Master’s in Communication in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers students several options for master's in communication programs, both in the urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and elsewhere around the state. Students can choose from traditional on-campus programs, online courses, and hybrid formats that mix the two, as well as professional concentrations in corporate communications, public relations, science, and health communication.
Major employers in Pennsylvania for communications experts include federal, state and local government entities, the state's many colleges and universities, hospitals, medical centers and other healthcare organizations, and professional communications firms located in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers some of the best master's in communication programs, tailored for students aiming to excel in this dynamic field. At mastersincommunications.org, we've ranked these programs to help you find the perfect fit for your career goals. Our rankings consider key factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and alumni success. For a detailed look at how we rank these programs, visit our ranking methodology page. Start your journey towards a rewarding career in communication with one of Pennsylvania's top programs.
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - duq.edu
Master's - M.A. in Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duquesne University's Master's in Communication offers a flexible, dynamic program tailored to diverse professional goals. Students develop critical communication skills across various domains including intercultural communication, organizational strategies, and persuasive techniques. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers in for-profit and non-profit sectors, law, public policy, and business. With multiple learning formats and personalized course selection, students can craft a unique academic journey that aligns with their professional aspirations.
- 30 total credit hours required
- Flexible learning formats
- Multiple concentration options
- Professional communication focus
- Graduate practicum opportunities
- Five core communication courses
- Traditional and online formats
- McAnulty Graduate School program
- Career-oriented curriculum
- Internship placement assistance
Master's - M.A. in Corporate Communication
Concentration: Crisis and Risk Communication - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duquesne University's Master of Arts in Corporate Communication prepares professionals for dynamic communication roles across diverse corporate environments. The program equips students with advanced skills in crisis management, stakeholder communication, and brand strategies. Designed for both recent graduates and working professionals, it offers flexible learning formats including traditional, hybrid, and distance options. Students develop comprehensive communication expertise through a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes ethical leadership and practical skill development.
- Master's degree in Corporate Communication
- 30 total credit hours required
- Multiple learning format options
- Four specialization tracks available
- Professional core and integration components
- Courses in crisis management
- Stakeholder communication focus
- Flexible for working professionals
- Professional practicum included
Master's - M.A. in Corporate Communication
Concentration: Management Communication - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duquesne University's Master of Arts in Corporate Communication prepares professionals for dynamic communication roles across diverse corporate environments. This comprehensive program equips students with advanced communication theories, strategies, and practical skills essential for leadership in today's competitive marketplace. Focused on crisis management, brand communication, and organizational dynamics, the degree provides flexible learning formats including traditional, hybrid, and distance learning options. Students develop a robust professional portfolio while gaining critical insights into effective workplace communication strategies.
- 30 total credit hours
- Multiple learning format options
- Four specialization tracks
- Professional core coursework
- Flexible for working professionals
- Communication skill development
- Liberal arts foundation
- Professional integration project
- Specializations include crisis communication
- Stakeholder communication focus
Master's - M.A. in Corporate Communication
Concentration: Nonprofit Communication - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duquesne University's Master of Arts in Corporate Communication empowers professionals to excel in dynamic communication roles. This comprehensive program equips students with advanced skills in crisis management, brand strategy, and stakeholder engagement across diverse corporate environments. Students develop a robust understanding of communication theories and practical applications, preparing them for leadership positions in communication management. The flexible curriculum offers multiple specialization tracks, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through presentations, group projects, and a professional integration project.
- 30 total credit hours
- Multiple learning formats available
- Four specialization tracks
- Flexible for professionals/graduates
- Traditional, hybrid, distance learning
- Professional core and integration courses
- Focuses on communication management
- McAnulty College program
- Communication and Rhetorical Studies
- Ethical leadership emphasis
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA - Public 4-Year - temple.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change
Concentration: community development - Campus Based - Visit Website
Temple University's Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change equips students with the skills to drive social change through digital and traditional communication. This 30-credit program, housed in the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication, offers a customizable curriculum with specializations in areas like community development, public health, and sustainability. Designed for both full-time and part-time students, it prepares graduates for impactful careers in various sectors. With tuition rates starting at $1,221 per credit for Pennsylvania residents, the program emphasizes practical experience through capstone projects and global opportunities.
