The Right MCM Speaks Volumes. We Can Help Find the Right One for You.
Learn MoreA Master of Mass Communications is an advanced degree available at more than 450 institutions in the United States. [1] It aims to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in the media, creative industries, and corporate leadership through a program of typically diverse courses, usually on a bedrock of contemporary communications theory.
Communications is a diverse field that overlaps with marketing and advertising, public relations, public affairs, journalism and the media, and corporate leadership.
The job prospects for communications professionals are encouraging for those looking to enter the field or rise in the ranks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that management jobs within advertising, promotions, marketing, public relations, and sales will rise as much as 13% between 2014 and 2024. [2]
Around one in five communications undergraduates will go on to study at master’s level — and, according to a recent study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, can expect to see an average 25% more pay. [3]
Students take on a master’s in mass communications for a host of reasons. Motivations include:
The communications, public relations, and media industries are changing in the U.S. In 2015, the newspaper sector had arguably its worst year since 2008’s global recession. Average print and digital weekday newspaper circulation fell 7% — the greatest fall in figures since 2010.
Digital subscriptions have also yet to make a mark, with a drop of 8% in total advertising revenue. [6] The media comprises about 33,000 full-time newsroom employees — an estimated 20,000 less than 20 years ago, according to the Pew Research Center. [7]
Broadcast media and journalism are also shifting as audiences turn to new media for immediate, curated, and peer-shared content. Across age groups, 62% of U.S. adults now cite social media as their main source of news, reflecting the growing resources social media channels are pouring into streaming video capabilities. [8]
In a world where almost anyone can turn journalist and broadcaster, your Master of Science in Communications can help you fill the need for versatile, broadly educated media and communications professionals who can adapt and respond effectively.
Mass communications master’s students investigate the influence of mass media in American culture. Effectively taking on the role of analyst, they have the chance to explore a wide range of advertising, media, and communications materials, both historical and contemporary.
Because it’s an advanced qualification, a master’s in communications can help prepare you to play a key part as a senior practitioner within a diverse range of fields that may include journalism, advertising, marketing, public affairs, and public relations, shaping the future cultural legacy.
Graduates from an online Master of Science in Mass Communications program can go on to work in a diverse range of fields, including government, corporate, creative, and not-for-profit industries. Career paths for graduates can include:
According to data compiled by DataUSA, about 63.5% of MMC students are female, and the vast majority enroll in the degree with less than five years’ work experience. [14] MMC programs are designed first and foremost to appeal to people who already work in media and communications but are looking to advance to more senior positions.
It can also be a useful program for those with an interest in the subject who want to pursue further study, roles in policy and research, or teaching at a postsecondary level.
Employers often don’t have a formal requirement for master’s-level study when applying for senior roles, but graduates can feel that they have a more in-depth grasp of contemporary and theoretical issues in their working practice, which may give them a competitive edge in the market.
When choosing an MMC program, consider:
Since communications is such a broad field of study, graduates can be found in most walks of life and industries across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Despite the rocky financial period the media recently experienced, experts in the field predict a steady growth in the number of roles for media and communications professionals. [23]
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), 27,400 new jobs are expected to be created across core media and communications occupations between 2014 and 2024. While some vocations, like editing and announcing, are projected to experience a decline, others are projected to meet or exceed the national average in terms of job growth. [15]
Public relations specialists, translators, and film/video editors are among the careers likely to see growth by 2024. [15] Relatedly, some 19,700 new jobs are projected for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers during that same time period. [24]
What kind of salary can I expect to earn as a graduate?
You might be interested in what kind of return on investment (ROI) you might expect to get from studying communications at master’s level when compared to the bachelor’s level. According to self-reported data compiled by PayScale.com, here are the median salaries for three of the most popular graduate job titles, showing a clear increase for master’s graduates: [25]
Communications master’s programs vary in emphasis, but all degrees are likely to cover the key aspects of established communications theory, research methodologies, and practice.
