International Administration Graduate Certificate International Administration Graduate Certificate

Communication
MA

Be a master of communication

Our master's in communication is not just a degree; it's a stepping stone to diverse opportunities and an enhanced understanding of human communication. Whether you're aiming for a Ph.D., teaching positions or roles in government or corporate communications, you'll gain the skills and insights to navigate and excel in your chosen path.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Art (M.A.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
30 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program HighlightsAccelerated Program Careers & Outcomes

Prepare for what's next with our master's in communication

Enter the world of advanced communication learning. Our master's in communication introduces graduate students to robust theoretical frameworks for understanding important themes and topics in communication studies. You'll immerse in experiential learning environments where those frameworks are challenged and tested using the latest communication research techniques and methods. 

Our master of communication program is fertile ground for independent research, professional collaboration and intellectual curiosity. In recent years, more than 75% of our faculty have showcased their academic prowess, publishing significant works of scholarship. You'll work alongside these accomplished professors, partnering on unique research projects ranging from socio-political movements to crisis communication.

As part of our dynamic academic culture, you'll have the opportunity to co-author research projects, present at conferences and even gain teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant—an invaluable asset for those considering a Ph.D. program. A quarter of our graduates have gone on to nationally recognized doctoral programs, while others have found successful careers in business, non-profit work, marketing, higher education administration and more.

Courses What Will Transfer Department Information

Highlights of our Master of Arts in Communication

As a CMU communication graduate student, you will:

  • Collaborate on cutting-edge research projects: Partner with renowned faculty and scholars, using modern research methods like harnessing the power of social media to analyze digital communication trends.
  • Benefit from individualized attention: With a student-to-faculty ratio that's better than 1:1, you receive personalized guidance and mentorship.
  • Gain invaluable teaching experience: Graduate teaching assistants receive a generous stipend and full tuition waiver to support their academic pursuits.
  • Explore internship opportunities: Bridge the gap between theory and practice, develop essential career skills and build professional networks.
  • Present your research at prestigious conferences: Our students have shared research results at the National Communication Association Annual Conference and the Central States Communication Association Annual Conference.  
  • Prepare for academic excellence: Hone your teaching and research skills to position yourself for admission to top-tier PhD programs in communication.

Accelerated master's in communication

Accelerated master’s programs help you count classes that you take as an undergraduate toward your master’s in communication, saving you time AND money. You may be able to double-count 12 credits.

By double-counting all 12 credits, domestic students save up to $3,324 and international students save up to $1,248.

    • Minimum GPA at time of application: 3.0 GPA of at least 15 credits at CMU.
    • Requirements to maintain eligibility: average of 3.0 and no E's in double-counted courses.

    If your GPA is lower than a 3.0 or you have fewer than 15 credits at CMU, you can still be considered for admission if you demonstrate why you are prepared to be successful in graduate coursework.

    You must have a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours completed before starting coursework in the accelerated graduate communication degree. To take full advantage of the program, make sure you apply for admission before taking any of the double-counted courses listed below.

    • Up to 12 credits of the following courses can be double-counted:
      • COM 511, COM 523, COM 525, COM 527, COM 555, COM 560, COM 561, COM 563, COM 565, COM 568, COM 600, COM 601
    • You'll select your double-counted courses with an advisor. Then, you'll count them towards both your undergraduate degree and your graduate degree – either for your major or as electives.

    The master's in communication requires 30 credits. You may double-count 12 credits before finishing your bachelor's degree, leaving 18 credits remaining to complete your master's degree. If you don't complete all 12 double-counted credits before you finish your bachelor's degree, you'll need to take more than 18 credits to reach the 30 credits required for the master's in communication.

    Careers for master's in communication graduates

    A master’s in communication can prepare you for graduate study at the doctorate level, as well as for careers in business, teaching, government and more. With experience in research, writing and teaching, you’ll be equipped for success in any role.

    Career Projected Salary
    College Professor/Instructor $83,980
    Communications Director $69,780
    Director of Government Affairs $69,780
    Global Communications Manager $81,205
    Student working in a broadcast control room.

    Experiential learning in the School of Communication, Journalism and Media

    Learning-by-doing is at the core of the CMU educational experience. In the College of the Arts and Media, this truth comes to life in the research of faculty and students, opportunities for media production and in the planning of cultural events. 

    Explore hands-on possibilities

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