Master’s in Communication in Tennessee
Tennessee offers four schools with master's in communication programs, including traditional on-campus programs, a fully online program, and a hybrid classroom/online program. Aspiring communications experts in Tennessee also have the opportunity to concentrate their studies in various areas, including public relations, journalism, rhetoric and media studies, and advertising. Graduates of these programs may go on to doctoral studies in communication, teaching positions, or professional careers in the media, advertising, marketing, public relations, corporate communications, or non-profit and government organizations. Major companies that call Tennessee home include FedEx, Dollar General, Community Health Systems, AutoZone, International Paper and HCA Healthcare. Additionally, many local media outlets (television, radio, and print) in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Jackson, and Chattanooga, as well as advertising, public relations, and marketing companies in these cities, may offer employment opportunities to communications program graduates.
2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Tennessee
Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Tennessee? You're in the right place. Mastersincommunications.org has done the homework for you. We've ranked the top programs to help you find the perfect fit for your career goals. Our rankings are based on a thorough analysis of key factors. Want to know how we did it? Check out our ranking methodology for all the details. Start your journey to a brighter future today.
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN - Public 4-Year - apsu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: General Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University offers a Master of Arts in Communication Arts with a concentration in Corporate Communication, designed for students aiming to enhance their professional communication skills. This all-online program provides flexibility for working professionals and traditional students alike, with courses offered in 8-week terms. Students can tailor their studies with a variety of electives, focusing on areas such as public relations, marketing, and social media. The program emphasizes practical experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in various fields. Admission requirements and program details are available through the university's graduate bulletin, offering a pathway to advance your communication career.
- All-online program
- 8-week course terms
- Flexible for working professionals
- Diverse elective options
- Focus on practical experience
- Prepares for various careers
- Includes public relations
- Marketing communication focus
- Social media theories
- Admission requirements detailed
- Tailored study plans
- Faculty with industry experience
- Option for master’s thesis
- Designed for doctoral prep
- Convenient for busy schedules
- Traditional two-year option
- Hands-on learning approach
- Real-world application focus
- Professional skills development
- Capstone research project
- Faculty mentor guidance
- Broad career opportunities
- Online and campus options
- Communication theory application
- Strategic planning skills
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Corporate Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University's Master of Arts in Communication Arts offers a dynamic online program tailored for professionals seeking advanced communication skills. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students for diverse career paths in public relations, marketing, media management, and strategic communication. Designed with flexibility, the program accommodates working professionals and traditional students, allowing personalized degree progression through convenient 8-week terms. Students gain hands-on experience, work with experienced faculty, and can choose electives aligned with their professional interests.
- Fully online graduate program
- Flexible 8-week course terms
- Corporate communication concentration
- Diverse career preparation paths
- Professional communication faculty
- Personalized elective selection
- Research methods training
- Optional master's thesis track
- Real-world communication skills
- Multiple communication career options
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Marketing Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University's Master of Arts in Communication Arts offers a dynamic online program tailored for professionals seeking advanced communication skills. With a concentration in Marketing Communication, students gain comprehensive knowledge in public relations, media strategies, and professional communication. The flexible curriculum allows working professionals to balance education with career demands, providing opportunities to develop expertise in areas like social media, strategic planning, and media management.
- Fully online MA program
- 8-week convenient terms
- Diverse elective options
- Flexible professional schedules
- Optional master's thesis
- Experienced industry faculty
- Career-focused curriculum
- Multiple communication career paths
- Personalized academic advising
- Research methods training
The University of Tennessee-Martin
Martin, TN - Public 4-Year - utm.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Martin offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (MASC), blending online coursework with minimal on-campus attendance for working professionals. This program equips students with essential skills in strategic communication, including corporate communications, social media marketing, and project management. It emphasizes strategic planning, leadership, and ethical practices, preparing graduates for diverse career fields. Admission may waive GRE/GMAT requirements for candidates with relevant professional experience. The program supports career advancement with its focus on practical skills and professional best practices, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to excel in the competitive communication sector.
- Flexible online coursework
- Minimal on-campus attendance
- Focus on strategic communication
- Corporate communications skills
- Social media marketing
- Project management training
- Strategic planning emphasis
- Leadership development
- Ethical practices in communication
- GRE/GMAT waiver available
- Professional experience valued
- Career advancement focus
- Practical skills development
- Professional best practices
- Diverse career field preparation
- Competitive sector readiness
- High interaction with faculty
- Learn from experienced professionals
- Course credit for certifications
- Strong academic framework
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - trevecca.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Strategic Communication
Online Learning - Visit Website
Trevecca Nazarene University introduces a Master of Science in Strategic Communication, starting spring 2024. This online program prepares students to lead with effective communication strategies, focusing on ethical decision-making and storytelling. It covers media relations, crisis communication, leadership, digital and social media, and video production. A unique feature is a four-week, self-paced online training series on crisis communication, available for $99, serving as both professional development and a preview of the degree program. This graduate degree aims to develop strategic leaders in messaging and communication across various organizations.
