Master’s in Communication in North Carolina
Aspiring communications experts have a variety of schooling options in North Carolina. Seven schools offer master's in communication programs across the state, including two fully online programs that allow students to complete their coursework wherever and whenever it fits their schedule. There are also several professional concentrations to choose from, including healthcare communication, public relations, organizational communications, digital communication, and strategy, among many others, that are aimed at preparing students for the next step in their careers or doctoral programs following graduation. In addition to local newspapers, television and radio stations in Charlotte, Durham, and Winston-Salem may offer potential employment opportunities for aspiring journalists. Master's program graduates may also find job opportunities at communications companies in these cities or in one of North Carolina's significant industries of aerospace and defense, automotive, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and business and financial services. Major companies that call North Carolina home include Bank of America, Bayer, LabCorp, BB&T, Hanes Brands, Inc., and Lowe's.
2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in North Carolina
Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in North Carolina? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We've ranked the top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools offering strong academics, hands-on learning, and great career support. Whether you're aiming for a career in media, public relations, or corporate communication, our rankings can guide your decision. Check out our ranking methodology to see how we picked the best programs.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC - Public 4-Year - unc.edu
Master's - M.A. in Digital Communication
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online M.A. in Digital Communication through the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their digital communication expertise. This 30-credit program blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills in digital media, data analytics, and storytelling, preparing students for leadership roles in the evolving communication landscape. With a focus on flexibility, the program is designed for part-time study over 2.5 years, featuring mostly asynchronous courses and two on-campus immersions. Admission requires a minimum of three years of professional experience and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, with no GRE necessary.
- 30 credit hours total
- 2.5 years to complete
- Part-time online program
- No GRE required
- Minimum 3 years professional experience
- Undergraduate GPA 3.0+
- Nine sequential courses
- Two on-campus experiences
- Mostly asynchronous learning
- From Hussman School of Journalism
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC - Private 4-year - queens.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: strategic and organization communication - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Queens University of Charlotte's Master of Arts in Communication with a concentration in strategic and organizational communication is designed for professionals aiming to advance in the communication field. This hybrid program blends online and in-person learning, offering flexibility to complete the degree in as little as 12 months. Focused on strategic communication, public relations, and digital branding, the program requires no GRE/GMAT, making it accessible. At $1,000 per credit, students can specialize in areas that prepare them for careers in various sectors, supported by opportunities like graduate assistantships and digital portfolio development.
- 30 credit hours total
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Online, in-person, hybrid options
- $1,000 per credit cost
- 10 courses to graduate
- Average completion: 18 months
- No thesis required
- Digital portfolio opportunity
- Competitive graduate assistantships
- Specializations in communication
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Communication at Queens University of Charlotte provides a versatile approach to mastering strategic communication, catering to professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in marketing, public relations, and organizational communication. Without the need for GRE/GMAT scores, the program offers online, in-person, and hybrid formats, allowing completion in about 18 months. Emphasizing practical skills and interactive learning, it prepares graduates for diverse industry roles, supported by the development of a career-ready portfolio and available graduate assistantships.
- 30 total credit hours
- 10 courses to graduate
- $1,000 per credit hour
- Average 18 months completion
- Online, in-person, hybrid options
- No GRE/GMAT required
- No thesis or capstone
- Build digital portfolio
- Graduate assistantships available
- Multiple career path specializations
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - Public 4-Year - ncsu.edu
Master's - M.S. in Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina State University at Raleigh offers a Master of Science in Communication designed to equip students with the skills needed for leadership roles in various communication fields. This 36-credit-hour program stands out for its flexibility, catering to both full-time and part-time students, and emphasizes solving real-world communication challenges. With no GRE requirement, it opens doors for a wide range of applicants. The curriculum covers key areas such as public relations, organizational communication, and digital media, enriched by hands-on internships and research projects. Graduate assistantships provide valuable teaching and research experience, alongside benefits like tuition and health insurance coverage. This program is ideal for those looking to advance their careers in communication through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- 36 credit hours total
- Full and part-time options
- No GRE required
- Diverse career preparation
- Internship and research opportunities
- Graduate assistantships available
- Tuition and health insurance coverage
- Specialized communication concentrations
- Teaching experience included
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - uncg.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication Studies
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Master of Arts in Communication Studies is a comprehensive program that delves into the critical role of communication in influencing personal identities, societal relationships, and community dynamics. Spanning 30 credit hours, the curriculum includes a mix of foundational courses, diverse electives, and a culminating capstone project, equipping students for advanced roles in academia, public relations, and marketing. Distinguished by its faculty's scholarly achievements, the program offers assistantships, providing practical experience in teaching and research. Admission criteria encompass academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a writing sample, personal statement, and an interview, ensuring a cohort of dedicated and capable students.
