Communication student working online

Online Master's in Communication

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Advance in your field with cutting edge communication skills.

Earn your M.A. in Communication 100% online from the largest communication program in North Dakota. Master social data analytics, science communication, and strategic organizational communication. Choose from three flexible tracks designed for working professionals, Ph.D.-bound students, or accelerated learners. No GRE required.

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

Why choose UND for your online master's in Communication?

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, Journalism (B.A.) program or Theatre Arts program (with a specialization in Theatre Communication). 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 an M.A. in Communication in just one year after earning the undergraduate degree. You can earn both degrees at the same time.

Why choose UND's master's in Communication program?

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

  • Master in-demand skills in social data analytics, science communication, and digital strategy that employers are actively seeking with our cutting-edge curriculum.

  • No GRE required. We focus on your experience and potential, not test scores.

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

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

  • Complete a capstone project that demonstrates your new skills and provides a portfolio-ready professional product.

Career Opportunities with an M.A. 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

Why a Communication Master's Degree is a High-Return Investment

An M.A. in Communication from UND positions you for a lucrative and dynamic career. You'll be equipped for high demand, leadership roles across virtually every industry.

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

What Skills Wll You Develop?

Our curriculum is designed to build a comprehensive communication skillset, blending theory with practical application:

  • Social Data Analytics: Master the tools to collect, analyze, and visualize social media data to inform strategic communication decisions.
  • Digital Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives using multimedia, emerging technologies, and data-informed insights to communicate ideas with impact across digital platforms.
  • Science Communication: Learn to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences, a critical skill in healthcare, environmental advocacy, and public policy.
  • Organizational Communication: Develop expertise in managing internal and external communication for organizations, including crisis communication and change management.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Enhance your ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and influence decision-making.
  • Digital Strategy: Gain proficiency in leveraging digital platforms and emerging technologies for effective communication campaigns.
  • Research Methods: Acquire the skills to design studies, collect data, and translate findings into actionable communication strategies.

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

Courses You'll Take

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

+170

online 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)

Alumni Spotlight

Graduates of UND's Communication M.A. program are making their mark in leadership roles across media, corporate communication, and public service.

“UND Communication provided me with real-life experiences that prepared me for the fast-paced world of communication. The hands-on projects taught me to adapt to different audiences and create personalized messaging, which are skills that I use in my daily career,”

- Mya Campbell

“Learning how to build presentations, speak in front of large audiences, and prioritize projects were all invaluable skills that have helped me throughout my career.”

– Jason Loney

“I really loved how the online courses in the Communication Department were structured; it's valuable to me that my degree feels truly equivalent to an in-person degree.”

– Sarah Griffin

Frequently Asked Questions

UND offers two specialized tracks for achieving a master’s degree (Professional and Accelerated 4+1) to fit your specific goals. Our program focuses on cutting-edge skills like social data analytics and science communication, taught by recognized leaders in international and intercultural communication. Plus, we don't require the GRE for admission.

Absolutely. The program is 100% online with asynchronous classes, meaning you can complete coursework at any time of day or night. Most students complete the program in 1-2 years while working full-time.

The Professional Track is designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers. Accelerated 4+1 Track allows current UND undergraduates to earn both their B.A. and M.A. in just five years total.

If you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D., you can apply for our separate Ph.D. program.

No. UND does not require the GRE for admission to the Communication online M.A. program.

Yes, if you have completed relevant graduate-level coursework, you may be able to transfer credits. Contact the program advisor to discuss your specific situation.

Yes, graduate students may be eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships. Visit UND's financial aid office for more information.

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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