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 Online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies is tailored for working professionals aiming to excel in various industries. This program equips students with critical skills like content creation, crisis communication, and strategic communication, preparing them for leadership roles. With a focus on practical application, students learn to understand their audience, craft impactful messages, and implement effective strategies. The program offers flexibility with fully online courses, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Graduates emerge ready to take on roles such as marketing managers, public relations directors, and content strategists, backed by a strong alumni network and expert faculty.
- 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 empowers professionals to excel across industries. This dynamic online program equips students with advanced communication skills, strategic thinking, and leadership expertise. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum develops critical abilities in content creation, crisis communication, and digital storytelling. With a competitive per-credit tuition of $1,065 and flexible online format, students can complete the 30-credit program in approximately two years, positioning themselves for career advancement in marketing, public relations, and leadership roles.
- 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 empowers professionals to elevate their communication skills and strategic leadership capabilities. Designed for working professionals, this fully online program helps students develop critical competencies in content creation, crisis communication, and digital storytelling. With a flexible 30-credit curriculum and an average completion time of two years, students gain expertise in strategic messaging, influence, and professional communication across diverse industries. The competitive per-credit tuition of $1,065 makes this advanced degree an accessible pathway for career advancement.
- 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 is tailored for those aiming to deepen their understanding of communication theory and processes. Ideal for future academics or professionals in business, government, education, and the communications industry, this two-year full-time study program offers a comprehensive curriculum. Students can specialize in areas like Media & Health Promotion, Media, Society & Politics, and Science & Environmental Communication. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing graduates for diverse career paths or further doctoral studies. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree and a passion for advancing communication knowledge.
- 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
Washington State University's Master of Arts in Communication offers a transformative academic journey for professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. This rigorous two-year program prepares students for diverse career paths in academia, business, government, and research industries. Students explore cutting-edge communication theories and practical applications across specialized areas like media, health promotion, politics, and environmental communication. The program combines theoretical foundations with hands-on research opportunities, enabling graduates to develop sophisticated communication strategies and critical analytical skills.
- 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
Washington State University's Master of Arts in Communication prepares students for advanced careers in academia, business, government, and communications. The comprehensive two-year program explores communication theory and applied research across diverse specializations like media, health promotion, politics, and environmental communication. Students gain in-depth analytical skills and theoretical knowledge, positioning themselves for doctoral studies or professional opportunities in dynamic communication fields.
- 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
Washington State University's Master of Arts in Communication provides a comprehensive graduate-level experience for professionals seeking advanced communication skills. The versatile program prepares students for doctoral studies or careers in business, government, education, and communications industries. With focused concentrations in Media & Health Promotion, Media, Society & Politics, and Science & Environmental Communication, students gain deep theoretical and practical insights into communication processes and phenomena.
- 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 offers a dynamic Master's in Communication program designed for professionals seeking advanced communication skills. With multiple specialized tracks including Communication Leadership, Digital Media, and Native Voices, students gain comprehensive training in research, theory, and practical application. The rigorous 45-60 credit curriculum blends interdisciplinary perspectives, emphasizing collaboration, public scholarship, and professional development. Tailored for mid-career professionals, the program provides flexible specializations and prepares graduates for leadership roles across diverse communication landscapes.
- 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
University of Washington's Communication Leadership Master's degree empowers professionals to become transformative communicators in the dynamic digital landscape. This cutting-edge STEM-focused program enables students to complete their degree in just 15 months, providing an affordable and efficient pathway to career advancement. Graduates emerge as impactful storytellers and ethical communicators, equipped with industry-leading skills and connections to top global companies like Microsoft and Amazon.
- 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
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
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Eastern Washington University Programs | 206 Showalter Hall Cheney, WA 99004 (509) 359-6297 |
Gonzaga University Programs
| 502 East Boone Avenue Spokane, WA 99258 (866) 380-5323 |
University of Washington | 102 Communications, Box 353740 Seattle , WA 98195 (206) 543-6745 |
Washington State University Programs | PO Box 645220 Pullman, WA 99164 (509) 335-7333 |