Best Communication Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Communication Programs

American University (AU) is a private research university that was chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893. It’s home to students from all 50 US states and 124 countries. AU offers more than 240 degree programs across all levels. It’s known for producing leaders and public servants.

American University Overview

• School Type: Private not-for-profit
• Acceptance Rate: 64%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #79
• Times Higher Education Rankings: #501-600

Best American University Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. This communication bachelor’s degree program is 120-credits. It can be completed in four years with full-time, on-campus study.
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. The American University School of Communication offers a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism that requires 120 credits for completion. Students can expect to graduate in four years.
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is a 30-credit program that can be completed both online and on campus. It offers five concentration options. The on-campus program can be completed in 12 months, while the online program can be completed in 20 months.
• Master of Arts in Political Communication. American University’s Master of Arts in Political Communication is a two-year degree program that requires 36 credits to complete. The program is only offered on-campus and is suitable for full-time students.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communication. This 57-credit program can be completed full-time, on campus, in as short as three years. It offers an accelerated structure and prepares students to pursue careers in research and teaching at the university level.

American University Communication Key Takeaway

Around 90 percent of the graduates from American University's School of Communication get jobs within six months of graduation.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private research university in Provo, Utah founded in 1875. BYU has about 35,000 students and offers over 400 programs across various degree levels.

Brigham Young University Overview

• School Type: Private not-for-profit
• Acceptance Rate: 59%
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #79
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #138 (US college ranking)

Best Brigham Young University Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Brigham Young University offers an on-campus Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program. It takes four years to complete and requires a total of 120 credit hours for graduation.
• Bachelor of Arts in Communications Minor. This minor program provides supplementary education for students from other majors who want to improve their knowledge and skills in communication. It only requires 15 credit hours to complete.
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. This public relations degree program is a four-year, on-campus program that requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete. With this program, students have the opportunity to intern as public relations specialists in an organization.
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. This is a four-year, on-campus degree program that requires at least 120 credits to complete. The program combines academic coursework with a professional internship, preparing students for careers in journalism, media, and communication.
• Master of Arts in Mass Communication. This is a two-year on-campus program that aims to advance students’ careers in mass communication. The program emphasizes the need for effective communication skills in today's rapidly changing media landscape.

Brigham Young University Communication Key Takeaway

Brigham Young University’s School of Communication offers professional learning experiences and internship opportunities for students.

Ohio University is a public university founded in 1787. It has 11 campuses and more than 28,000 enrollments. The university offers more than 250 degree and certificate programs. It has a wide range of online courses and programs, making it one of the most convenient and affordable options for students in Ohio.

Ohio University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 89%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #179
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #601-800

Best Ohio University Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Communication and Public Advocacy. Ohio University's Bachelor of Science in Communication and Public Advocacy is an on-campus four-year degree. It prepares students for careers in public relations, marketing, advertising, and media relations.
• Bachelor of Science in Health Communication. This on-campus, four-year bachelor's program intends to educate students for jobs in the health communication sector. It also allows students to develop hands-on experience through internships and other practical learning experiences.
• Master of Arts in Organizational Communication. This organizational communication master’s degree is a 30-credit-hour program that’s offered entirely online. Students can complete their coursework on their own schedule within 18 to 24 months.
• Master of Arts in Visual Communication. This master's degree consists of 30 credit hours of coursework and five credit hours of projects. It can be completed in one and a half to two years. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships.
• PhD in Mass Communication. Ohio University's PhD in Mass Communication program is a three-year on-campus program. It aims to train scholars for academia and research fields.

Ohio University Communication Key Takeaway

Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication produces students who don’t only learn to navigate the changing communications field but also lead it.

Rutgers University is a public university in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Founded in 1766 as Queen's College, it’s the oldest college in New Jersey and among the colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. With more than 69,000 enrollments, the school is also the largest institution of higher education in New Jersey.

