Master's in Communication Online MA Degree Program

Become a marketing and social media maven with an online MA in Communication with a concentration in New Media & Marketing degree. In the master's in new media and marketing online program, you'll learn how to effectively collaborate with others inside and outside of your field, write persuasively across all media channels and understand why some products and ideas take off while others fall flat.

“I think a degree in new media is of value because it helps hone the skills necessary to succeed in this industry, like writing, graphic design, video production and marketing,” said Christine Bord, an adjunct instructor in Southern New Hampshire University’s communication department. “This is also a very competitive field, and many employers are looking for candidates who have a degree in media and marketing.”

The new media and marketing concentration consists of seven core courses, a capstone course and four specialized courses, all taught by experienced faculty with hands-on, real-world expertise. In the final capstone course, you'll use what you've learned to strategize and execute a real-life new media communication campaign.

If you're more interested in a program with a heavier emphasis on marketing, you may want to explore our online master's in marketing program, which has a social media marketing concentration.

Career outlook:

The online master's in communication with a new media and marketing concentration is designed to keep you at the forefront of new media technologies, so you can be prepared for the next step of your career.

“While studying new media, students will learn theoretical and tactical skills in social media, video, digital marketing, public relations and other areas of communication,” said MA in Communication instructor Robert Krueger. “We look to prepare students to be leaders in their field, which is why we focus on how to strategize and offer consultation to CEOs and C-suite members when given a seat at the table.”

You'll gain specialized knowledge and skills that could position you for a number of roles, including:

• Social media specialist
• Public relations specialist
• Graphic designer
• Editor
• Marketing manager

Plus, given the broad appeal of new media across industries, you'll have the option to work in a number of different environments, from financial firms to nonprofits and beyond.

Courses may include:

• Communication with Media Technology
• Pen to Platform (communicating across diverse media)
• Digital Tools & Teams
• New Media Campaign Design & Marketing

For MA Communication student Na'Keevia Brown '21, Communication with Media Technology was a course that stood out to her the most.

"It was so relevant to where we are today in this digital era," she said. "I feel that media technologies are changing so rapidly that what is considered new today could be nonexistent or obsolete tomorrow."

Brown said the Pen to Platform course was also worth mentioning, as she felt it offered her some of the most valuable takeaways.

"I learned how to apply best practices for effectively communicating across different media," she said.

Master brand management with an online Master of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations degree. In an internet-enabled world with 24/7 access to any and all kinds of information, brand scrutiny - whether from the news media or the general public - never stops. The master's in public relations online degree program immerses you in the technology and tactics that show brands in their best light and help keep them there.

Designed for both current public relations professionals and those hoping to break into the field, this career-focused concentration demonstrates best practices for building, managing and maintaining brand value through the use of public relations and external communications.

You'll learn how to use all of the media channels available to you to strategically manage the flow of information between brands and the public – whether it’s through traditional media avenues or emerging digital platforms.

The public relations concentration consists of seven core courses, four specialized courses and a capstone course, in which you'll use what you've learned to strategize and execute a real-life public relations campaign.

Career outlook

Current PR professionals and those seeking to enter this growing field can advance their careers with the knowledge and skills gained from a master's in public relations online.

As a public relations professional, you'll be tasked with maintaining and improving a company’s public reputation – usually by working directly with media members in person, via press releases and beyond. You may also be in charge of other corporate communications, including speeches given by company leaders.

As new media have grown ever more pervasive, the demand for adept PR professionals has only increased. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 6% job growth for public relations specialists through 2032, which is faster than the national average.¹ In addition, public relations specialists reportedly earned a median annual wage of $67,440 in 2022.¹

Courses may include:

• Reputation Management: Building a Brand
• Spread the Word: Social Media Practices
• Crisis Communication in a 24/7 World
• Integrated Public Relations Campaigns & Measurement

If you're seeking an undergraduate degree, you may be interested in our online bachelor's in public relations degree.

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

Prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. You could also earn college credit for previous work experience.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. 

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

• Completed free application
• Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.

Master's degree candidates must also submit a personal statement. Students with an undergraduate GPA below 2.75 are eligible for provisional acceptance.

If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:

• Complete free graduate application
• Submit undergraduate transcripts
• Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through application process

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

A master's in communication could be a wise choice for someone looking to build leadership skills that can be used across industries. As Dr. Karen Wilkinson, an associate dean at SNHU with over 30 years of marketing, communication and PR experience, put it: "Communication touches every field, workplace and environment throughout contemporary society."

This is especially important in an age where so many communication channels exist – many on digital platforms where massive amounts of content are shared every second.

"Today, more than ever, individuals are inundated with digital technology and online social opportunities," Wilkinson said. "The ability to create and deliver content via the correct context, channel and medium is essential to ensuring that communication efforts are strategic and successful."

The stakes have been raised for timely and ethical communication, too. Gone are the days when a press release was the primary course of action to correct a PR nightmare. Now, professional communicators are expected to speak directly and respectfully to audiences across the globe.

