Master’s in Communication in Washington
There are several options for graduate-level communications programs across Washington State designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in advertising, public relations, corporate communication, and strategic communication.
From small businesses to some of the nation's largest companies, the Evergreen State offers communication specialists careers in several thriving industries, including information and communication technology, aerospace, agriculture, food manufacturing, life sciences, and global health.
2025 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Washington
Looking for the best Masters in Communication programs in Washington? 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 curriculum, expert faculty, and great job prospects. Whether you're aiming for a career in media, public relations, or digital communication, our rankings can guide your decision. Learn more about how we rank these programs by visiting our ranking methodology page.
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA - Private 4-year - gonzaga.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies is a comprehensive online program designed for ambitious professionals seeking transformative career development. The curriculum cultivates advanced communication skills, emphasizing strategic messaging, content creation, and crisis management techniques. Students explore critical competencies like digital storytelling, intercultural communication, and leadership strategy across diverse professional contexts. With a flexible online format and expert faculty guidance, participants develop versatile skill sets applicable to marketing, public relations, and executive leadership roles. The program's holistic approach enables graduates to become influential communicators and strategic thinkers capable of navigating complex organizational landscapes.
- 30 Credits required
- $1065 Per Credit
- Fully Online Option
- 2 yr Average Completion
- Designed for working professionals
- Skills in content creation
- Crisis communication expertise
- Strategic communication focus
- Digital storytelling skills
- Intercultural competence training
- Marketing strategy development
- Public relations knowledge
- Optional concentrations available
- Study abroad opportunities
- Domestic immersions offered
- Expert faculty guidance
- Strong alumni network
- Career advancement support
- Flexible online learning
- Practical application focus
- Leadership role preparation
- Content strategist training
- Policy advocate skills
- College professor pathway
- Global leadership concentration
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Concentration: Change Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies' Change Leadership concentration provides professionals with specialized skills in organizational transformation and strategic communication. This innovative online program equips students with advanced techniques for managing complex change processes, developing adaptive leadership strategies, and effectively communicating organizational transitions. Participants gain comprehensive insights into change management principles, stakeholder engagement, and innovative communication approaches. The curriculum blends theoretical frameworks with practical applications, enabling students to become influential change agents capable of driving meaningful organizational development and implementing strategic communication interventions across diverse professional environments.
- Fully online master's degree
- 30 total credit hours
- Approx. 2-year completion time
- $1,065 per credit
- Multiple optional concentrations
- Designed for working professionals
- Career-focused curriculum
- Optional study abroad opportunities
- Multiple career pathway options
- Diverse professional skill development
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies
Concentration: Digital Media Strategies - Online Learning - Visit Website
Gonzaga University's Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies' Digital Media Strategies concentration prepares professionals to excel in contemporary communication landscapes. This cutting-edge online program develops advanced skills in digital content creation, strategic messaging, and multimedia communication technologies. Students explore emerging digital platforms, learn sophisticated content development techniques, and understand complex digital communication ecosystems. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications, enabling participants to craft compelling digital narratives, leverage sophisticated communication technologies, and develop innovative strategies for engaging audiences across multiple digital channels. Graduates emerge as versatile digital communication professionals ready to lead in rapidly evolving media environments.
- Fully online program
- 30 total credit hours
- $1,065 per credit
- 2-year average completion
- Optional concentrations available
- Multiple career path opportunities
- Working professionals focused
- Digital media strategy option
- Strategic communication skills
- Global leadership concentration
Washington State University
Pullman, WA - Public 4-Year - wsu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
Washington State University's Master of Arts in Communication program offers an immersive two-year academic journey designed for communication professionals and scholars. Students explore comprehensive theoretical frameworks and practical strategies across diverse domains including media, health promotion, politics, and environmental communication. The curriculum blends rigorous academic research with real-world applications, preparing graduates for advanced doctoral studies or dynamic professional roles in business, government, education, and communication industries. Emphasizing critical analytical skills and innovative communication approaches, the program cultivates sophisticated understanding of complex communication processes and emerging communication technologies.
- Two-year full-time study.
- Specializations in three areas.
- Prepares for academic or professional careers.
- Focus on communication theory and processes.
- Designed for future doctoral students.
- Emphasizes practical application.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
- Ideal for diverse career paths.
- Requires bachelor's degree for admission.
- Passion for communication advancement needed.
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Media & Health Promotion - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focused on Media & Health Promotion, this specialized concentration at Washington State University delivers advanced training in communication strategies targeting public health communication challenges. Students engage with cutting-edge research methodologies, developing nuanced skills in designing effective health communication interventions and campaigns. The program integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling graduates to create impactful communication strategies addressing complex health communication landscapes. Participants learn to analyze media representations, develop targeted messaging, and understand intersections between communication technologies and health communication practices.
- Two-year full-time master's program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for doctoral study
- Career-focused communication training
- Research-driven curriculum
- Media, Society & Politics concentration
- Health Promotion focus available
- Science Communication option
- Comprehensive communication theory study
- Industry-relevant skill development
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Media, Society & Politics - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Media, Society & Politics concentration provides an intensive exploration of communication's pivotal role in shaping social and political discourse. Washington State University's program equips students with advanced analytical tools to critically examine media's influence on political narratives, public opinion, and societal transformations. Students delve into sophisticated communication theories, research methodologies, and contemporary communication dynamics across political and media landscapes. The curriculum prepares graduates to become scholarly researchers, policy analysts, and strategic communication professionals capable of understanding and navigating complex media-political interactions.
