Online Degree in Network Communications Management

Best Online Master's in Com­mu­ni­ca­tion Management Online College Rankings

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Online Masters in Communications Management

Communications professionals have the opportunity each day to influence tactical communication initiatives. These initiatives help drive their organization’s relationships, with an array of audiences, and further the goals of any institution with a proficient internal or external communication strategy. These leaders in business are often equipped with an education that includes a degree like the Online Master’s in Communication Management.

Business schools have designed this advanced communication management program to serve both new and experienced professionals who desire to drive innovation, become transformative leaders, and positively influence global business communication. Though the classes are held virtually through distance learning, graduate students enrolled in these programs have ample opportunity to engage in matters of applied research and communication theory. Subjects that are integral to communications set the foundation for coursework, including strategic corporate communication, change management, integrated and global marketing, and other applied domains.

Communication management learners are equipped with the principles and practices of how to relate and apply strategy to real-world business scenarios in collaboration, by faculty well-versed in the world of communications. Some of these master’s programs feature cohort learning groups that allow students to thrive within networking relationships, which will prove invaluable both during the degree’s duration and beyond. Distance learners enrolled in Online Master’s in Communication Management will often have the chance to explore the societal and psychological impacts of marketing messages, evaluate research and theory based on value and attitude design, and interpret data to measure the effectiveness of initiatives and campaigns.

Many of the online graduate programs in communication management will conclude with a thesis assignment or allow students to apply their knowledge through a capstone practicum project that deals with their field of interest. A capstone is the perfect opportunity for a student to gain firsthand experience in the evolution of theory applying to practice.

While higher education asks much in the way of financial and time commitment, a degree like the Online Master’s in Communication Management is an excellent option for working professionals. Here is a list of the top 25 programs in the nation.

Methodology

To find the best Online Master’s in Communication Management programs, colleges with online or hybrid master’s degrees in communication and communication management were examined. These master’s programs were ranked upon their reputation, convenience, and affordability.

Reputation

To calculate each program’s overall reputation and prestige, data was combined from US News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and each school’s College Consensus Score. The data was averaged for each master’s and placed on a 100-point scale. This Reputation Score makes up 33% of the final ranking score.

Convenience

The convenience of each program is calculated from two criteria: whether it can be completed in a 100% online format, and if the GMAT/GRE test score requirement is omitted or waived during in application. This Convenience Score makes up 33% of the final ranking score.

Affordability

The affordability of each master’s program is dependent upon its base tuition. This tuition data was taken directly from each school’s website. The tuition was inverted and placed on a 100-point scale. This Affordability Score makes up to 33% of the final ranking score.

The Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue University offers an Online Master of Science in Communications. Purdue’s online master’s in communication embodies the values that Brian Lamb School of Communication founders began with so many years ago. The school stresses a commitment to openness in public affairs and communication. The program’s curriculum is inspired by this commitment and was crafted to teach students more than the textbook definitions of strategy and theory. The 30-credit hour degree’s selected coursework ensures that students will achieve a heightened value for communication and will be given the tools they will need to leverage effective communication across any medium. Nearly 90% of alumni rated themselves as being “very or extremely effective” at skills of how to develop strategic communication plans, tailor messages to a variety of audiences and stakeholders, think critically about communication, use communication and social technology, and communicate complex ideas effectively. The tuition rate of Purdue’s 30-credit hour online degree sits just between $10,000 and $15,000.

Affordability Score
96.28
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
96.98

The University of Alabama delivers an Online Master of Arts in Communication Studies through the College of Continuing Studies. Program creators have designed a degree that helps graduate students develop a deep understanding of the strategy and theory behind decisive, impactful communication. Through the Organizational Leadership concentration, distance learners will gain additional skills that are directly relevant to any workplace. The program provides graduate students with the chance to study both applied and theoretical aspects of public discussion, persuasion, and interpersonal communication. Working professionals wanting to move up in their organization or make a career change will thrive within this program explicitly designed to help students understand the vital role that communication plays in an organization. The 30-credit hour curriculum is divided between 18 credits of required courses and 12 specialization credits. The Communication Studies Core Theory courses include Gender and Political Communication, Human Communication Theory, Group Leadership, Communication and Diversity, and Technology, Culture, and Human Communication.