Master’s in communications programs are designed to help you develop a comprehensive grounding in the subject, refine your communication skills, and explore the contexts for communications (cultural, multimedia, corporate, and so on). Among the common required courses across MMC programs are:
The content and range of courses are likely to be similar whether your program is online, on-campus, or hybrid.
Oral defense: Some schools will ask for a viva voce, or an oral presentation in which students are required to defend and present their thesis to a committee. This format typically gives the student the opportunity to present and defend his or her findings.
Field placements can help you to:
Some master’s degree programs have built-in internship components, often using the professional connections held by the media faculty. Other schools will award class credit hours for work experience in the field of study even if such a component isn’t a mandatory element of the program.
Even if an internship isn’t required for your program, you might find the opportunity useful. Many schools have career centers or other professional resources that can help you find opportunities in which you may be interested, even if they don’t lead to course credit.
The length of an online master’s degree program can depend on a number of variables, perhaps the most prominent of which is the pace at which you choose to study. You can finish a typical master’s degree program in about two to three years if you choose to study full-time, although some accelerated programs may be able to help you finish more quickly.
Online master’s degree programs tend to offer flexibility suitable for students who choose to study part-time. This option will likely extend your time to completion, but it can allow you to study while fulfilling your familial, social, and professional obligations.
You can find more information on this topic at our program length overview page.
How many courses are required?
Master of Mass Communications programs will typically require between eight and 12 courses, comprising about 24-36 semester credit hours. Your program’s composition will vary, but likely components of the curriculum include required or core courses, elective courses, and a capstone or experiential learning option.
Even within a particular school’s degree program, the number of courses required may vary based on the concentration you choose, your prior work experience, your number of transfer credits, or other such factors.
While each program will set its admissions requirements based on its own criteria, many requirements are universal across all programs. No matter where you apply, you can expect to provide items like transcripts from previous degrees or coursework; standardized test scores; a personal statement or essay; letters of recommendation; and an overview of relevant work experience.
In certain cases, some of these requirements may be waived.
For more information about admissions, please visit our admissions requirements page.
Mass communications is a broad field of practice that overlaps with a variety of other industries and professions. The benefit of the Master of Science in Mass Communications for many students lies in its breadth, with the ability to focus on areas of interest through elective courses and concentrations. There is, however, a huge range of other master’s degree programs in related fields, including:
Regional accreditation is the most prestigious type of accreditation that an online or traditional college or university can receive. It is granted only after careful consideration by private, not-for-profit organizations tasked with evaluating educational quality.
Regional accreditation is particularly important if you anticipate that you might want to transfer credits from one online degree program to another or use those credits to pursue another degree. Most regionally accredited schools will only accept credits from other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning.
You can learn more on this topic at our regional accreditation page.
Specialized accreditation
Around 450 colleges and universities offer programs in journalism and mass communications — and about 1,000 institutions offer at least some instruction in those fields.
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) sets the national standard for journalism and communications qualifications. The ACEJMC has accredited 118 programs at all levels in the United States and internationally. [1]
Professional certifications can be one way of demonstrating your knowledge and expertise to employers, and they can show your commitment to professional development as the industry evolves.
There are no certifications required to practice communications, but some organizations do offer them to highlight areas of expertise.
One prominent example is the Communication Management Professional certification, created by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and Global Communications Certification Council (GCCC). It was developed in conjunction with industry leaders to demonstrate ongoing generalist proficiency. [22]
Your ability to gain certification is typically based on criteria like length and depth of work experience, breadth of education, and a written exam.
Communications has always played a pivotal role in the development of societies and cultures. As early as the late 1870s, communications studies existed in some format, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that studies like sociology, psychology, and political science gave way to formal discussions of communications as a discipline. [9]
During this period, deliberate philosophical discussions by the likes of Walter Lippmann and John Dewey on the nature of communications gave rise to the field as one integral to social function. [10] At the collegiate level, early communications programs began evolving over the next few decades through the 1950s, but it wasn’t until 1957 that Michigan State University began the first formal communications program, prompting a string of high-profile universities to follow suit. [13]
The latter half of the 20th century saw rapid development in communications, with the emergence of cellular technology and the rapid development of the internet and web-based communications.
