"Strong communicators are strong leaders. Whether you're looking to lead ad campaigns that drive customers to action, build meaningful community relationships for local nonprofits, or seal business deals with executive leadership teams, a graduate degree in communication can help you build the skills and authority you need to advance your career. Just as the saying goes about every business needs an accountant, I think that no business exists without a communications professional," said Robert Krueger, an instructor in Southern New Hampshire University's Master of Arts (MA) in Communication program.

Virtually every profession values communicators who can shape messages with technology - and keep up with media as it evolves. This online master's in communication is grounded in the hands-on application of current communications practices, so you can immediately apply what you learn to your daily profession. This 36-credit program isn't your typical MA in Communication degree, steeped in traditional theory and research. Our master in communication online program has been newly designed for those pursuing a variety of exciting communication-related careers, including advertising, journalism, marketing, public relations, and social media.

Learn how to:

- Apply moral reasoning to make choices that meet accepted standards in the field of communication

- Build an understanding of multiple strategic approaches to guide decision-making and solve business challenges

- Engage a wide range of audiences effectively through an enriched sense of empathy and insight into global perspectives

- Use multiple communication technologies and channels to collaborate and share ideas

- Create, manage and grow an authentic personal brand

- Apply knowledge, skills, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt and become an empowered agent of change

You'll build your skillset with coursework in areas like social media practices, reputation management, personal and corporate brand building, writing for digital platforms, ethics, and marketing campaign design. The Master of Arts (MA) in Communication program can help you develop media, marketing, branding, and public relations skills essential in a wide range of industries. In the final capstone course, you'll use what you've learned to strategize and execute a real-life communication campaign. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with hands-on, real-world expertise.

"We prepare students, so once they hit the job market, they are really able to soar, said Dr. Karen Wilkinson, associate dean of liberal arts, communication, and online instructor of graduate communication courses at SNHU. She is just one of many experts helping learners reach their goals. "Students within the online master's program begin learning about effective messaging during the very first week of studies in COM-500: Communication, Media & Society," Wilkinson said. "In this very early stage of learning, students are introduced to established communication models and theories." From there, you'll blend theory with practice by engaging in thoughtful discussion and examining real-world scenarios. "Throughout the MA program, students utilize learning opportunities and hands-on experiences to shape messages that will deliver an impact via oral, written, and visual means," Wilkinson said. "Students respond to a myriad of real-world scenarios and craft messaging solutions that inform, educate and enlighten." Finally, the program may be topped off with an elective internship and required capstone, giving you an opportunity to add your voice to the field. "The capstone experience offers a culmination of knowledge obtained throughout the program as students create a well-researched and creative communications plan to deliver an effective message via a comprehensive and strategic approach."

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 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.

$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)