Affordability Score
97.32
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
91.77

The College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides an online Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications. This Big Ten master’s program in integrated media communication solidifies a graduate student’s credentials for the rapidly evolving public relations and advertising industries. Students enrolled in the degree get the chance to set themselves apart from the competition through a flexible and convenient program, applicable courses, and expert faculty. Nebraska is committed to preparing distance learners to excel in their careers through hands-on learning and faculty mentoring. Resources available to students include financial support through fellowships and assistantships, special topic events and workshops that help graduates prepare for success after graduate school, and plenty of professional feedback through faculty and staff mentoring. The stellar degree is one of this ranking’s most affordable programs with a tuition rate of well below $15,000. The admissions office at Nebraska does not ask for a GMAT during the acceptance process.

Affordability Score
97.04
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
89.70

An Online MA in Strategic Communication is available at Washington State University’s Murrow College of Communication. WSU’s stellar program in strategic communication is available 100% online and is a perfect fit for those who want to make an impact in communication, advertising, corporate communication, and public relations. The convenient and flexible program accommodates those already working in the marketplace as professional communicators. Individuals wishing to enter the field by earning trusted credentials from a school noted for excellence in communication studies will also find much to gain within its 30-credit hours. The robust core curriculum consists of classes in multimedia content creation, research methods, crisis communication, and professional ethics. Students will also be exposed to hands-on training in the most advanced tools, techniques, and platforms. Distance learners will work closely with industry experts and faculty to learn graphic design tools, new media, audio and video software, and publication layouts.

Affordability Score
91.48
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
91.33

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University provides an Online Master of Arts in Communication. Program creators have designed the degree for business and nonprofit professionals wanting to improve their leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills that will result in career advancement in their current careers or success in a new one. The 100% online program employs an innovative format that gives access to award-winning Hugh Downs School of Human Communication staff. The master’s degree program includes interactive lecture videos, specialized seminar resources showcasing internationally recognized scholars in workplace communication subjects, and a capstone course that allows students to customize a project to their goals, interests, and needs. Graduate students seeking this degree also have the chance to earn a certificate in Conflict Management or Civil Dialogue. The tuition cost for this exemplary 30-credit hour program is just north of $20,000, and all courses are provided through online instruction.

Affordability Score
88.10
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
91.16

An Online MA in Integrated Marketing Communication is currently available at the School of Communication and the Arts at Marist College. The institution of higher learning situated in Poughkeepsie, New York, has been offering this stellar degree in business leadership since 2012. Marist’s 100% online IMC Marketing Master’s degree centers on modern-day strategic communication and digital interactive marketing tactics. Every course within the program deals with how marketing professionals can develop and implement vital marketing strategies to deliver a consistent message that supports a brand’s mission, values, and products across a variety of channels. Marist’s well-equipped Integrated Marketing Communication program consists of a 100% online curriculum that allows students to earn a marketing graduate degree on their timeline. The online classes combine to create a cohesive program, merging all facets of contemporary day marketing communications. Online Integrated Marketing Communication graduate courses deal with topics like advertising, public relations, global marketing insights, social media, strategy, marketing research, and branding.

Affordability Score
81.96
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
97.15

7

Penn State
Donald P. Bellisario College of Communication

An Online Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications is provided by the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communication at Penn State. Program architects have designed a degree that explores the importance of messaging. The 30-credit online degree program provides the practices and methods used to conduct adequate research when examining practical and theoretical issues in strategic communications. Courses highlight the collection, evaluation, and use of digital media audience data. This degree is designed with the future of communications in mind. The 100% online MPS in Strategic Communications allows for excellent customization through elective courses. Electives give distance learners the chance to dive deep into communications law, leadership, social media, digital analytics, and more, so working professionals can specialize their skillsets for their career path. The ability to research, foster, assess, and ultimately analyze campaigns will impact strategic options and improve overall communication performance. The online master’s degree touches on subject matter that is vital to 21st-century communication leaders, including Research Methods, Campaign Development, Content Implementation, Media Analytics, and Leadership and Law.