Communications master’s programs have become hugely popular, aiming to equip graduates to enter the business or creative industries with the ability to leverage modern communications methods and technology.
In the last few years, some programs have been starting to offer specializations in emerging communications channels to meet the growing demand for new media professionals working in fields as diverse as print and digital journalism, public relations, social media management, and content marketing.
There are a number of factors that can greatly affect how much your education will cost. These include whether you attend a public or private institution; whether you attend as an in-state or out-of-state student; and whether you qualify for financial aid like grants or scholarships.
For a more detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and other financial issues, please visit our tuition and fees page.
The Right MCM Speaks Volumes. We Can Help Find the Right One for You.
Learn MoreStatistics compiled by PayScale.com show that MMC graduates earn higher average salaries than bachelor’s graduates. [37] Having an advanced-level qualification in mass communications can lead to a variety of career paths, including in the media, marketing and advertising, public relations, advocacy and public affairs, and corporate affairs.
Communications is a key skill in any walk of life, which is probably why communications remains a hugely popular major and a master’s subject taught at over 450 institutions in the US. [1]
Admission requirements vary from school to school. Some institutions require you to submit a resume for review to prove your working experience in the field. Others may ask you to submit standardized test scores to prove your academic readiness for study at an advanced level.
For any master’s-level program, you will need to have an undergraduate degree, although whether it has to be in a related field varies.
Average salary for graduates depends on the field they enter, but the industry as a whole is seeing steady growth. Here are some median salaries for graduates of a bachelor’s communications course versus a master’s, according to self-reported data compiled by PayScale.com: [38]
Marketing manager: Bachelor’s ($57,500); Master’s ($77,152)
Communications director: Bachelor’s ($52,500); Master’s ($59,000)
Communications specialist: Bachelor’s ($50,676); Master’s ($66,000)
For most institutions, there is no difference between the content of on-campus versus online programs. There may be some variations in the elective courses available online, but the key difference will be in the way learning is delivered.
With online programs, you can study wherever and whenever you like. On-campus programs suit people who prefer structure, taking classes on a set schedule. In terms of possible interaction with other students and professors, modern online learning usually presents just as many opportunities as its in-person counterpart.
The Accrediting Council on Education on Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) accredits mass communications and journalism programs against nine basic standards. The process follows a peer review format led by professionals and senior academics in the field.
As around a quarter of all U.S. programs in those fields are accredited, this distinction can help you to differentiate schools on the basis of likely quality. [1] But it is also important to choose the program that best fits your interests, your lifestyle, and other factors.
There are various mass communications, media and journalism bodies that can help prospective MMC students or graduates. Depending on the body, they may provide guidance on the job market or help with finding industry placements and internships. Some major associations include:
Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals (AMCP) [39]
Communications Media Management Association (CMMA) [40]
Association for Women in Communications (WomCom) [41]
National Communication Association (NATCOM) [35]
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) [36]
The Master of Communications degree is a robust study of the methods, tools, and technologies we use to create information and how we share it — both interpersonally and on a much larger, organizational level. Master of Communications degrees also focus on the theory and practice of speech, writing, new media digital platforms, and mass media as it relates to producing information.
Master of Communications degrees can be found under two primary titles: Master of Arts and Master of Science.
Master of Arts in Communications degrees focus on artistic and humanistic subject matter, such as mass media, culture, and journalism.
Master of Science in Communications degrees are grounded in research and theory, and students can contribute to an existing body of knowledge — or break new ground.
A Master of Communications degree is designed for public relations, media, and communications professionals. [23] Additionally, the degree can be of interest to current or potential students who desire to learn the way information is produced and disseminated across a variety of platforms.
