit hour for part-time students who are residents of Minnesota, and $2,201 per credit hour for part-time students who are non-residents. Tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year for full-time students is $8,532 per semester for Minnesota residents and $13,206 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for the M.A. in Mass Communication program is January 15 for the fall semester. The priority application deadline for the Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication is May 15 for admission in the fall. The M.A. in Health Communication program begins in June, and the application deadline is February 1. The dual degree program has a rolling application deadline until March 1 for the following fall.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Minnesota
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY - ST. PAUL
Concordia University - St. Paul offers a fully online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management is a 36-credit hour program that is designed for busy professionals who have career experience or interest in corporate communication, public relations, strategic planning or other communication management fields.
What Does It Cost?: The tuition for the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management program for the 2018-2019 academic year is $475 per credit hour.
Anything Else?: Classes meet one night per week online or on the campus in St. Paul, and courses are completed in 7 weeks.
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - MANKATO
Both graduate-level communication programs at Minnesota State University in Mankato can also be taken online. For more information on the Master of Science in Communication & Composition program, click here. For more information about the Master of Art in Technical Communication program, click here.
WALDEN UNIVERSITY
Walden University based in Minneapolis offers an online Master of Science in Communication degree program.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication program prepares students for careers in marketing, public relations, digital media, social media or corporate communication.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition for the Master of Science in Communication program in 2018 is $785 per credit hour plus $185 per semester in technology fees.
Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students typically complete the program in 21 months.
Minnesota Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Metropolitan University Programs | Energy Park Place, Suite 205 Saint Paul, MN 55108 (651) 999-5940 |
Minnesota State University, Mankato Programs
| 201H Armstrong Hall Mankato, MN 56001 (509) 389-5511 |
St. Cloud State University Programs | 720 4th Avenue South St. Cloud, MN 56301 (320) 308-0121 |
University of Minnesota Programs
| 206 Church St SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 625-1338 |
Walden University Programs
| 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 900 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (866) 956-9284 |