Rutgers University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #63
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #190

Best Rutgers University Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Digital Communication, Information, and Media. This communication bachelor’s degree is a four-year program. It offers both online and hybrid courses, allowing students to tailor their education to fit their schedules and needs.
• Bachelor of Communication. Rutgers University's Bachelor in Communication Major is a four-year, on-campus undergraduate program that’s offered in five specializations. Its curriculum emphasizes the strategic use of communication to solve problems in organizations and society.
• Master of Communication and Media. This communication and media master’s degree can be completed in 18 to 24 months. The 36-credit-hour program is offered on-campus, online, and in a hybrid format. Students can choose from seven specializations.
• Master of Health Communication and Information. This health communication and information master’s program requires 36 credits that can be completed in as short as 15 months. It is offered on-campus, online, and through a hybrid format. The program is designed to develop your skills in health communication, information management, and media.
• PhD in Communication. Like other PhD programs, this communication doctoral degree focuses on producing scholars who can pursue teaching and research careers after graduation. The program offers research work in five areas: interpersonal communication, communication and technology, health communication, organizational communication, and language and social interaction.

Rutgers University Communication Key Takeaway

Rutgers University School of Communication and Information is known for its world-class faculty and outstanding student body that brought national and international communication awards.

The University of Alabama is a public university established in 1831 as the state's flagship university. It enrolls more than 38,000 students from all 50 US states and foreign countries. The university is known for its world-class research facilities.

University of Alabama Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #148
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #601-800

Best University of Alabama Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. This communication studies program requires 120 credits to be completed within four years. Students of this degree can also apply for an accelerated master’s program.
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. This four-year public relations bachelor’s degree provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as public relations specialists. The goal of the program is to provide students with a solid understanding of public relations theory and practice.
• Master of Arts in Communication Studies. This communication studies degree is a 30-credit program that takes one and a half to two years to complete. It trains students to advance their knowledge and careers as professionals in communication and media studies.
• Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations. This Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations degree program requires 30 to 36 credit hours for completion. It prepares students for getting senior and leadership roles in advertising, public relations, and related fields.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communication and Information Sciences. The PhD in Communication and Information Sciences is a research degree that requires 48 credits of coursework and 18 hours of dissertation. The program prepares students for careers in academia or research.

University of Alabama Communication Key Takeaway

The university’s College of Communication and Information Sciences is known for high-quality research and internship opportunities for its students.

University of Arkansas is the largest university in Arkansas founded in 1871. It has an enrollment of over 27,000 students. The university currently offers 97 master's and 50 doctoral programs.

University of Arkansas Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 83%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #162
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #601-800

Best University of Arkansas Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication. This communication degree requires 120 credit hours to be completed in eight semesters. Its core curriculum includes courses in public speaking, small group communication, and interpersonal communication.
• Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations. This advertising and public relations degree is a 120-credit undergraduate program. Students in this program will be prepared to work in advertising, public relations, and related fields.
• Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Radio and TV. This Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Radio and TV can be completed in four years. This program is designed to prepare students for a career in the editorial, advertising, and broadcast industries.
• Master of Arts in Communication. This communication master’s degree requires 33 credit hours for graduation. The program provides students with advanced skills in communication, research, and critical thinking.
• Master of Arts in Strategic Advertising/Public Relations. This strategic advertising and public relations master’s program offers a flexible curriculum that can be completed in one and a half to two years. It provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in the fields of advertising, public relations, and strategic thinking.

University of Arkansas Communication Key Takeaway

The university’s Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is known for its experienced faculty and its employable graduates.

University of Colorado Boulder is one of the leading research universities in America, with 91 percent of graduates getting jobs within six months. Founded in 1876, the university has since produced four Nobel prize winners and has become a top choice for students seeking a world-class education.