Communications is a highly specialized field that every industry needs to operate efficiently. If you are looking to build on your communications knowledge and become a subject matter expert, a Master of Communications can provide the broad, interchangeable skills required for career advancement. Also, communications-related occupations are in high demand for a variety of industries, both public and private. [29]
Master of Communications graduates can also enter the workforce with a multitude of career options to choose from, such as in the arts, marketing, mass media, and public relations — all with distinct communications challenges that can be solved by knowledgeable graduates. Professionals with less than four years of experience can average a salary of $45,138, while industry veterans can earn up to $90,000 or more. [26]
Generally there are supplementary costs apart from tuition. The tuition does not usually include the cost of books or additional fees. These additional costs will vary from program to program.
The largest provider of student financial aid in the nation is the Federal Student Aid office in the U.S. Department of Education. It supplies college-level or career school students with loans, grants, and work-study funds. You can apply for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA.
There are numerous other scholarships available, but you will need to research which opportunities you’re qualified to pursue. Many states, associations, websites, and businesses award scholarships based on specific criteria. Be sure to do your research and apply for any scholarships you’re qualified to be awarded. [18]
Many institutions offer Master of Communications degrees online.
Most institutions do not indicate on the degree that it was earned online.
Yes, typically schools use the same curriculum for their online programs as they do for their campus-based programs.
To be admitted into a Master of Communications program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Additional admissions requirements may vary, but common requirements include a 3.0 GPA (minimum), letters of reference, a written personal statement, interview, and academic transcripts.
Some Master of Communications programs require relevant work experience as an admissions requirement, while others do not.
You do not need an undergraduate degree in communications to pursue a Master of Communications. However, some admission requirements stipulate that a degree candidate must have studied a similar program in a relevant topic area, like public relations, journalism, or English.
Whether you will need to complete the GRE prior to applying for a program will largely depend on what school you have chosen. There are many programs that do not require a GRE. Check the admissions requirements for your school before applying.
Asynchronous coursework can be completed on your own time — a big plus for many online graduate students who may be working around a busy work schedule or home life. Synchronous coursework has to be completed within a set timeframe. This is typically done for group projects, seminars, presentations, and other learning initiatives that require multiple attendees.
The elements of asynchronous and synchronous learning in your online program depend on the professor and the course. Once you enroll, reach out to teachers for specifics, but remember that the curriculum may be divided into these two subsets.
According to the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the typical core competencies for a Master of Communications degree are [19]:
Gain an understanding of the history of how professionals, public and private institutions shape communications
Learn how gender, race, and sexual orientation contribute to the diversity of communications and society
Gain a deep approach to the theories and practices associated with communications, images, and vital information
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the ethics and principles of truth and accuracy
Research and apply communications to its appropriate medium or channel
Learn the writing methods required for communications professions and intended audiences
Evaluate written communications for accuracy, clarity, context, and grammatical correctness
Learn and apply statistical methodology to data sets to glean communications trends [19]
Typically, it takes one to two years to earn a Master of Communications degree as a full-time student. However, some programs can be earned on a fast-track in less than two years, or are self-paced.
No. But most Master of Communications programs will have you complete a capstone project, thesis proposal, or assemble a portfolio of work. This all depends on the particular curriculum of your program.
Yes. Many institutions offer the Master of Communications degree online.
Master of Communications programs offer a variety of specialized programs and concentrations that students can use to focus their communications studies, such as:
Strategic Communications
Research Methodology
Gender Studies
Marketing
Journalism
Digital Media
Global Communications
A specialization that has high industry demand can significantly broaden your career options.
No, there are no certifications specifically required to work in mass communications.
No — attaining management/senior positions is not guaranteed through the completion of a master’s degree. These positions often require many years of experience and a significant level of career achievement. However, an advanced degree can help you develop the necessary knowledge and skills required for these positions and also prove your dedication to the field.
