Master of Science in Communication
Purdue University's online Master of Science in Communication is designed for professionals ready to excel in the dynamic field of communication. Tailor your degree with five concentration options and learn from industry experts. Develop branding, messaging and reputation management skills for success in the digital communication landscape. Our program accepts credit transfers from Purdue's communication graduate certificates.
Ready to Become a Boilermaker?
Overview
Transform perspectives and shape narratives in the dynamic communication field
Elevate your communication career with Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Communication. Enjoy the flexibility of online coursework while doing a deep dive into the latest trends and issues in the communication field. Take courses led by experienced practitioners and industry experts, customize your degree by choosing from five concentrations, and build in-demand skills that you can use to jumpstart a successful communication career, move up in your current career, or make strides in a new industry.
Our program equips you with critical thinking and strategic communication skills to amplify messaging across platforms. Delve into topics like branding, digital media, marketing, social media, organizational communication, health communication and public relations. Along the way, learn to master the tools and platforms that define today’s media landscape.
Customize your degree to fit your unique career goals by choosing a concentration. Concentrations include:
- Strategic Communication/ Public Relations
- Branding and Marketing
- Digital Media and Communication Technologies
- Management Communication and Leadership
- Health Communication
We also offer graduate certificates with distinct topic areas. These certificates offer credit transfer options, providing flexibility and a pathway to further specialization. Graduate certificates teach core competencies in less time than the traditional master’s degree.
Graduate certificate credits can be applied later toward the completion of the full online master’s degree. Explore Purdue’s Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate certificates in strategic communication, communication and leadership, branding and marketing communication, and health communication.
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Program Specifics
No Communication Experience Needed to Start
Communication is a universal skill that transcends industries. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, in nonprofit or for-profit work, or in another field entirely, our online Master of Communication degree equips you with tools to excel.
Start your journey to becoming an effective communicator today — no prior experience is required.
More information on courses and faculty can be found on the program website.
Core Required Courses
- Seminar in Strategic Communication (COM 60111)
- Seminar in Communication Research Methods (COM 60411)
- Strategic Communications and Ethics (COM 61011)
Elective Courses (choose seven)
- Seminar in Global Strategic Communication (COM 60211)
- Seminar In Crisis Communication (COM 60311)
- Strategic Communication and Professional Writing (COM 60511)
- Strategic Communication and Fundraising (COM 60711)
- Leadership and Global Strategic Communication (COM 60811)
- Strategic Public Relations (COM 60911)
- Strategic Communication and Social Media (COM 62111)
- Seminar in Advertising (COM 64011)
- Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communication (COM 64100)
- Persuasive Communication (COM 64200)
- Strategic Personal Branding (COM 64400)
- Healthcare Communication (COM 64500)
- Strategic Corporate Branding (COM 64600)
- Communication and Leadership (COM 65000)
- Organizational Culture and Internal Communication (COM 65100)
- Communication Education and Training (COM 65200)
- Health Advocacy (COM 65500)
Pursue Purdue’s top-ranked online MS in Communication and experience the Purdue difference:
Affordable Prestige
Competitive tuition and a prestigious degree from a world-renowned university.
Customization
Five tailored concentrations to match your interests.
Relevance
Study emerging trends in PR, branding, social media, marketing, technology tools, leadership, health communication and more.
Fast Credentials
The master’s degree can be earned in as little as one year. Learning objectives include solving organizational problems, developing brands, influencing decision-making and effectively communicating with diverse audiences.
Additionally, our graduate certificates offer credit transfer options, providing flexibility and a pathway to further specialization. Transform your career with Purdue’s top-notch communication programs.
Graduate Student Kyle Richardson Finds Real-World Success Through Purdue’s Online Communication Curriculum
Graduate school is a big investment, and most graduate students make that investment in the hopes it will lead to career growth. In this Q&A story, Kyle Richardson, an online MS in Communication student, sheds light on how his education at The Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue University has helped bolster his professional life in Washington, D.C. at a busy consulting firm.
Master’s Degrees Can Help Professionals Make Big Career Leaps
For many professionals, earning a master’s degree can provide a big return-on-investment. In addition to financial benefits like salary increases and promotions, master’s degrees also help professionals learn in-demand skills, which can improve their job prospects, help them pivot to a new industry, or help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Many employers value the advanced skills that master’s programs teach, and research shows that job candidates with master’s degrees have average salary increases from 25% to more than 75% in select fields. Ask your enrollment counselor for details on Purdue’s online master’s programs or learn more about the benefits of earning a master’s here.
Career Outcomes
Top Job Titles
- Directors of Development
- Communications Specialists/Managers
- Directors of Communications
- Directors of Government Affairs
Top Industries
- Colleges/Universities
- Professional Schools and Junior Colleges
- Government Agencies
- Large Corporations
Source: LightcastTM (2023). Unique job postings for July 2022-2023. Projected growth for years 2023-2033.
Contact Us
You are not alone in taking your next giant leap.
Get your questions answered, receive application help, or plan your degree journey by speaking with an enrollment counselor. Request more information today by filling out this form to connect with a Purdue University enrollment counselor and receive additional program materials.
Ready to Become a Purdue Boilermaker?
Are you ready to join the Purdue innovators and changemakers always striving to make giant leaps forward in our industries and fields? Start your application today!