- Two-year full-time master's program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for doctoral/professional careers
- Focuses on communication theory
- Explores media, health, politics, environment
- Research-driven curriculum
- Diverse career preparation paths
Master's - Master of Arts in Communication
Concentration: Science & Environmental Communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Science & Environmental Communication, this concentration offers an innovative approach to communicating complex scientific concepts and environmental challenges. Washington State University's program trains students to translate intricate scientific information into accessible, engaging narratives for diverse audiences. Participants develop advanced skills in science communication strategies, environmental storytelling, and interdisciplinary research methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes understanding communication's critical role in public science literacy, environmental awareness, and bridging communication gaps between scientific communities and broader public spheres.
- Two-year full-time study program
- Three specialized program areas
- Prepares for academic/professional careers
- Research-focused curriculum
- Multiple communication concentrations
- Advanced communication theory study
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA - Public 4-Year - washington.edu
Master's - Master of Arts (Communication)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers a Master of Arts in Communication program that stands out for its comprehensive approach to advanced communication studies. This program is tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in various communication fields, offering tracks in Communication Leadership, Digital Media, and Native Voices. It emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for leadership roles in diverse communication sectors. The curriculum requires 45-60 credits, focusing on interdisciplinary research, professional development, and a capstone project. Highlights include specialized concentrations, research methods training, and opportunities for professional internship experiences.
- Multiple Master's degree tracks
- 45-60 total credit program
- Fee-based professional options
- Interdisciplinary research focus
- Specialized communication concentrations
- Preparation for doctoral study
- Professional internship experience
- Research methods training
- Core communication theory courses
- Capstone project requirement
Master's - Master of Communication
Concentration: Communication Leadership - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Communication Leadership, the Master of Communication program at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus is designed for professionals seeking to excel in the digital communication arena. This STEM-focused program can be completed in 15 months, offering an accelerated path to career advancement. It equips students with the skills to become ethical communicators and impactful storytellers, supported by a faculty of industry leaders and connections to top global companies. Highlights include its affordability, access to a network of professionals in Seattle's tech hub, and a curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership roles in communication.
- STEM-focused communication degree
- Completed in 15 months
- Lower cost than comparable programs
- Over 40 industry-leading faculty
- Access to global company networks
- Alumni work in leading organizations
- Located in Seattle tech hub
2025 Affordable Washington Masters in Communication Degree Options
Finding affordable Master's in Communication programs in Washington is key for students planning their 2025 education. The table lists options with tuition ranges, helping you compare low-cost and economical choices. It covers schools across WA, offering a variety of programs. This info makes it easier to pick a cost-effective path for your future.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University |
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| University of Washington-Seattle Campus |
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| Eastern Washington University |
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With both online and traditional classroom programs to choose from, here is an overview of top master's in communication programs in Washington:
Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University in Cheney, near Spokane, offers a Master of Comminucation Sciences in Disorder degree that offers students the academic and clinical skills required to function as a competent entry-level speech-language pathologist.
What to Know: The 31-credit program offers flexible schedule options aimed at helping part-time students complete their degrees while also working in their chosen field. The program also allows students to choose from four emphasis areas of study: organizational, technological, instructional and cultural communication.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition rates for graduate students are currently approximately $560 per credit hour per semester. Those costs do not include additional fees, materials costs or books.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit institution that offers a hybrid online/classroom Masters in Communication and Leadership Studies program.
What to Know: The average student completes the program in two to three years. The program offers three optional concentrations for students to choose from, including the teaching of communication, global leadership, and strategic and organizational communication.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition costs are the same for online and campus classes, currently priced at $940 per unit, not including additional costs for course materials or books.
Anything Else?: The majority of classes are held online, but students do have the opportunity to take courses on campus in Spokane with short-term immersions, which are a hybrid of online and on-campus coursework.
University of Washington
The University of Washington in Seattle offers three master's level degrees in communication with unique specializations. In addition to the Master of Arts in Communication program, the University of Washington also offers a Master of Communication in Native Voices designed for documentary filmmakers who focus their work on subjects of special relevance to the Native American community, as well as a Communication Leadership program with two degree emphases in digital media and creative engagement.
What to Know: The University of Washington offers seven areas of focus for their graduate communications students, including communication and culture, communication technology and society, global communication, journalism studies, social interaction, political communication and rhetoric, and critical/cultural studies. Graduate programs are available on a full or part-time basis and enroll students beginning in the fall quarter.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition rates for the most recent academic year for graduate students were approximately $16,000 for Washington residents and $35,000 for out-of-state residents. Those estimated costs do not include costs of books or other materials and may change at any time, so make sure to check the most recent costs with the school before applying.
Washington State University
The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington offers a traditional classroom Master of Arts in Communication program, as well as an online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program for prospective students to choose from. These programs are designed to prepare students for doctoral-level study or a communications industry career following graduation.
What to Know: The traditional classroom program generally requires two academic years of full-time study, while the online program has one, two and three-year plans for completion of the 30 credit program. The online program admits students for the fall, spring and summer semesters, while the traditional program admits students for the fall semester only with an application deadline in January.
What Does It Cost?: Tuition rates for the most recent academic year for graduate students were approximately $27,000 for Washington residents and $41,000 for out-of-state residents. Those estimated costs include books and miscellaneous expenses but are subject to change at any time. Be sure to contact Washington State University for the most current fees and tuition costs before applying.
Anything Else?: The Murrow College of Communication has twice been named one of the nation's top 25 communications programs.
Washington 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