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.

#1

Winona State University

Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu

Master's - Strategic Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

Winona State University offers a Master's in Strategic Communication online, designed for professionals aiming to lead in diverse communication environments. This program stands out for its focus on multicultural and inclusive strategies, preparing students to address modern organizational challenges. With a curriculum that blends synchronous and asynchronous learning, students gain hands-on experience through real-world projects under the guidance of industry experts. The 33-credit program emphasizes research, leadership, and innovative communication tactics, offering flexibility with customizable electives. Graduates are equipped to drive change in various sectors, making it a top choice for those seeking to advance their careers in communication.

• 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

#2

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 is designed for professionals aiming for career growth or further academic pursuits. This program stands out for its blend of theoretical foundations and practical research methodologies, covering areas like intercultural, interpersonal, organizational, and rhetorical communication. The two-year, thesis-based curriculum is rigorous, preparing students for both academic and professional success with a strong emphasis on research and analytical skills. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required, alongside a curriculum that offers flexibility through elective options, catering to a wide range of interests within the communication field.

• 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

The Master of Science in Communication and Composition at Minnesota State University-Mankato is uniquely tailored for aspiring educators in community and technical colleges. This program merges communication and composition theories with pedagogical practices, requiring a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and 30 semester hours in related fields for admission. Notable for its dual certification option in Communication Education and Teaching of Writing, the program emphasizes practical teaching skills. Applicants must submit a personal statement, writing sample, three recommendation letters, and a resume, with international students needing to meet specific English proficiency criteria. The program is designed for completion in two years.

• 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

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#3

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-Twin Cities offers an MA in Mass Communication, a research-focused program ideal for those aiming to delve into the scholarly aspects of communication. With a curriculum that spans advertising, health communication, and journalism studies, students are equipped with advanced research methodologies. This program is tailored for individuals looking to pursue careers in academia, research, or policy, requiring 25 graduate credits including a thesis. Highlights include opportunities for original research, potential PhD progression, and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.

• 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

At the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the Professional MA in Strategic Communication is designed for professionals seeking to advance in advertising, public relations, or corporate communication. This program blends theory with practical application, offering courses in digital strategy and communication leadership. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, and the curriculum is structured around 30 credits, making it a robust option for mid-career advancement. Key features include a focus on research methods, leadership theories, and the option to complete a capstone project.

• 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

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#4

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's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Management is a comprehensive program designed for professionals seeking to excel in corporate, public relations, and strategic planning. It emphasizes emerging technologies, leadership, and intercultural communication, catering to those with a background or interest in communication fields. The curriculum delves into strategic leadership, digital communication, and crisis management, among other areas, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership positions across various industries. With competitive admission requirements and program costs, it stands as a practical choice for advancing in communication management. The program's focus on ethical leadership and industry innovation further distinguishes it in the field of strategic communication.

• 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

*Source: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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