- Online program
- Starts spring 2024
- Focus on ethical decision-making
- Covers media relations
- Includes crisis communication
- Leadership skills development
- Digital and social media
- Video production training
- Four-week training series
- Training series costs $99
- Prepares strategic leaders
- Part of 20+ master’s programs
- Online self-paced training
- Focus on storytelling
- Equips for organizational impact
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN - Public 4-Year - mtsu.edu
Master's - Media and Communication, M.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Middle Tennessee State University's Master's in Media and Communication is a dynamic, customizable graduate program designed for ambitious professionals and aspiring researchers. Students can tailor their degree to advance career trajectories in media, communication, and academia. The program offers flexibility with thesis and professional project tracks, providing cutting-edge research methods and practical skills. Nationally recognized faculty guide students through comprehensive coursework, preparing them for leadership roles in advertising, journalism, public relations, and beyond.
- On-ground graduate program
- Customizable coursework tracks
- Thesis or professional project option
- Strong media theory foundation
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Research-focused curriculum
- Small graduate class sizes
- Assistantships potentially available
- Prepares for doctoral studies
- Diverse career preparation
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication & Storytelling Studies
Campus Based - Visit Website
East Tennessee State University offers a dynamic Master's in Communication & Storytelling Studies that prepares professionals to excel in communication across diverse fields. This innovative two-year program blends practical performance skills, critical analysis, and workplace-ready competencies. Students develop expertise in storytelling, communication theory, and professional applications, positioning themselves for success in organizational, nonprofit, and creative sectors. The program provides flexible completion options, including thesis, capstone project, or comprehensive exams.
- Master of Arts degree program
- Two-year flexible program
- Practical communication skills focus
- Workplace-ready skill development
- Multiple completion options
- Core courses in research methods
- Diverse elective opportunities
- Tuition scholarships available
- Graduate assistantships offered
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Keep reading for details on the master's in communication programs available in Tennessee.
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
The University of Memphis offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies program and a Master of Arts in Communication - Film & Video program, both in on-campus formats.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Communication Studies program allows students to concentrate their studies in Rhetoric & Media Studies or Health & Relational Communication. The Film & Video program offers coursework in narrative and documentary filmmaking.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $3,654 per semester based on a course load of 6-credit hours for Tennessee residents, and $6,767 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: Applications are reviewed throughout the year and students may begin the program in the fall or spring semesters.
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT KNOXVILLE
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville offers an on campus Master of Science in Communication & Information with four options for concentrations.
What to Know: The Master of Science in Communication & Information program offers students the choice of four concentrations: Advertising, Communication Studies, Journalism & Electronic Media and Public Relations. The program is designed to prepare students for specialized careers in communication as well as for doctoral study following graduation.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $13,120 for Tennessee residents, and $31,538 for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline is January 15 for admission in the fall semester.
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT MARTIN
The University of Tennessee in Martin offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program in a hybrid online/on-campus format.
What to Know: The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program is a professionally-oriented, executive-style degree program that offers students the flexibility of online assignments as well as interactive coursework and on-campus weekends to help students create in-person relationships and networking opportunities.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year are $3,456 per semester for Tennessee residents who are taking 6 or more credit hours, and $5,472 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The application deadline is for the fall semester is July 30, and December 13 for the spring semester.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Tennessee
AUSTIN PEAY STATE UNIVERSITY
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville offers an online Master of Arts in Communication Arts program with concentrations in Marketing Communication and Media Management.
What to Know: The online Master of Arts in Communication Arts program offers professional and fast-track options in 8-week terms, so students can complete the program at their own pace. Students can choose from Marketing Communication and Media Management concentrations.
What Does It Cost?: Graduate level tuition and mandatory fees for the 2018-2019 academic year is $3,114 per semester based on a course load of 6-credit hours for Tennessee residents, and $ $7,308 per semester for non-residents.
Anything Else?: The program reviews applications on a rolling basis and accepts new students for all terms.
Tennessee Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Austin Peay State University | 601 College Avenue Clarksville, TN 37044 (931) 221-7378 |
University of Memphis Programs | 212 Art and Communication Building, 3715 Central Avenue Memphis , TN 38152 (901) 678-3185 |
University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 302 Communications, 1345 Circle Park Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-3031 |
University of Tennessee at Martin Programs
| 305 Gooch Hall Martin, TN 38238 (731) 881-7556 |