Best Online Master’s in Media Communications Degree Programs of 2025

Media communications is a rapidly evolving field. Individuals in these occupations frequently adapt to new technology, ethical and privacy considerations, and the changing values of their audience. A master’s degree in media communications helps current communications professionals specialize their skills and achieve leadership roles.

Media and communication-related occupations have an average annual salary of $66,240, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A master’s degree in media communications prepares graduates for advanced positions in marketing, public relations, government, nonprofit, or business environments.

Online master’s programs in media communications require between 30 to 38 credits to graduate; in most cases, attendees complete at least three credits of internship or project-based work. Students pursuing a full-time course of study can graduate with their master’s in less than two years.

We enlisted Blanca Villagomez, a program counselor and coordinator at UC-Irvine. She provides insights into choosing a program, navigating the application process, and the advantages of pursuing an online master’s degree.

Choose your area of study

Media communications degrees are available as either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). The former tends to be more interdisciplinary, whereas the latter is more data and research-driven. Either course of study will prepare you for a career in media communications.

These programs often allow you to focus your studies on a particular speciality area. Common concentration options include corporate communication, video editing, public relations, social media, advertising and marketing, web design, and media ethics. Take some time to define your career goals, then look for the programs that best match those goals.

Research schools and programs

You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your master’s in media communications program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for communications education.

From there, consider the following:

• Will students develop a creative portfolio? Some media communications programs facilitate a project-based approach, helping students develop a professional portfolio throughout their coursework. This portfolio is valuable for your future job search.
• Can online attendees benefit from student support resources? Your tuition should include student support resources, including mental health counseling, academic advising, research databases, and technical assistance. If you have specific learning-based or physical accommodations, contact the school’s disability services office to determine how each program can meet your needs.

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit their website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Check the admissions requirements to ensure you meet each program’s eligibility standards. You must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university; most schools also set a minimum GPA requirement for your undergraduate coursework (often a 2.75 or higher).

Communications programs rarely require GRE scores, though your application packet may include a personal statement, a portfolio of your previous work, and letters of recommendation. These materials can take several weeks to assemble, so give yourself ample time to prepare before application deadlines.

“The keys to preparing for the college application process are self-reflection, skill-building, understanding a school’s admission requirements, and staying organized,” Villagomez advises. “Students can stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines. I encourage students to decide what systems help them organize the application requirements and track their progress for each school.”

Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

“Expectations and pacing can vary greatly across online courses,” says Villagomez. “The course syllabus is a great way to understand class expectations, how to access the professor’s office hours, and key assignment deadlines. Despite the different modalities, all online degree programs require high self-motivation, effective time management, and structured independent study.”

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Submit a FAFSA form even if you won’t take out federal loans. Some grant opportunities and scholarships require you to have a FAFSA form on file to qualify. Then, speak to a financial aid counselor for the school to discuss potential funding options; some schools have merit- or needs-based scholarships.

If you’ve already earned any graduate credit or have professional experience in the media industry, contact an academic advisor to ascertain whether you can receive transfer credit, ultimately saving you on tuition. Students who have served or whose families served in the military are likely eligible for additional discounts. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.