Affordability Score
80.49
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
95.30

An Online MS in Integrated Marketing Communications is currently offered at West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media. The degree has been crafted as a flexible, ten-course program offered 100% online. There are over 25 electives to choose from and concentrations in areas like social and digital media and creative strategy. Graduate students can create their ideal educational experience. While enrolled in this degree, working professionals will be able to fill a marketing role at their company, hone skills that will prepare them for a promotion, or pursue a subject that they’re passionate about. The degree contains ten courses (or 30 credits). How, when, and where distance learners do it is entirely up to them. There are zero in-person commitments throughout the entirety of the degree. Students can schedule multiple courses at a time to finish quickly or spread them out and work at a slower pace to balance school with work and family.

Affordability Score
83.96
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
89.26

The School of Communication at Quinnipiac University provides an Online Master of Science in Interactive Media and Communications. Students enrolled in the MS program can expect to get educated in designing, producing, and managing a wide range of content that effectively reaches a wide range of audiences. Distance learners will never have to visit the campus in Hamden, Connecticut, as they learn the principles of user-centric design and become well-equipped to leverage design thinking strategies when solving complex business and technical-related challenges. Moreover, graduate students will grow as creative thinkers and visual leaders as they craft ethical and powerful cross-media communication strategies. The 30-credit hour degree explores all aspects of modern media, including web design and development, social media analytics, and user experience/user interface (UX/UI) design. Students will be given a chance to choose from a variety of electives that customize the program to meet their career goals. The tuition rate of Quinnipiac University’s online MS in Interactive Media and Communications is between $25,000 and $30,000.

Affordability Score
79.45
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
94.35

The University of Denver provides an Online Master in Communication Management at the University College. Program designers offer the chance for graduate students to learn the science and art of persuasive communication that influences an audience to take desired actions. From the nuance needed to steer interpersonal conversations or administer organizational change to the strategy that drives impactful digital communication, the program’s curriculum develops a working professional’s expertise in meaningful, data-driven communication. Distance learners can expect to enhance their abilities in strategically crafting messages and then measure their impact. Skills offered throughout the program’s duration include the ability to craft, maintain, and evaluate communication plans, solve communication issues by leveraging theory, data, and critical thinking, and shape and implement inclusive communication practices. Concentrations within the attractively priced degree include Learning and Development, Public Relations, Marketing Communication, Organizational Development, and Organizational Communication. Students enrolled in the program can take all courses online and never have to visit the school’s campus in Denver, Colorado.

Affordability Score
73.24
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
92.84

The College of Journalism and Communication at the University of Florida provides an Online Master of Arts in Mass Communication. UF offers eight current, comprehensive, and digitally focused online graduate specializations for students interested in pursuing an MA in Mass Communication from a top-ranked university. Each graduate concentration is uniquely targeted and tailored to equip students to be compelling storytellers and communicators. Emphases include Web Design, Social Media, Public Relations, Public Interest Communication, Political Communication, Global Strategic Communication, Audience Analytics, and Digital Strategy. This stellar degree consists of 36-credit hours divided between 33-credit hours of coursework and three hours of a capstone experience. Each course is 16 weeks in length and is accessible three times a year. The flexibility and convenience of online courses include pre-recorded lectures and live online sessions that allow graduate students to engage with their courses from virtually anywhere in the world.

Affordability Score
94.87
Convenience Score
75.00
Reputation Score
96.98

The Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University currently features an Online Master of Arts in Organizational Communication. Graduate students seeking an advanced academic degree that centers on the critical understanding and examination of the role of communication within organizing, problem-solving, and decision making will thrive within this 30-credit hour degree. The 100% online MA in Organizational Communication is designed for working professionals needing an applied learning experience that will advance their professional careers and allow them to make critical contributions in improved organizational practices in society, the workplace, and beyond. Faculty staff involved in this online program have been recognized for their contributions as scholars, teachers, and program administrators. Ohio’s online degree fuses a variety of distance technologies to give students a dynamic learning experience. The topnotch courses enable distance learners to interact with colleagues in online group projects and class discussions. Video conferences are available with advisors and instructors as well.

