Master’s in Communication in Washington

There are a number of 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, and food manufacturing, life sciences and global health to name just a few.

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