Master’s in Communication in South Carolina

South Carolina offers two schools with master's-level communication degrees. The College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina provide on-campus master's programs. The College of Charleston offers a program with evening classes that prepares students for professional communication careers and careers in teaching or academia. The University of South Carolina offers an accelerated bachelor's/master's program, a professionally-focused mass media program and a joint master's in media and law degree program. Upon graduation, students may seek employment at a local media outlet, advertising or public relations agency, government entity, or non-profit organization across the state. Significant industries in South Carolina that may provide employment opportunities include aerospace, automotive, agribusiness, life sciences and healthcare, as well as education and technology.

2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in South Carolina

Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in South Carolina? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list highlights schools known for their strong communication courses, expert faculty, and great student 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 choose the best programs.

#1

College of Charleston

Charleston, SC - Public 4-Year - cofc.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

The College of Charleston's Master's in Communication program equips students with advanced skills in writing, research, and media, preparing them for leadership roles in a world where effective and ethical communication is paramount. With a curriculum designed by renowned scholars and industry professionals, students engage in deep analysis and practical training. The program fosters critical thinking, public speaking, and the ability to work with diverse teams, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for a variety of professional paths. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree and a passion for communication. The program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, making it a perfect choice for aspiring communication professionals.

  • Advanced writing skills
  • Research and analytics focus
  • Public speaking development
  • Critical thinking enhancement
  • Diverse team collaboration
  • Media understanding
  • Ethical communication emphasis
  • Leadership preparation
  • Renowned faculty
  • Practical training
  • Theoretical knowledge
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Passion for communication
  • Professional path preparation
  • Effective messaging skills
  • Decoding messages
  • Intensive projects
  • Applied projects
  • Dedicated professors
  • Communication fundamentals
  • Minor option available
  • Upper-level courses
  • Design your experience
  • Student opportunities
  • Scholarships and awards
#2

Bob Jones University

Greenville, SC - Private 4-year - bju.edu

Master's - Communication Studies, MA

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bob Jones University's Master of Arts in Communication Studies equips professionals with advanced research and communication skills for diverse career paths. Students gain practical experience through consulting projects, research methodologies, and customizable coursework. The program prepares graduates for success in corporate communication, academia, non-profit sectors, and leadership roles by developing critical communication strategies and intercultural competencies.

  • Master of Arts in Communication
  • Practical communication consulting project
  • Research skills development
  • Customizable course options
  • Career preparation across sectors
  • Optional graduate thesis track
  • Interview-based admission process
  • Professional conference opportunities
  • Christian worldview integration
  • Quantitative and qualitative research
  • Strategic communication focus
  • Teaching assistant opportunities
  • Experienced doctoral-level faculty

Keep reading for details on the master's in communication programs offered in South Carolina.

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

The College of Charleston 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 33-credit hour program that offers courses in the evenings and is designed to be completed in 21-24 months of study. The program teaches communication theory, basic and applied research and the critical skills needed for a professional communicator, teacher, or scholar. The program culminates in either a field internship opportunity or a master's thesis.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is $569 per credit hour for South Carolina residents and $1,448 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The program is designed to be started in the fall semester. The priority application deadline is March 1.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

The University of South Carolina offers three master's in communication programs on their campus in Columbia.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Mass Communication program is a 36-credit hour program that includes a required practicum with a newspaper, magazine, television or radio station, advertising or public relations agency, or government or non-profit entity to gain professional experience prior to graduation. Coursework includes research methods, strategic communication, multimedia journalism and media law. Students have the choice of focusing on either multimedia journalism or strategic communication management. The accelerated Master's in Mass Communication program allow students to complete their bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. The dual Master's in Communication and Law program allows students to earn a master's in communication degree alongside a law degree and finish in four years.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $25,993 per year for South Carolina residents taking 6 or more credits per semester, and $33,777 for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The application deadline for the fall semester is May 15 and October 1 for the spring semester.

South Carolina Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs

SchoolContact Information
College of Charleston
9 College Way, Room 110
Charleston, SC 29424
(843) 953-5783
University of South Carolina
800 Sumter Street
Columbia, SC 29208
(180) 377-7410 x5