Affordability Score
94.48
Convenience Score
75.00
Reputation Score
91.21

The College of Science and Liberal Arts at New Jersey Institute of Technology provides an Online MS in Professional and Technical Communication. Program designers have constructed a degree constructed to meet the evolving challenges of technological and scientific innovations, global impact, social media and aesthetic design, and cross-cultural environments. The 100% online MSPTC program has been an incredible degree offered by the New Jersey Institute of Technology since 1994. It has been available to students in the New York City area as well as students around the world. Classes are designed to accommodate time zones and working schedules so distance learners can complete their work at any time of the day. Working professionals and professors who teach the program are skilled in designing an online curriculum with a suite of resources that provide engaging virtual classrooms for teaching and learning. Graduate students bring their expertise to the virtual classroom as well, initiating lively interaction and information as course topics are explored together.

Affordability Score
67.69
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
88.64

Murray State University’s Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business provides an Online Master of Science and Master of Arts in Organizational Communication. The business school leadership understands that effective communication is essential for any workplace. This 100% online master’s degree in organizational communication from Murray State equips distance learners with the skills employers are looking for in leaders. Graduates of the program will be well-versed in the areas of leading teams, negotiating conflict, managing strategies, training new hires, and developing persuasive sales techniques. Students of the program will be ready to excel in business and nonprofit areas. The program is offered both on-campus and online. The Department of Organizational Communication delivers ample opportunities for graduate students to study organizational communication at the master’s level and expand their knowledge in effective organizational membership, prudent leadership in organizations, and human management. This 30-33 credit hour degree is the perfect fit for working professionals as well as the formal graduate student.

Affordability Score
93.18
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
45.16

Eastern Illinois University’s School of Communication and Journalism provides an online Master of Arts in Communication Studies. The 100% online program in advanced scholarship reflects the development of historical and contemporary influences on communication practice and theory. The School of Communication and Journalism offers specializations founded on a rigorous theoretical base that inform communication practices. Graduates of the program will be aptly prepared to enter into scholarly and workplace environments. Distance learners enrolled in the School of Communication and Journalism program assemble exciting projects that are featured at conferences around the nation and have garnered awards on campus. The school’s methodologically and theoretically diverse faculty encourage graduate students to conduct research practices on essential subjects and to engage in the exercises of producing films and campaigns. The 33-credit hour degree sits at just over $10,000 in tuition, making it the most affordable program in the ranking.

Affordability Score
100.00
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
34.81

The College of Social Sciences and Communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock provides an Online MA in Mass Communication. This 100% online program emphasizes critical thinking in mass media and its strategic journalistic communication practices as they relate to media content and its effects on the public as a whole. Divided into 11 courses, the 33-hour degree provides a media research choice that prepares distance learners to evaluate and conduct academic research in mass communication. Students are equipped with how to write and present the research findings to both academic and non-scholarly audiences. The professional mass media option that gives students with advanced professional experience in strategic communication/public relations or multi-platform journalism is also available. All students will either create a professional project or write a master’s thesis for their capstone experience. Elective courses include Internet Policy and Regulation, Ethnic and Alternative Media in America, and News Media and the First Amendment.

Affordability Score
97.28
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
32.62

The College of Arts, Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Stout provides an Online MS in Technical and Professional Communication. Designed with active graduate students in mind, the Master of Science in Technical and Professional Communication is a 100% online 30-credit program. Most of the enrolled students are working professionals who satisfy all program requirements in just two years. The College of Arts, Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences faculty of instructors have extensive experience in online instruction. The 10-course program is evaluated annually to help ensure that graduate students are receiving the very best in graduate-level instruction. Besides a stellar curriculum, the program also gives students access to a program director, Student Services adviser, a course sequence at the beginning of the program, and the Website Usability Testing Center. The 30-credit hour degree at the University of Wisconsin-Stout is priced well below $20,000, and there is no GMAT requirement during the application process.