"Digital environments deliver vast opportunity to engage with global audiences. Social media offers an online conversation," Wilkinson pointed out. In addition, these audiences are culturally unique, diverse in both thought and experience, and expect immediacy in the way information is shared.

Earning an advanced degree can help give the tools you need to adapt to these evolving channels – which could also help you stand out to employers. An online master's in communication can strengthen and build upon your prior BA or BS degree by allowing you to develop new and valued workplace skill sets.

"The quality and support from my professors and advisor are unmatched," Na'Keevia Brown '21 said. "I love that the classes are focused on preparing us for the real world."

"And affordability?" Brown adds, "SNHU has everyone beat!"

The amount you earn upon getting your master's in communication depends on several factors, including your specific role, company, industry and geographical location.

That said, a master's in communication online degree program could help position you for career advancement – and, in turn, higher earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who had a bachelor's degree in communication and other fields received median weekly earnings of $1,432 in 2022.¹ By comparison, those who had a master's degree in the same time period received median weekly earnings of $1,661.¹

In many cases, students can expect to complete their master's degree in 1.5 to 2 years. But at SNHU, you can earn your master's online at whatever pace you'd like – whether it's over the course of a few years, or in as few as 15 months.

We know that no two learners are the same – that we all have unique needs and challenges. What matters to us is helping you achieve the goals you set out to achieve, in whatever way works best for you.

That means, if you're balancing a job, commitments with family or any other host of responsibilities, you can take on the work that fits your schedule. Our advisors can work closely with you to map out a course plan – and if, for whatever reason, your schedule changes, we can adjust accordingly.

For Riel Major '21, the online flexibility made all the difference. "The structure of the program was perfect for me," she said. "I was able to work full time and [attend] school full time."

We also accept up to 12 transfer credits, helping you pick up right where you left off (and save tuition along the way).

The bottom line is, we're here to help you reach the finish line, no matter where you start, or what pace you take to get there.

One of the things that makes the master's in communication such a powerful degree is that it can be broadly applicable to a number of different roles and industries across the globe. Whether you're working in financial services, marketing or even for a local nonprofit, your skills could be an invaluable asset to any organization.

For Mihir Pandya '18, a graduate degree in communication from SNHU meant realizing his dream of working in the sports industry. After interning for Major League Soccer (MLS), he was offered a full-time job in their communications department, working as a media monitoring and analysis consultant.

"Learning on the job alongside with the MA program in communication came in very handy," Pandya said. "I was able to apply my real-life experiences to the program and my book knowledge to the internship."

A master's in communication also aims to prepare you for any challenge that might come your way. Upon graduating, you'll be equipped with skills that can help you adapt in fast-paced environments.

“A communicator has his or her fingers in every pot," said Dr. Karen Wilkinson, an associate dean at SNHU. "You are going to need to know how to create a graphic, respond to a crisis, write a blog or create a web page. Communication is tied to technology and technology is ever-evolving.”

A communication degree can help you grow a number of "soft skills," which, according to a National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2020 survey, were high on employers' wish lists for employees.² In fact, 86.3% of the hiring managers who answered the survey valued staff who can collaborate as part of a team.

Even more managers, 91.2%, look for employees who have problem-solving skills. Other soft skills managers listed included:

• Writing proficiency: 77.5%
• Strong work ethic: 80.4%
• Verbal communication: 69.6%
• Leadership: 72.5%

All of these skills are central to our online master's in communication program. And if you're looking to stand out even more to employers, we offer concentrations in public relations and new media, too.

Both concentrations find their sweet spot in the intersection of messaging and technology, according to SNHU instructor Robert Krueger.

“As a professor who also works for a large global company, I assure you these are the skills that make communicators succeed out in the field.”

While the names alone do not have specific, across-the-board differences, it's worth noting that, even with the same name, the content of these programs may vary. If you're trying to decide on a program, take a close look at the course curriculum and outcomes to figure out if it's right for you.

Our graduate communication program, for example, mixes theoretical principles and concepts with practical, real-world applications using engaged class discussion, internships and a capstone.

Take a look at our course curriculum to learn more.

The curriculum for our online graduate communication program is designed to prepare you for success in the field. That means, in part, taking a look at the competencies and skills that are most valued by employers across the globe.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) notes 6 core principles of the communication profession.³ These core principles, which help inform key communication skills, are present throughout our program. They are:

1. Ethics. Communicating cultural values, representing organizations truthfully and enabling mutual understanding and respect.
2. Consistency. Establish a clear and compelling narrative and recognize the diverse perspectives of your audience.
3. Context. Understand internal cultures, external environments and how to advocate for your organization.
4. Analysis. Understand and evaluate communication plans using qualitative and quantitative research.
5. Strategy. Identify opportunities and challenges and execute effective communication strategies.
6. Engagement. Foster and nourish relationships with key stakeholders to align on shared goals.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes273031.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

²National Association of Colleges and Employers, on the internet at https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/key-attributes-employers-want-to-see-on-students-resumes/ (viewed Sept. 23, 2021)

³ International Association of Business Communicators. The Global Standard of the Communication Professional, on the internet, at https://www.iabc.com/global-standard-2/ (viewed Sept. 23, 2021)