University of Colorado Boulder Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #99
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #158

Best University of Colorado Boulder Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication. This four-year, on-campus program requires 120 credits for graduation. Learning outcomes for this communications degree include an understanding of communication theories and processes, as well as critical thinking skills.
• Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication. This strategic communication degree can be completed on campus. This 120-credit bachelor’s program teaches students about marketing, public relations, and advertising.
• Master of Arts in Communication. This communication program offers two-degree plan options: thesis and comprehensive examination. It requires 30 credit hours for completion and is suitable for students who want to earn a PhD in Communication.
• Master of Arts in Corporate Communication. This corporate communication master’s degree is a 30-credit-hour program that can be taken in accelerated seven-week terms. It can be completed entirely online at a pace that fits the student's learning needs and schedule.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communication. University of Colorado offers one of the best PhD degrees in Communication that prepares scholars for teaching and research. The program is also suitable for non-teaching careers like communication consulting. The doctoral degree can be completed in three to four years.

University of Colorado Boulder Communication Key Takeaway

The university’s College of Media, Communication, and Information provides optional internship opportunities for its students.

University of Florida is one of the best public universities in America. It was established in 1853 and currently offers 200 graduate degree programs. This university ranks first for online bachelor’s degree and programs by US News & World Report.

University of Florida Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #28
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #154

Best University of Florida Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Advertising. The Department of Advertising at the University of Florida is one of the best in the US. It offers specializations in advertising and persuasive messaging. This on-campus Bachelor of Science in Advertising requires 124 credit hours to complete.
• Bachelor of Science in Media Production, Management, and Technology. The online bachelor’s degree program focuses on media and society. It requires 124 credits for completion. This program trains students who want to enter the field of media production, management, or technology.
• Master of Arts in Public Interest Communication. University of Florida's Master of Arts in Public Interest Communication is an affordable 36-credit online degree program. Its curriculum prepares students for careers in private institutions, nonprofit organizations, and media.
• Master of Arts in Political Communication. This is an entirely online program that teaches students about political communication and public affairs. Its curriculum provides a comprehensive education in the theory and practice of political communication. It requires 36 credits for graduation.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Communication. University of Florida offers this PhD Degree in Communication to specialize in research. It has different research focus areas, such as health communication, science communication, journalism, artificial intelligence and emerging technology, and sports communication.

University of Florida Communication Key Takeaway

The College of Journalism and Communication is famous for its highly-qualified faculty. The college also offers internships to its students.

University of Missouri was founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Today, it’s the largest university in Missouri with 13 schools and colleges, offering over 300 degree programs to over 30,000 students. The university is known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and diverse campus life.

University of Missouri Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 77%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #122
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #501-600

Best University of Missouri Communication Programs

• • Bachelor of Arts in Communication. This four-year communication bachelor’s degree requires 120 to 126 credit hours. It covers four focus areas, including interpersonal communication, mediated communication, organizational communication, and political communication.

• Bachelor of Journalism with Emphasis in Strategic Communication. This journalism degree offers an emphasis in strategic communication. This four-year program requires 120 credit hours and students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

• • Master of Arts in Communication. This Master’s Degree in Communication can be completed in as short as 24 months. Its curriculum emphasizes both theory and practice. Students will have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members.

• Master of Arts in Journalism with Emphasis in Health Communication. Students who want to build a career in health communication will benefit from this master’s degree. This program is 100 percent online, with one campus visit required. It consists of 37 credit hours and takes three years to complete.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Communication. This PhD program can be completed in four years. The first two years are spent completing the coursework and the remaining two years are spent conducting research and writing a dissertation. Admission to the program is highly competitive, and only the most qualified applicants will be accepted.

University of Missouri Communication Key Takeaway

University of Missouri is known for its highly qualified faculty, where 92.5 percent of the full-time faculty hold the highest degree in the field.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is one of the oldest universities located in the western US. It has eight colleges and schools offering more than 240 degree programs to its 28,000 students.