Affordability Score
93.11
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
33.24

An Online Master of Mass Communication is currently available at the School of Communication & Journalism at South Dakota State University. The 32-credit hour program was built to provide a professional education that develops mass communication skills to advance distance learners toward their goals and expand their skill set in the workplace. Working journalists, professional communicators, and those seeking to deepen their professional communication skills further will thrive in this program priced at less than $15,000. The School of Communication & Journalism works to help those in communication improve in what they do by bringing them up to speed with current media skills crucial in the profession today. Developed by a seasoned staff, the 100% online program offers a quality professional education accessible to strategic communicators and working journalists. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication grants the program its exemplary accreditation. South Dakota State is located in Brookings, South Dakota.

Affordability Score
94.76
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
30.44

Ashland University’s College of Arts and Sciences provides an Online Master of Arts in Corporate and Strategic Communication. Ashland educators understand that corporate and strategic communication continues to become one of the fastest advancing areas in Communication Studies due to a recent high demand for adequately trained communication professionals. The 100% online MACSC is a fast-paced, intensive program that provides distance learners with the opportunity to work with actual clients on strategic communication issues and projects to ensure successful careers. The 100 percent online format allows professionals to work around their active schedules. Enrolled students of the program can expect to gain a deeper understanding of public relations and health and risk communication for an array of skills applicable to many careers. The curriculum includes a dynamic balance of communication research, theory, and application for well-rounded graduate education. Some students complete all program requirements in as few as 18 months.

Affordability Score
90.81
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
33.63

The School of Communication at American University offers an Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. University leaders understand how we live in a world where communication professionals can capture the attention of an array of audiences. Compelling messages and strategic planning give marketers a powerful advantage. Based in Washington, DC, the mecca of national social and political movements, American University’s School of Communication equips graduate students with the skills they need to stand out in the marketplace. The School of Communication’s mission is to teach students in the most recent trends and equip them with strategic skills and insights that make them stand out from their peers. The school’s diverse, dynamic staff of accomplished writers, social change advocates, documentarians, politicians, correspondents, and PR experts teach distance learners to grasp a communication issue and form a strategy to address it. Graduates of the 30-credit hour program will be competent in targeting an audience, creating a compelling message, writing persuasively, and advocating in a changing digital media world.

Affordability Score
50.82
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
93.45

The University of Southern California provides an Online Master of Communication Management at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. USC’s Annenberg has been recognized the world over as a leader among communication schools, setting the pinnacle for quality of communication professionals. The school’s faculty and staff have deep professional experience and academic expertise and extensive academic expertise, uniting communication theory and research with their daily implementation within organizations across the globe. Graduate students enrolled in this program learn to apply common language, skills, and problem-solving abilities thanks to an interconnected and multi-disciplinary program designed around evidence-based research and best practices in communication. Graduates are comprehensively equipped to acquire, interpret, analyze, and distribute information — transforming complex concepts into actionable strategies. Courses within the program include Online Marketing Comm. Development & Analysis, Global Marketing Communication, Principles of Public Relations, Foundations of Effective PR Writing, and Audience Analysis. This program’s tuition rate is just over $60,000.

Affordability Score
42.65
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
100.00

An Online Master of Arts in Communication is provided at Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts. The University understands that business professionals who have entered the world of communication desire to make a difference. Regent’s 100% online MA in Communication program gives them the edge they need to excel in this highly competitive business arena. Distance learners have the chance to choose from three specialized concentrations including Strategic Communication, Media and Arts Management and Promotion, and Political Communication. Each of these concentrations is taught from a Christian perspective. Regent’s School of Communication & the Arts is committed to empowering students with in-depth skills and knowledge for the next rung in their careers. Graduates can expect to increase their earning potential immediately by advancing their leadership capacities with higher-paying opportunities. Roles in fields such as editing, technical writing, and public relations are just some of the opportunities that exist for graduates of this program.