A Master of Communications graduate can pursue specialized careers in the public, private, or government sector, and often in areas of internal or external communications. Their primary careers can be found in journalism, advertising, media relations, public relations, and digital marketing. [23]
Common professions for Master of Communications graduates include:
Public Relations Director – $58,020
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager – $127,560
Speech Language Pathologist – $74,680
Social and Community Service Managers – $64,680
Copywriter – $61,240
Market Research Analyst – $62,560
Interpreter and/or Translator – $46,120
Public Relations Director – $58,020 [20]
Overall, the industry outlook for Master of Communications graduates is promising across specific areas. Between 2014 and 2024, media and communications careers are projected to increase by 4%, which will result in 27,400 new careers. Among those, public relations specialist careers are expected to expand by 6%, or about 14,900 jobs. Additionally, the need for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers will also increase as organizations continue to broaden, which is expected to create 19,700 new jobs. [23]
Master of Communications graduates can find employment in top 100 companies, Fortune 500 organizations, marketing and advertising agencies, nonprofits, health facilities, federal agencies, schools, colleges, and universities. [23]
Accreditations are a strong indication of quality, but are also required for students who plan to apply for federal financial aid. Accreditation ensures that your degree is recognized by employers, professional associations, and other accredited institutions of higher education.
SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) applies only to distance education programs in the United States that cross state lines. This agreement is made between member states and establishes comparable postsecondary national standards for distance education courses.
Not every state is a SARA member. Through SARA, member states only have to receive authorization in their home state. Without SARA, non-member states would have to receive authorization in their home state and the state of each of their online students. [16]
Every school has a department or team responsible for online education. This department will be able to answer questions regarding compliance for your home state. Additionally, you can locate the school through SARA (if it is a SARA institution) to confirm compliance.
Resources
[1] http://www.acejmc.org
[2] www.bls.org
[3] https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/whatsitworth-complete.pdf
[4] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Mass_Communications_(MMC)/Salary#by_Years_Experience
[5] www.datausa.io/profile/cip/090102/#employment
[6] http://www.journalism.org/2016/06/15/state-of-the-news-media-2016/pj_2016-06-15_state-of-the-news-media_overview-01/
[7] http://www.journalism.org/2016/06/15/state-of-the-news-media-2016/
[8] http://www.journalism.org/2016/05/26/news-use-across-social-media-platforms-2016/
[9] http://www.jeffpooley.com/pubs/NewHistoryPooley2008.pdf
[10] http://www.infoamerica.org/teoria_articulos/lippmann_dewey.htm
[11] http://www.grady.uga.edu/annualsurveys/Graduate_Survey/Graduate_2013/Grad_Report_2013_Combined.pdf
[12] http://www.grady.uga.edu/annualsurveys/Graduate_Survey/Graduate_2013/Grad_Report_2013_Combined.pdf
[13] http://cas.msu.edu/places/departments/communication/about/
[14] https://datausa.io/profile/cip/090102/#demographics
[15] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm
[16] http://nc-sara.org
[17] https://www.natcom.org/
[18] https://fafsa.ed.gov/
[19] http://www.acejmc.org/resources/acejmc-guide-to-assessment/
[20] https://www.onetonline.org
[21] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-3
[22] https://www.iabc.com/professional-development/certification/communication-management-professional-certification/
[23] http://www.prmoment.com/category/pr-insight/ten-pr-predictions-for-2016
[24] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
[25] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Arts_(MA)%2c_Communication/Salary
[26] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Mass_Communications_(MMC)/Salary#by_Years_Experience
[27] http://advanced.jhu.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/communication/degree-requirements/
[28] http://www.bu.edu/com/admissions/graduate/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
[29] http://www.cbsnews.com/media/the-best-11-jobs-in-america-for-2017/
[30] http://www.seattleawc.org/scholarships-and-awards/
[31] http://owaa.org/programs/scholarships-fellowships/bodie-mcdowell-scholarship
[32] http://prssa.prsa.org/scholarships_competitions
[33] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm
[34] http://www.learninghouse.com/ocs2016/
[35] http://natcom.org
[36] https://www.iabc.com
[37] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Mass_Communications_(MMC)/Salary#by_Years_Experience
[38] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Arts_(MA)%2c_Communication/Salary
[39] http://www.amcpros.com
[40] https://www.cmma.org
[41] http://womcom.org