- 30-credit interdisciplinary program
- Customizable curriculum
- Full-time or part-time options
- Specializations available
- Capstone field experience
- Global opportunities for study
- Competitive tuition rates
- Focus on digital and traditional communication
- Prepares for careers in social change
- Access to diverse faculty
- Practical project design courses
- Research in communication and social change
- Seminar in media, communication, and development
- Opportunities for financial support
- Networking through student clubs
- Study away programs in over 20 destinations
- Accredited by Middle States Commission
- Flexible for working professionals
- Unique education in applied communication
- One of only two programs of its kind
Master's - Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change
Concentration: conflict, peace and human rights - Campus Based - Visit Website
Temple University's Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change prepares students to drive pro-social change through strategic communication. This unique 30-credit interdisciplinary program equips professionals with cutting-edge skills in digital and traditional communication strategies. Students explore innovative methodologies for addressing complex social challenges across various sectors, including community development, public health, and human rights. The flexible program accommodates full-time and part-time learners, with opportunities to customize curriculum and gain practical experience through a capstone field project.
- 30-credit interdisciplinary master's program
- Unique program nationwide
- Full or part-time options
- Multiple specialization areas
- Pennsylvania resident tuition: $1,221 per credit
- Out-of-state tuition: $1,634 per credit
- Global study opportunities
- Customizable curriculum
- Applied communication focus
- Capstone field experience included
Master's - Master of Science in Communication Management
Concentration: Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution - Online Learning - Visit Website
Temple University's Master of Science in Communication Management is a dynamic online program designed for professionals seeking to advance their communication skills. This 31-credit degree prepares students to create effective communication strategies across diverse industries. The curriculum focuses on audience analysis, emerging media strategies, organizational communication, and data research. Ideal for entry and mid-level professionals, the program offers flexibility with full-time one-year and part-time four-year completion options. With competitive tuition rates and a virtual learning environment, students can enhance their communication expertise from anywhere in the world.
- 31-credit online MS program
- Full-time: 1 year completion
- Part-time: Up to 4 years
- Pennsylvania resident tuition: $1,221 per credit
- Out-of-state tuition: $1,634 per credit
- Three concentration options available
- International student friendly
- Focuses on communication strategies
- Designed for professionals
- Includes final capstone project
Villanova University
Villanova, PA - Private 4-year - villanova.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
Villanova University's Master's in Communication develops strategic and ethical communication leaders through an innovative, interdisciplinary program. Students gain comprehensive skills in media production, PR writing, audience analysis, and communication theory. The program is nationally recognized, offering an exceptional learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentorship. Graduates are prepared for diverse academic, corporate, and non-profit careers, with opportunities to pursue advanced studies or enter professional communication roles.
- Nationally recognized master's program
- Small class sizes
- Integrated theory and practice
- Strategic Communication Certificate option
- Faculty mentorship available
- Multiple career pathway options
- Theoretical and practical approaches
- Communication research focus
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA - Public 4-Year - pitt.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication
Concentration: history, theory, and criticism of rhetoric - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Pittsburgh's Communication Doctoral Program offers an elite academic pathway for students passionate about communication research and professional development. Highly selective and research-focused, the program prepares graduates for academic positions at prestigious universities and dynamic professional careers in health communication, marketing, and community engagement. Faculty are committed to mentoring motivated students who aim to improve societal communication practices through critical understanding and innovative approaches.
