Master’s in Communication in South Dakota

South Dakota is home to two schools with master's in communication programs. South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota offer on-campus programs preparing students for doctoral study and advanced communication-related careers. In addition, South Dakota State University offers a fully online program that may suit students living in mainly rural areas or who need to complete their degrees while working full-time. South Dakota's major industries may employ graduates in agriculture, bioscience, energy, and information technology. The state's largest employers include Avera Health, state and local government, Citibank South Dakota, Smithfield Packaged Meats, and Farrell Gas.

2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in South Dakota

Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in South Dakota? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit. Our list highlights schools offering strong academics, expert faculty, and real-world experience. Whether you aim to boost your career or dive deeper into communication studies, our rankings guide your decision. Check out our ranking methodology to see how we choose the best.

#1

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Communication

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of South Dakota's Master of Arts in Communication program stands out for its comprehensive approach to communication studies, blending theory with practical application. Students benefit from a curriculum that covers interpersonal identities, culture, organizational life, and media, preparing them for diverse career paths or further academic pursuits. The program offers flexibility with both thesis and non-thesis options, catering to individual career aspirations. With a focus on small class sizes and expert faculty mentorship, students gain invaluable real-world experience and professional development opportunities. The program also provides financial support through graduate assistantships and in-state tuition rates for eligible students, making it an accessible option for aspiring communication professionals.

• Master's in Communication
• Thesis and non-thesis tracks
• Tailored academic plan
• Interpersonal identities focus
• Culture and organizational life
• Traditional and new media
• Small faculty-student ratio
• Graduate Assistantship opportunities
• WRGP in-state tuition rates
• Broad career opportunities
• Preparation for doctoral study
• Teaching at post-secondary level
• Leadership roles preparation
• Versatile and supportive climate
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Real-world professional experience
• Affordable graduate education
• Financial aid and assistantships
• Research and theory foundation
• Communication Studies department
• Media & Journalism department
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Graduate teaching assistantships
• Presentation Center training
• Speech and Debate Team support

*Institutional characteristics data extracted from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

Read on for details regarding the master's in communication programs offered in South Dakota.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

South Dakota State University offers a Master of Arts/Master of Science in Communication Studies & Journalism program on campus in Brookings and an online Master of Mass Communication program.

What to Know: The on-campus Master of Arts/Master of Science in Communication Studies & Journalism allows students to specialize in either Journalism (M.A. degree) or Communication Studies (M.S. degree). The Master of Arts degree program culminates in either a master's thesis or a research paper, and the Master of Science degree culminates in a master's thesis. Both programs prepare students for doctoral study and/or professional communication-related careers.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $369 per credit hour for South Dakota residents and $760 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline for the program is February 1 for enrollment in the fall. After this deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

The University of South Dakota offers a Master of Arts in Communication program on their campus in Vermillion.

What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 36-credit hour program that allows students to customize their coursework to their particular interests and career goals. The program culminates in either a thesis or comprehensive exam.

What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $379 per credit hour for South Dakota residents and $680 per credit hour for non-residents.

Anything Else?: The priority application deadline for the program is March 31 for enrollment in the fall.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in South Dakota

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

South Dakota State University offers an online Master's of Mass Communication program that prepares students for professional careers in communication and is designed to be completed in less than two years. For more information about South Dakota State University's online master's program, click here.

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