Affordability Score
87.47
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
31.23

The College of Arts & Sciences at Western New England University provides an Online Master of Arts in Communication with a Public Relations concentration. This program allows distance learners to strategically utilize publicity to enhance their organization’s image, create creative messages to build or expand a brand, cultivate robust media relationships, and masterfully lead during communication crises. Graduate students enrolled in the program will glean from telecom staff experienced in all facets of communication, from the corporate realm to the sports industry, all in the presence of fellow communications professionals in a healthy online community. The program’s curriculum focuses on the core principles of public relations and features opportunities for distance learners to explore specific PR interests through both elective and required courses. Required courses include Crisis Management, Principles and Practices of Public Relations, and Writing for Communications Professionals. Elective courses include Strategic Approaches to Public Relations, Public Relations and Nonprofit Organizations, and Public Relations Strategies for Social and Digital Media. The program’s variable credit courses allow graduate students to move through the degree at a faster rate through a thesis project or large-scale independent study.

Affordability Score
84.10
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
35.93

The Graduate and Professional Studies at Lasell University provides an Online Master of Science in Communication. This flexible, robust, and highly personalized business degree can be pursued as an online, in-class, or hybrid educational experience. Students enrolled in Lasell’s program have the option of graduating between 12-24 months, depending on their unique professional and personal situations. The competitive tuition rate is set between $20,000 and $25,000, so students will get tons of bang for their academic buck. Distance learners will receive excellent care from instructors as class sizes are always limited to at most 23 students. The admissions office at the Graduate and Professional Students department does not require its candidates to submit a GMAT or GRE score during the application process. The specializations students can choose from within this program include Public Speaking, Public Relations, Negotiations and Conflict Resolution, Integrated Marketing Communication, Health Communication, and Digital Media. Students with this degree will often go on to take positions as Directors of Marketing and Public Relations Directors.

Affordability Score
87.30
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
31.06

An Online Master’s in Communication Studies is available at Stevenson University. Stevenson understands that business leaders require the ability to communicate strategically to a diverse audience. Stevenson University Online’s graduate program in Communication Studies is crafted to promote a communications professional into a leadership role. Throughout this 100% online program, distance learners will translate fundamental concepts of communication into real-life applications. By being exposed to innovative strategies for impactful solutions, graduates develop the ability to respond to problems that organizations will encounter. Graduates of the online master’s program in Communication Studies have put their skills to work on the regional and national level for companies like Maroon PR, NCAA, and Naden/Lean, LLC. Stevenson is committed to equipping its students with the tools they will need to assist organizations in developing successful team-building protocols and streamlining internal and external communications across a multitude of cultural, social, and business settings.

Affordability Score
84.50
Convenience Score
100.00
Reputation Score
34.64

Can an Online Master’s in Communication Management degree help working professionals advance their careers?

Professionals within a wide range of industries can benefit from an online graduate degree in communication management. Online education continues to become a growing asset for students wanting a quality education with the flexibility and convenience that only distance learning provides. And an MCM features the potential to develop new career directions and advancement opportunities.

An Online Master’s in Communication Management Enhances Leadership Presence

Regardless of one’s professional aspirations, leadership and management skills will prove crucial to a business leader’s success. Nonprofit executive and author Muriel Wilkins recently related in an interview with The Washington Post that developing one’s executive presence enables her to lead more authoritatively and effectively. Wilkins further noted that while many people may talk about leaders being born, professionals can learn the skills needed to command a team successfully. Pursuing a communication education might give one the foundation he needs to rise to the top of his field. This truth includes aiming for a seat in the C-suite and many other professional communication positions.

An Online Master’s in Communication Management Results in Entrepreneurial Skills

An Online Master’s in Communication Management can provide an excellent educational start for young entrepreneurs. In an article for Entrepreneur, Matt Mayberry offers several ways that high-quality communication skills transform into tried and true essentials for business owners. Mayberry shares how to motivate, educate, and lead coworkers and employees successfully. Great ideas will never seamlessly translate well to others unless the leader realizes how to communicate them effectively. The author also recommends for business professionals to understand that communication skills will help entrepreneurs listen more closely, more consistently, and more effectively.