- 30 credit hours required
- Capstone research project
- Faculty with national awards
- Assistantships available
- Tuition waiver for assistantships
- Health insurance contribution
- BA to MA accelerated program
- In-person class type
- Accredited by NCA
- Carolinas Communication Association member
- International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry
- Southern States Communication Association
- National Association of Communication Centers
- Prepares for doctoral programs
- Career in public relations
- Career in academia
- Marketing consultant opportunities
- Learning and development analyst
- Internal communications manager
- Marketing account executive
- Community college teaching
- Scholarly communication careers
- Applied communication careers
- Ethical communication focus
- Strategic communication emphasis
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC - Public 4-Year - nccu.edu
Master's - Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina Central University offers a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, designed to equip students with the skills needed for a career in speech-language pathology. This on-campus program stands out for its dual-track approach, catering to both CSD bachelor's degree holders and students from other disciplines through a leveling track. It focuses on a blend of research, evidence-based practice, and extensive clinical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for ASHA certification and state licensure. The curriculum is research-intensive, offering comprehensive clinical experiences, including services for bilingual clients, making it a robust choice for aspiring speech-language professionals.
- Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology
- Two program tracks available
- ASHA certification preparation
- On-campus graduate program
- Evidence-based clinical training
- Comprehensive clinical experiences
- State licensure preparation
- Research-focused curriculum
- Full-time program
- Bilingual client services
2025 Affordable North Carolina Masters in Communication Degree Options
Finding affordable Master's in Communication programs in North Carolina is key for students planning their education for 2025. The right program balances quality with low-cost options, making higher education accessible. North Carolina offers a variety of economical choices across its cities and regions. This table helps compare tuition ranges, ensuring students find cost-effective paths to advance their careers without breaking the bank.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of North Carolina at Greensboro |
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| Queens University of Charlotte |
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| North Carolina State University at Raleigh |
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Review the listings below for more information about the master's in communication programs available in North Carolina:
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
East Carolina University in Greenville offers a Master of Arts in Communication program with an emphasis on health communication.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication with an emphasis on health communication program is a 30-credit hour program that offers coursework in the theory and application of communication strategies in a healthcare setting. The program offers thesis and non-thesis options.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the fall 2018 semester are $3,742 for full-time students who are North Carolina residents and $10,317 for non-residents who are full-time students.
Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with June 1 the deadline for consideration for the fall and October 15 for consideration for the spring semester.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
North Carolina State University in Raleigh offers a Master of Science in Communication program in an on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication program is a 36-credit hour program that allows students to specialize in various areas of communication, including public relations, organizational communication, cultural studies, mediated communication, interpersonal communication, and digital media.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $5,747 semester for North Carolina residents taking 9 or more credits, and $13,991 for non-residents who are taking 9 or more credits.
Anything Else?: The application deadline for admission to the program is February 1.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - GREENSBORO
The University of North Carolina in Greensboro offers a Master of Arts in Communication program in an on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 30-credit hour program that prepares students for Ph.D. programs or professional careers in various areas of communication. The program culminates in a capstone, or independent research project, that reflects their personal interests and areas of expertise.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the fall 2018 semester is $3,739 for North Carolina residents taking 9 credits per semester and $10,598 for non-residents taking 9 credits per semester.
Anything Else?: To be considered for fall admission and an assistantship, applications must be submitted by February 15. The final application deadline for the fall is April 1. For spring admission, applications must be submitted by October 1.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - CHAPEL HILL
The University of North Carolina in Greensboro offers a Master of Arts in Media & Communication program in an on-campus format, as well as a fully online Master of Arts in Digital Communication program.
What to Know: The on-campus Master of Arts in Media & Communication program is a two-year program in which students can specialize their study in journalism, strategic communication, visual communication, theory and research and interdisciplinary health communication.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $8,273 per semester for North Carolina residents and $16,299 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The program enrolls new students in the fall semester only. The application opens in early August and the application deadline is December 11.
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem offers a Master's in Communication program in a traditional on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master's in Communication program is a four-semester generalist program that includes two research methods courses and the rest of the coursework are communications elective seminars. The program culminates in a thesis or comprehensive exam.
What Does It Cost?: Full-time graduate-level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $38,650 for both North Carolina residents and non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline is January 15 for admission in the fall semester. Later applications are welcomed until the class is finalized.
Charlotte Master’s in Communication Programs
QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE
Queens University of Charlotte offers a Master of Arts in Communication program in an online or on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 36-credit hour program that allows students to customize their degrees by taking 18 credit hours of electives that suit their interests. The program also offers an optional concentration in Integrated Digital Strategy.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $825 per credit hour for the Master of Arts in Communication program.
Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - CHARLOTTE
The University of North Carolina in Charlotte offers a Master of Arts in Communication program in an on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a generalist program that allows students to tailor their coursework to their particular interests. The 30-credit hour program culminates in either a thesis, directed project or a comprehensive examination.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $3,784 per semester for North Carolina residents taking 9 or more credits and $10,501 per semester for non-residents taking 9 or more credits.
Anything Else?: The program admits new students for the fall semester only. The priority application deadline is January 15 for early decisions and to be considered for an assistantship. The final application deadline is March 1.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in North Carolina
QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE
Queens University of Charlotte offers a Master of Arts in Communication program with an optional concentration in Integrated Digital Strategy as a fully online program. To learn more about the online Master of Arts in Communication program at Queens University of Charlotte, click here.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - CHAPEL HILL
The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill offers an online Master of Arts in Digital Communication program that is a two-year, part-time program in which students complete nine courses over two years and spend the final semester working one-on-one with a faculty member on a comprehensive project. For more information about the University of North Carolina's online program, click here.
North Carolina 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