No matter the field, skilled communication is key.

Whether you have recently finished your undergraduate degree or you’ve been in the workforce for a while, a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Missouri–St. Louis can take you far. The degree program prepares graduates for jobs in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, plus a wide range of other fields. Students who are already employed can use the skills they acquire in the program to advance in their current careers. It can also prepare graduates for doctoral studies and a career in higher education.

Master of Arts in Communication

All students must complete a 15-credit-hour core which includes two required courses focusing on fundamental theories and basic research methods. Students must also select at least three of four “application” courses addressing communication processes within a particular context, including strategic communication in organizations, interpersonal communication, mass communication and health communication. Additional credit hours consist of graduate-level electives reflective of a student’s interests or area of specialization. To meet degree requirements with 30-credit hours, students complete a thesis or internship. In lieu of one of these exit projects, a total of 36-credit hours is required.

 

Program type:

Graduate, MA

Format:

On-Campus

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Overview

Why get a master's degree in Communications at UMSL?

The MA in Communication is a flexible degree program with a social-behavioral science approach that is applicable to any industry, and is versatile enough to open the door to many different job opportunities. What’s more, UMSL has a diverse faculty and student body, meaning that the nuances of communication can be more greatly explored on our campus. These benefits and more make our MA in Communication perfect for students who want to be able to apply the knowledge and skills they acquire in a rich diversity of ways.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

MA in Communication graduates are known for their professionalism on the job and their strong sense of civic responsibility. That’s because they have spent their time at UMSL engaging in creative and critical thinking, learning to analyze evidence, appreciating patterns of complexity and reflecting on important issues that impact our daily lives. Our students gain skill sets that prepare them for a changing workplace that requires flexible, dynamic and well-educated employees.

The median annual salary for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is $138,730, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

138,730

Median annual salary

6

Employment growth by 2032

Career Opportunities

  • Advertising/Marketing Account Manager
  • Corporate Communication Manager
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Learning and Development Analyst
  • Marketing Communications Manager
  • Media Communications Manager
  • Media or Event Planner
  • Political Campaign Manager
  • Public Affairs Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Journalist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Speechwriter
  • Technical Writer
  • Web Producer

 

Applicants must have a baccalaureate in communication or a related discipline by the end of the semester in which they apply.

The minimum cumulative GPA required for regular admission to the graduate program in communication is 3.25 on a 4-point scale. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs that do not meet the admission criterion may be eligible to be admitted with probationary status if they submit additional materials that speak to their ability to succeed in the program, such as current letters of recommendation or recent GRE scores. Contact the Graduate Program Director for more information.

International students who are non-native speakers of English must obtain a TOEFL iBT score of 100 to be considered for admission.

Download Program Requirements

Plan of study

Review Full Degree Requirements Download 2-Year Academic Map

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

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Career Services – Students have access to professional career counselors who can assist in everything from resume development and interview preparation to lining up an internship or connecting you with your next fulltime career. UMSL alumni also enjoy high quality, lifelong career management programming, services, events and resources to assist in all phases of career development.

Networking – with the largest alumni network in the region, UMSL graduate students have access to leading professionals engaged in business, research, entrepreneurship, non-profit, government, community organizations. Our academic units engage this network in curriculum development to ensure our graduate students gain the skills needed to advance along their choose career path.

Research – There are many opportunities for graduate students to showcase their research including our annual Graduate Research Fair, which is open to students from all graduate programs. Doctoral and thesis master’s students can also compete in the Three Minute Thesis challenge to be evaluated by a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes. 

College of Arts and Sciences

UMSL Arts and Sciences transforms lives.

Why choose UMSL Arts and Sciences?

The College of Arts and Sciences offers exciting degree programs that cover the academic spectrum from fine arts, humanities and the social sciences, to the natural and applied sciences.

An undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences provides the intellectual base for a host of career paths, advanced study and research in many academic disciplines. Our graduates are known for their professionalism on the job and their strong sense of civic responsibility.

College of Arts and Sciences

Active researchers, scholars and practitioners

Our accomplished faculty provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on and practical education to best prepare them for success in the modern workforce.

Our faculty are actively engaged in research and scholarship that advances knowledge, theory and applied methods in their fields and provides an unparalleled academic experience. Truly inspired by students’ resilience, creativity, passion for learning and desire to make a difference in their communities, our faculty are driven to educate, prepare and cultivate the innovative spirit UMSL students are so well known for.

UMSL Faculty

An inspired and accomplished Triton network

The College of Arts and Sciences has prepared tens of thousands of graduates to become influential leaders and find career success in the region, nationally and internationally.

The collective expertise of our alumni encompasses an impressive and comprehensive list of disciplines. They are notable journalists, writers, public relations professionals and leaders in private and public sectors. They are scientists, musicians, entrepreneurs, CEOs and much more. Committed to their organizations and communities, our graduates share a constant motivation to inspire others, build inclusive excellence, drive positive change and transform the lives of others through their everyday work.

College of Arts and Science Alumni

Find your passion, chart your path

Our wide range of academic programs are structured to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to set yourself apart and be career ready on day one.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers 31 baccalaureate, 16 master and seven doctoral degrees as well as dozens of minor and certificate programs designed to get you where you want to go. With dedicated academic advisors ready to create a personalized plan to help you succeed in your academic journey, you'll have a clear path from start to finish. Find the program that’s right for you and apply today.

College of Arts and Sciences at UMSL

MORE Flexibility. MORE Possibilities.

When it comes to your education, we know one size doesn’t fit all. Offering exceptional academics at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, our degree programs are built to fit any schedule. Whether you want to earn your degree on campus, fully online, during the evening or weekends with our 4-, 8-, 12- and 16-week course offerings – UMSL will meet you when and where you want.

UMSL Rankings

#1

in Missouri for affordability
(Business Insider)

#1

Online College in Missouri
(Forbes 2024)

60+

non-degree certificate programs

#1

transfer destination in St.Louis

#5

nationally for adult education
(Great Value Colleges)

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Start your journey at UMSL. Join our diverse student body and have access to world-class researchers and scholars, top-ranked degree programs and sought-after internship opportunities.