An Online Master’s in Communication Management Helps Students Learn the Art of Public Speaking

Whether you’re an employee or an entrepreneur, chances are you will eventually find yourself in a public speaking situation. The opportunity could look like a presentation to fifteen of your colleagues or a speech broadcast to thousands of people in an arena or online. Forbes contributor, Carmine Gallo, refers to public speaking as the one essential skill that almost nobody has, yet everyone needs. The core of an Online Master’s in Communication Management often involves understanding how to communicate effectively, whether in speech or writing. When one develops his public speaking skills, as Gallo notes, he finds himself more effective when communicating ideas to the public or colleagues.

An Online Master’s in Communication Management Hones Marketing Skills

Just as in public speaking, marketing skills can become vital in any career one might pursue with an Online Master’s in Communication Management degree. Even professionals not currently working in positions related to marketing can use these skills to be more effective in their communications. High-quality marketing skills are particularly relevant in careers related to advertising, marketing, sales, public relations, and other related fields. Leaders may find that they use marketing strategies when pursuing and hiring new employees or when negotiating contracts with potential customers.

Candidates who haven’t considered master’s level coursework in communication management should investigate an Online Master’s in Communication Management program. An online MCM degree can advance careers and give professionals skills and education needed to develop professional careers.

What Career Paths Can One Take After Pursuing an Online Master’s in Communication Management?

In all business applications, communication skills are crucial to growth and success. Many job listings available today include the request for the ability to communicate well, both verbally and written, regardless of what the role is responsible for within the organization. Communication skills are especially important in some specific career paths, which is why many graduate students are pursuing advanced degrees in this arena. Some of the most illustrious careers for graduates of an Online Master’s in Communication Management program include those in content production, public relations, mass media, communications, marketing, and crisis communication.

An Online Master’s in Communication Management Can Result in a Position in Public Relations

Communication skills are necessary for just about every position and industry, so an Online Master’s in Communication Management program can prove beneficial in many professional roles. Some highly defined career paths do exist for those who pursue this degree. In public relations, a professional will work within traditional and digital marketing programs to support clients. They may write and distribute press releases, work to develop their clients’ images through print and online media platforms, and implement marketing campaigns.

Some public relations professionals work within agencies that promote individuals or organizations via editorial coverage. Examples of editorial coverage would include content on websites, articles in magazines, and newspapers, as well as programs and messaging on television. Public relations is opposed to marketing and advertising in that professionals in these roles deal with free or earned media, rather than media and paid advertisements. In a public relations position, an individual might be responsible for sharing stories about their clients to regional and national news outlets, including TV news stations, magazines, and newspapers.

PR includes counseling management at multiple levels of an organization regarding communications, courses of action, and policy decisions. To succeed in this industry, a professional must consider the social responsibilities and citizenship of an organization, along with the public effects of any business decision made by the organization’s leadership. This form of counseling is one of the reasons that quality communication skills are so vital in a PR role. Public relations positions are often further distributed into subcategories, including event management, multimedia, brand journalism, internal or executive communications, speech writing, media relations, and social media.

An Online Master’s in Communication Management Can Result in a Position in Communications Manager or Director

Working as a communications director or manager is another potential role for a graduate of an Online Master’s in Communication Management program. In this role, a leader is responsible for overseeing all messaging of business while developing strategic communications plans and sharing accounts and news releases. It is vital for someone who plans to pursue this career path to gain an understanding and ability to use graphics editing, desktop publishing software, and web content management. Communications directors work in a number of industries. In the world of politics, a Director of Communications will serve as a senior aide to a judge, a candidate for a political office, an elected official at some level, or a department. The White House has a communications director who is responsible for communicating on behalf of the President of the United States.

These are just two positions that working professionals pursuing an Online Master’s in Communication Management can consider upon completing their degree.

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?