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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
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • Why UND Online?
  • How to Apply

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Why earn a 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 analytics, communication science, international communication practices, data mining, 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

Meant for incoming and current undergraduate students, the accelerated 4+1 track allows you to earn a B.A. and M.A. in Communication at the same time. 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. 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 both your undergraduate and graduate 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 communication science.

  • No GRE required for admission.

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

  • Online options 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?

6%

Job outlook growth for media and communication occupations through 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

133K

Median annual salary for Advertising, Promotions careers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Communication degree gives you the strategic 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 528. Intercultural Global Conflict. 3 Credits.

Communication patterns and processes can both facilitate conflict and terrorism as well as reduce discord and violence. Communication and conflict theory and research are examined in a global context with implications for terrorism, insurgency, and violence. Intergroup communication as well as communication strategies for mitigating discord and enhancing violence reduction are considered. On demand.

COMM 516. Principles of Professional Communication. 3 Credits.

The course will provide a conceptual and historical overview of the scholarly discipline of Communication, coupled with an introduction to Theories of Communication and discussions of how these relate to professional environments. Topics addressed will include Theories of Communication applicable specifically to communication professionals with related case studies, communicative patterns, and outcomes. F.

COMM 517. Research Methodology for Communication Professionals. 3 Credits.

This course provides students with the opportunity to enrich their knowledge of communication and hone their analytic, research, and writing skills. Students will create content that are relevant to their desired professions or career paths and test its effectiveness by conducting appropriate research. F.

COMM 518. Professional Project in Communication. 3 Credits.

This class is designed for students who are enrolled in the Online MA in Communication program and have completed at least 15 graduate credits. This course allows students to demonstrate their cumulative communication skills and knowledge. Students complete a professional portfolio or scholarly project that demonstrates the synthesis and application of knowledge acquired through coursework. Prerequisite: Must have completed 15 credits in the online MA track in Communication. S.

Leaders that Do

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

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Explore More Options

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

  • Department of Communication
  • Graduate Degrees
Department Contact
Dr. Soojung Kim
Graduate Director
P 701.777.2473
soojung.kim@UND.edu
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