Communication student working online

Master's in Communication

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Advance in your field with cutting edge communication skills.

Learn to leverage social data analytics and communicating science to prepare yourself for the next stage of your career and education.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
1 - 2 years
Credit hours:
30

Why earn a master's in Communication online?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1*

*Only available for Professional and Accelerated tracks. Ph.D. track does not offer summer admission.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Designed to work for your needs, our online master's in Communication has three separate tracks to fit your career or educational path.

Professional Track

Created for professionals looking to advance in their career, you'll learn the specific communication methods industries are looking for and the theory behind them, as you develop the expertise needed to stand-out in your field. In the professional track of the the Communication (M.A.) program, you'll continue to hone your skills in areas such as social data analytics, interpersonal and organizational communication, science communication, international communication practices, and much more.

In addition, earning your graduate communication degree has never been easier. Our 100% online communication professional track can be completed at any hour of the day (or night). You never have to come to campus.

Ph.D. Track

If you are considering a career in higher education or research, the Ph.D. track is designed to allow you to earn a non-thesis master's in communication on your way to earning your Ph.D. If you have a bachelor's degree already, you can start on this track by learning more about and applying directly to our Communication Ph.D. program.

Accelerated 4+1 Track

Designed for incoming and current undergraduate students, the accelerated 4+1 track allows three 400-level courses to be double-counted toward both the B.A. and M.A. in Communication, enabling students to complete the 30-credit Master's program in just one calendar year after earning their B.A. In this track, you'll accelerate your educational journey while receiving expert instruction from the largest and most respected communication program in North Dakota.

If you are an incoming student, apply to UND and the Communication (B.A.) program or Journalism (B.A.) program.  Then as a current student, connect with an advisor to make sure you stay on track for the accelerated program. During your junior year, you can officially apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Complete the required courses and you'll earn a M.A. in Communication in just one year after earning the undergraduate degree. degree at the same time.

UND's Online Master's in Communication

  • Customizable tracks to tailor to your career and educational goals.

  • Focus on social data analytics and science communication.

  • No GRE required for admission.

  • Learn from recognized leaders in the field of international and intercultural communication.

  • Flexible 100% online courses with no requirement to visit campus.

  • Capstone course designed to provide you a professional product that demonstrates your new skills earned in the program.

What can I do with a master's in communication?

62K

Median annual salary for media and communication workers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

157K

Median annual salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Communication degree gives you highly marketable communication skills you need for just about any career, including:

  • Advertising
  • Public relations
  • Brand management
  • Print and digital journalism
  • Broadcasting
  • Social media
  • Fundraising
  • Politics
  • Video production

Master's in Communication Alumni

Communication alumni from the University of North Dakota have gone on to a variety of successful careers, including:

  • Social Media Manager of the National Hockey League
  • Print and broadcast journalists across the United States
  • Press secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior
  • Founders of public relations and advertising firms

Online Master's in Communication Courses

COMM 522. Data Mining & Analytics for Communication Professionals. 3 Credits.

This course introduces you to the emerging study of data mining as it applies to communication-related questions. The goal of the course is to introduce you to state-of-the-art techniques to extract useful information from large amounts of data and communicate findings and implications to diverse audiences in plain language. F.

COMM 523. Social Network Analysis & Visualization. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce you to the theory, methods, and procedures of network analysis with emphasis on applications to communication and social behavior. The goal of the course is to provide a working knowledge of the concepts and methods used to describe and analyze social networks so that you can apply it to important questions in your profession. S.

COMM 540. Communication and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Examines the general communication processes and dynamics within and among organizations and explores the dynamics in network organizations, with a particular focus on communication in interpersonal groups and inter-organizational working teams. Theories of power and politics in and among organizations, as well as of decision-making, conflict management, and strategic communication are explored.

COMM 525. Interpersonal Relations and Communication. 3 Credits.

Face-to-face and mediated transactions between two people or people in small groups in diverse settings. Deals with inquiry, conflict management, interpersonal sensitivity, individuality, and conformity.

COMM 529. Science Communication. 3 Credits.

This combines findings from research into information processing with best practices in media production to build student competency in communicating about science, scientific discoveries and the scientific process to general audiences through various media, as well as more specific audiences, such as funding organizations and policymakers. SS.

COMM 549. Information Communication Technologies. 3 Credits.

This course examines how technological changes in communication and media influence how information is generated, distributed, and communicated. The course addresses the interaction of communication technologies with individuals, communities, economies, and cultures. It focuses on aspects of technological change, new patterns of global connectedness, and their implications for the new global media environment. On demand.

Master's in Communication Online

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this master's program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online Master's in Communication Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Communication Master's Program

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Explore More Options

Looking for similar graduate work or to connect with the department?

Department Contact 
Dr. Joonghwa Lee
Department Chair and Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4726

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