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's Master of Arts in Communication Arts offers a comprehensive online program emphasizing general communication strategies. This flexible degree prepares professionals for diverse communication roles through intensive coursework across multiple disciplines. Students explore theoretical frameworks and practical applications in communication, gaining skills in public relations, marketing communication, and social media strategies. The program accommodates working professionals with convenient 8-week course terms, enabling seamless integration of advanced academic learning with career development. Graduates emerge with sophisticated communication expertise applicable across various professional environments.
- 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 Corporate Communication concentration within its Master of Arts program provides targeted professional development for communication specialists. The curriculum delivers comprehensive training in strategic organizational communication, emphasizing professional relationship management, internal communication protocols, and advanced communication theory. Students gain specialized skills in crafting cohesive messaging, understanding corporate communication dynamics, and developing sophisticated communication strategies. The online format allows professionals to enhance their expertise while maintaining current employment, with flexible scheduling and industry-relevant coursework.
- 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 Marketing Communication master's concentration equips students with advanced strategic communication skills tailored for modern media landscapes. The program emphasizes comprehensive training in digital marketing strategies, brand messaging, consumer engagement techniques, and multimedia communication platforms. Students develop sophisticated skills in crafting compelling narratives, analyzing market communication trends, and implementing innovative marketing approaches. The flexible online format enables working professionals to acquire cutting-edge marketing communication expertise without interrupting career trajectories.
- 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's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is a hybrid program designed for working professionals, combining online learning with limited on-campus requirements. It focuses on equipping students with advanced skills in strategic communication, including corporate communications, social media marketing, and project management. The curriculum is built around strategic planning, leadership, and ethical communication practices, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various sectors. Notably, the program offers a GRE/GMAT waiver for applicants with significant professional experience, emphasizing practical skills and career advancement. This program stands out for its flexibility, professional relevance, and commitment to ethical communication standards.
- 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's Master of Science in Strategic Communication, launching in spring 2024, is designed for aspiring leaders seeking to master the art of communication in a digital age. This fully online program emphasizes ethical decision-making, storytelling, and strategic messaging across media relations, crisis communication, and digital platforms. Unique to this program is an affordable, self-paced online training series in crisis communication, offering a glimpse into the curriculum for just $99. Students will gain hands-on experience in video production and social media strategies, preparing them to make a significant impact in various organizational settings. The program stands out for its focus on developing leadership skills and its comprehensive approach to modern communication challenges.
- 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 offers a Master of Science in Media and Communication, a program that stands out for its adaptability to student interests and career goals. With options for a thesis or professional project track, it caters to both research-oriented students and those seeking practical experience. The curriculum is enriched by faculty expertise, covering a broad spectrum from media theory to hands-on skills in advertising, journalism, and public relations. This program is ideal for those aiming to elevate their professional standing or pursue further academic endeavors, supported by opportunities for assistantships and small class sizes for personalized learning.
- 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's Master of Arts in Communication & Storytelling Studies stands out for its unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. This program is designed for those looking to deepen their understanding of communication through the lens of storytelling, offering a curriculum that covers everything from narrative techniques to digital media strategies. With options for thesis, capstone, or comprehensive exams, students can tailor their studies to fit their career goals. The program emphasizes real-world skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various sectors. Highlights include graduate assistantships, scholarships, and a focus on research methods and elective diversity.
- 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
2025 Affordable Tennessee Masters in Communication Degree Options
Finding affordable Tennessee Masters in Communication degree options is key for students planning their education in 2025. The table lists schools across TN, offering Master's programs with varying tuition ranges. Affordable and cost-effective programs help students manage expenses while pursuing higher education. This is especially important in cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where living costs can add up. The right program balances quality with low-cost options, making advanced degrees more accessible.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Trevecca Nazarene University |
|
|
| East Tennessee State University |
|
|
| University of Memphis |
|
|
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
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