Utah State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 89%
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees
• US News Ranking: #249
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #401-500 (US College Rankings)

Best Utah State University Communication Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Global Communication. This interdisciplinary program prepares students for communication careers in a globalized world. Its 120-128 required credits also include three credits of global communication practicum.
• Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication and Rhetoric Emphasis. This communication bachelor's degree is 120-122 credits and includes three credits of internship. This interdisciplinary degree emphasizes the study and application of written, oral, and digital communication in diverse technical and professional contexts.
• Master of Science in Communication Studies. This Master of Science in Communication Studies focuses on interpersonal and organizational communication and social change. The program is 33 credits and can be completed on-campus.
• Master of Technical Communication. Utah State University's Master of Technical Communication can be completed both on-campus or online. The program consists of 33 credits that include nine credits of core courses.
• Doctorate of Technical Communication and Rhetoric. This comprehensive 60-credit-hour PhD will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in academia and research. The program requires 36 credits of coursework, 18 credits of research internship, and six credits of dissertation.

Utah State University Communication Key Takeaway

The university’s Department of English offers a broad range of communication studies. It provides students with mandatory internship opportunities during the degree program.

A communication certificate is a study of communication that typically takes one year or less to complete. It’s designed for students who want to enter the workforce quickly. These programs usually consist of around 30 credit hours and cover topics such as introductory communication, interpersonal communication, and writing.

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An Associate Degree in Communication usually takes two years to complete. It’s designed for students who want to enter the workforce or continue their education at a four-year institution. The associate program is typically offered as an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree. 

These associate programs consist of around 60 credit hours for completion. It covers topics like mass communication, communication theory, cross-cultural communication, and public speaking.

A Bachelor's Degree in Communication usually takes four years to complete. Graduates of this program have the option to enter the workforce or continue their education at the graduate level. It’s typically offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. These programs usually consist of around 120 credit hours. It covers major topics such as communication and media studies, intercultural communication, journalism, and public relations.

A master's degree in communication usually takes two years to complete. It’s typically offered as a Master of Arts or Master of Science. With this program, students can get specialized skills in a specific field like political communication, organizational communication, or strategic communication. There’s also a thesis and a non-thesis degree option. The curriculum usually consists of 30-36 credit hours.

A Graduate Certificate in Communication requires 12 to 18 credit hours that can be completed in less than a year. Communication graduate certificates provide working professionals with new skills or knowledge in a specific area of communication without having to complete an entire degree.

A Doctorate in Communication is the highest level of education you can achieve in this field. It usually takes four to five years to complete. It’s designed for students who want to pursue careers in academia or research. It’s offered as a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Education. These programs usually consist of 60 credit hours with a focus on advanced research.

The best jobs with a communication associate degree are broadcast technician, reporter, administrative assistant, and desktop publisher. Most of these jobs only require an associate degree because professionals only need the fundamentals of communication to execute tasks.

Top Communication Careers With an Associate Degree

• Desktop Publisher: $46,910
• Broadcast Technician: $44,740
• Administrative Assistant: $40,812

The best jobs with a communication bachelor’s degree are technical writer, public relations manager, editor, and marketing manager. These jobs require a certain level of understanding and expertise so that they can be professionals in the field.

Top Communication Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Public Relations Manager: $119,860
• Technical Writer: $78,060
• Editor: $63,350

The best jobs with a communication master’s degree are creative director, senior marketing manager, instructional coordinator, and senior business analyst. These are high-level positions and require a graduate degree to demonstrate specific expertise and skills in communication. 

Top Communication Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Creative Director: $93,060
• Senior Business Analyst: $86,732
• Instructional Coordinator: $63,740

The best jobs with a communication doctorate are postsecondary teacher, user experience researcher, professor, and associate dean. A PhD degree is a must for these high-level positions.

Top Communication Careers With a PhD

• Professor and Associate Dean: $119,683
• User Experience Researcher: $96,113
• Postsecondary Teacher: $77,560

The best internships for communication students are with media organizations, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and marketing departments. The best time to apply for the internship is during the second or third year of the degree program so that when you graduate, you can also mention this experience in your resume.

Top Communication Internships

• New York Times Product Marketing Intern: $52,196
• J. Walter Thompson Global Communications Intern: $34,000 - $37,000
• Edelman Public Affairs Intern: $31,000 - $33,000