- Nationally Ranked Doctoral Program
- Multiple Career Path Opportunities
- Research-Focused Curriculum
- Academic and Professional Tracks
- Teaching Assistantships Available
- Diverse Seminar Course Options
- Mentorship-Driven Approach
- Competitive Graduate Program
Master's - Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication
Concentration: public address and argument - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Pittsburgh's Communication Doctoral Program offers a rigorous academic pathway for highly motivated students passionate about advancing communication research. Known for producing graduates who secure prestigious academic and professional positions, the program emphasizes critical understanding of communication's evolving landscape. Faculty provide personalized mentoring to help students excel in research-focused and teaching careers across diverse sectors like health communication, marketing, and community engagement.
- Nationally ranked doctoral program
- Research-oriented communication studies
- Faculty mentorship focused
- Diverse career placement opportunities
- Academic and professional pathways
- Seminar courses available
- Financial assistance options
Master's - Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication
Concentration: media and cultural studies - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Pittsburgh's Communication Doctoral Program stands out as a premier academic pathway for aspiring communication scholars and professionals. This rigorous program prepares students for diverse career trajectories, from research-intensive university positions to teaching roles and professional communication careers. Graduates have successfully secured academic appointments at renowned institutions and pursued impactful careers in health communication, marketing, and community engagement. The department emphasizes mentorship, recruiting highly motivated students committed to understanding communication's transformative potential.
- Nationally ranked doctoral program
- Diverse career placement opportunities
- Research-focused faculty mentorship
- Seminar courses for professional development
- Multiple career pathway options
- Teaching and research assistantships available
- Explores public communication, civic engagement
- Academic and professional career preparation
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, PA - Private 4-year - lbc.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Leadership
Online Learning - Visit Website
Lancaster Bible College's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Leadership prepares professionals for dynamic communication roles across nonprofit and for-profit sectors. This comprehensive online program equips students with advanced communication skills, strategic leadership techniques, and a biblical worldview. Designed for busy professionals, the 34-credit degree can be completed in approximately 20 months with flexible online coursework. Students gain expertise in digital media metrics, organizational communication, and crisis communication, positioning themselves for careers in marketing, public relations, ministry development, and media management.
- Online Master's Degree
- 34 total credit hours
- 20-month average completion
- No residency requirements
- Internship and capstone project
- Can transfer up to 10 credits
- Biblical worldview integration
- 8-week online course format
- Diverse career path preparation
See below for details about master's in communications programs available throughout Pennsylvania.
Drexel University
Drexel University in Philadelphia offers two traditional on campus master's-level communication programs, as well as an online Master of Science in Communication program.
What to Know: Drexel offers an on campus Master of Science in Communication program that offers three concentrations: public communication, technical communication and science communication. This degree is also available as an online program, and can be started in any quarter. Drexel University also offers a Master of Science in Communication, Culture & Media for academically oriented students who want to learn the basics of research and theory for careers in research or academia.
What Does It Cost?: The tuition rate for the College of Arts & Sciences (on campus and online) is $1,228 per credit.
Anything Else?: The Master of Science in Communication program (both online and classroom formats) are available as full-time or part-time schedules.
Duquesne University
Duquesne University in Pittsburgh offers three master's-level communication programs, two of which are delivered in traditional, hybrid and online formats.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication is offered in traditional, hybrid and online formats and allows students to tailor their study to a number of focus areas within communication, including intercultural and interpersonal communication, persuasion, event planning, etc. The Master of Arts in Corporate Communication is also available in traditional, hybrid or online formats and prepares students for careers in non-profit or for-profit communications management positions. The Master of Arts in Rhetoric & Philosophy of Communication provides students with a traditional liberal arts education for leadership positions in academia, law and business.
What Does It Cost?: The tuition rate for all three programs is $958 per credit.
Edinboro University
Edinboro University in Edinboro offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program in a traditional on campus format.
What to Know: The 36-credit hour program allows students to take courses in one or more of the following program emphases: Managerial and Leadership Communication, Integrated Marketing Communication, Intercultural & International Communication and Public Communication.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees is $642.05 per credit hour for Pennsylvania residents, and $943.35 per credit hour for non-residents.
