Communication, MA
Effective communication is one of the most sought-after skills in today's job market. Build advanced expertise in communication, leadership and applied research. You can sharpen high-impact writing and critical-thinking skills that employers seek, gaining a competitive edge in a fast-changing job market.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Communication master's description
The Master of Arts program in communication provides you, as a working professional, with advanced training in communication skills and competencies, preparing you for career advancement and leadership in a shifting job market.
The flexible nature of this online program benefits you if you have a busy schedule.
The faculty members at ASU's Hugh Downs School of Human Communication are highly experienced in developing and delivering quality online coursework that prepares you for success in your career. You gain essential skills required in today's workplace, including conflict transformation, cross-cultural communication, negotiation, persuasion and crisis management.
The MA program concludes with a capstone project, giving you the opportunity to put your skills into action and make a real impact by solving communication problems in your community or workplace. The final project can be implemented by the organization or shown to future potential employers.
Why study communication at ASU?
At the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, this degree focuses on professional skills you can use right away at work. The online format offers flexibility while the coursework connects theory, research and practical application so you're ready to lead and collaborate.
You develop expertise in areas such as workplace communication, conflict transformation, negotiation, persuasion and crisis communication. These skills support effective leadership and stronger organizational results across many settings.
A customizable curriculum lets you shape your electives around your professional goals, so this graduate degree fits the path you want to take. The capstone project sets the program apart by giving you the chance to solve an actual communication challenge, creating solutions an organization can use and work you can show to future employers.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (COM 550)
Required Core (12 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
COM 501 Research Methods in Communication (3)
COM 504 Theories and Models in Communication (3)
COM 530 Training and Development (3)
COM 540 Conducting Communication Research (3)
COM 550 Capstone (3)
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in communication or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Applicants should include a resume and letter of interest. The letter should be two to three pages, and should outline work, educational background and volunteer experience, as well as discuss why the applicant is interested in this degree, field and program.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/23 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 09/16 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/15 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 02/16 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/20 | Final* |
| Session B | Online | 06/03 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this communication master's degree prepares you for
This program is designed for individuals looking to change career trajectories or get ahead in their current professions. Graduates can expect to find work in:
- fundraising
- government
- health care
- human resources
- management
- marketing
- nonprofits
- public relations
- sales
- teaching
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication
|
STAUF A412
MACOMAPP@asu.edu
480-965-5095
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
