Master’s in Communication in Montana

Montana is home to one school that offers a master's in communication program. The University of Montana in Missoula offers an on-campus Master of Arts in Communication Studies program that aims to ready students for the doctoral study of communication as well as for professional careers.

Upon graduation, students will be well prepared for doctoral programs in communication, teaching, or a career in one of Montana's major industries such as agriculture, travel and tourism, financial services, state and local government, or healthcare and education. Major employers in Montana that may provide potential career opportunities for communications graduates include Billings Clinic, Glacier Bancorp, Aageson Farm, and Big Sky Resort.

2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Montana

Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Montana? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools offering strong academics, expert faculty, and valuable networking opportunities. Whether you're aiming for a career in media, public relations, or corporate communication, our rankings guide you to programs that excel. Learn more about how we rank these programs by visiting our ranking methodology page.

#1

The University of Montana

Missoula, MT - Public 4-Year - umt.edu

Master's - Communication Studies M.A.

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Montana's Master of Arts in Communication Studies is designed for those eager to delve into the complexities of communication through a rigorous academic lens. Offering both thesis and professional paper pathways, the program caters to diverse academic and professional aspirations. Students benefit from a curriculum rich in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, rhetoric, and communication theories, equipping them with the analytical tools needed for success in various fields. The program's structure encourages personalized learning with advisor-guided course selection, ensuring a tailored educational experience. Graduates emerge prepared for careers in academia, media, and organizational communication, among others.

  • Master of Arts degree
  • Two pathway options: thesis/professional paper
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Research methods focus
  • 70% of coursework in Communication Studies
  • 27-30 total credit hours
  • Qualitative and quantitative research training
  • Advisor-guided course selection
*Based on: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2025 Affordable Montana Masters in Communication Degree Options

Finding affordable Master's in Communication programs in Montana is key for students planning their education for 2025. The right program balances quality with low-cost options, making higher education accessible. Montana offers several economical choices, helping students manage expenses while pursuing their degrees. The table below lists schools, their programs, and tuition ranges to help you compare. Whether you're in Billings, Missoula, or elsewhere in the state, these options aim to fit various budgets without sacrificing quality.

School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
The University of Montana
  • 36 total credit hours required
  • 18 credits in journalism courses
  • 12 credits in natural resource issues
  • Professional project or portfolio option
  • Diverse media storytelling skills
  • Interdisciplinary scientific training
  • Research and investigation opportunities
  • Advisor-guided course selection
  • $7,700 - $11,500 (Graduate In-State)
  • $28,300 - $42,400 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Montana State University Billings
  • Fully online program
  • 3-4 semester completion
  • 55% employment within 9 months
  • Average graduate salary $62,000
  • Diverse career opportunities
  • Practical advocacy skills
  • Graduate assistantships available
  • Extensive internship opportunities
  • $6,700 - $10,000 (Graduate In-State)
  • $19,000 - $28,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

See below for details about the master's in communication program at the University of Montana:

UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA

The University of Montana in Missoula offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program in a traditional on-campus format.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program prepares students for doctoral study as well as non-academic career options. The program culminates in a thesis or additional coursework and a professional paper.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees at the University of Montana for the 2018-2019 academic year are $6,504 for Montana residents and $20,948 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by February 1 for admission to the fall semester. Applications received after this date will be considered on a space available basis, but teaching assistantships are typically awarded to applicants who submit materials by February 1. Materials should be submitted by November 1 for the spring semester.

Montana Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

Jump to City:

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
*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.