Anything Else?: Students also have the option of obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management concurrently with their program of study.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University in University Park offers graduate program in Communication Arts and Sciences in a traditional classroom format.
What to Know: The graduate program in Communication Arts and Sciences trains students in communication science and rhetorical studies, with particular attention to political deliberation, health communication, interpersonal communication, public address, rhetorical theory and rhetoric of public culture.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees is $11,124 per year for Pennsylvania residents, and $18,562 per year for non-residents.
Anything Else?: Apart from one course in the first semester of study, there are no required courses for this program, meaning students can fully tailor their course of study to their individual interests and professional goals.
Point Park University
Point Park University in Pittsburgh offers three traditional Master of Arts in Communications programs
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Media Communication program is offered in an on campus format, and allows students to specialize in journalism, public relations and advertising or documentary. The Master of Arts in Media Communication program is also offered as a dual Master of Business Administration program that allows students to obtain both a Master of Arts in Media Communication and an MBA in as little as two years of full-time course work. The Master of Arts in Broadcasting, Sports Media, Documentary is offered in an on campus format, and offers students a background in multimedia, graphic design, social media, integrated marketing campaigns and search engine optimization.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition for the on campus programs is $881 per credit, and $595 per credit for the online program.
Temple University
Temple University in Philadelphia offers an online Master of Science in Communication Management degree and a Master of Science in Globalization & Development Communication program in a traditional classroom format.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Globalization & Development Communication focuses on teaching students how to use digital and traditional communications to develop social change in areas such as food security, human rights, gender equality, peace and conflict, public health and sustainability. The Master of Science in Communication Management program is a 31-credit, professionally oriented program that focuses on a deep exploration of communication principles and practices, and features courses in audience analysis, emerging media, organizational communication and research and data synthesis.
What Does It Cost?: Yearly in-state tuition for Pennsylvania residents is $16,896 and yearly tuition for non-residents is $27,888.
Anything Else?: Both the Master of Science in Globalization & Development Communication program and the online Master of Science in Communication Management program are meant to be completed in as little as one year.
Villanova University
Villanova University in Villanova offers a Master of Arts in Communication program taught in a hybrid format, combining online and in person courses.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is offered in a flexible schedule format, in which many courses are available either as online or in-person courses, or as a combination of the two.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition is currently $770 per credit hour.
Anything Else?: The 33-credit hour program includes a required ten core and additional focal courses, as well as a preliminary examination and degree capstone prior to graduation.
West Chester University
West Chester University in West Chester offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program that is taught in an on campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program offers courses in interpersonal and public relationships, opinion-making, cultural awareness, mass communication, conflict resolution and more.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate tuition and fees for full-time graduate students taking nine credits per semester is $5,979 for Pennsylvania residents and $8,337 for non-residents taking nine credits per semester.
Pennsylvania Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
School | Contact Information |
---|---|
Drexel University | 3001 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (877) 215-0009 |
Duquesne University Programs
| 340 College Hall, 600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282 (412) 396-6446 |
Edinboro University Programs | 310 Scotland Road Edinboro, PA 16444 (814) 732-2856 |
Notre Dame of Maryland University Programs | 3624 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19014 (888) 300-8414 |
Penn State University Programs | 234 Sparks Building Univeristy Park, PA 16802 (814) 865-3461 |
Point Park University Programs | 201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 391-4100 |
Temple University Programs | Annenberg Hall, 2020 N. 13th Street Philadelphia, PA 19122 (215) 204-5712 |
University of Pittsburgh Programs
| 4200 Fifth Avenue, 1117 Cathedral of Learning Pittsburgh, PA 15260 (412) 624-6567 |
Villanova University Programs
| 800 E. Lancaster Avenue Villanova, PA 19085 (610) 519-6434 |
West Chester University Programs | 700 South High Street, Main Hall 509 West Chester , PA 19383 (610) 436-2180 |