{"id":19535,"date":"2020-07-15T20:17:31","date_gmt":"2020-07-16T03:17:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=19535"},"modified":"2021-02-02T17:15:33","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T01:15:33","slug":"online-masters-in-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/online-masters-in-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Get an Online Master\u2019s Degree in Communications?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
A communications degree can land you a position in almost any field with any organization. The degree focuses on effective communication through spoken word, social media, mass media, print and digital media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Master\u2019s Degree in Communications takes your education even further by teaching you presentation, writing and advanced researching skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Master\u2019s Degree in Communications Programs: What to Expect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A master\u2019s in communications is a broad degree. Many students choose to focus on a concentration to align their education with their own specific career goals. There are many core communications classes every student will get in a well-rounded education, no matter the concentration. However, the remainder of your program can focus on your chosen concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communications is a customizable degree with an incredibly diverse set of paths available for students. The concentrations commonly available within a Master\u2019s Degree in Communications program include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Business\/ Corporate Communications<\/li>
Communication Theory<\/li>
Digital Communications<\/li>
Global and International Communication<\/li>
Health Communication<\/li>
Interpersonal Communication<\/li>
Marketing Communication<\/li>
Mass Communications<\/li>
Media Communication<\/li>
Political Communication<\/li>
Public Relations<\/li>
Strategic Communication<\/li>
Technical Communication<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Common Core Courses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Strategic Communications and Ethics<\/li>
Professional Writing<\/li>
Global Strategic Communication<\/li>
Social Media Communications<\/li>
Communication Research Methods<\/li>
Survey, Analysis, and Reporting for Communications<\/li>
Healthcare Communications<\/li>
Personal Branding<\/li>
Persuasive Communication<\/li>
Crisis Communication<\/li>
Advertising<\/li>
Integrated Marketing<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Capstone Projects<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCapstones projects are often required to complete your degree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
A common requirement for students earning their Master\u2019s Degree in Communications is a capstone project. The project can be in the form of a thesis, publishable paper, applied project or a comprehensive exam. The project is typically worked on throughout the length of the degree program. A benefit of the capstone project is that you can add it to your resume along with your new degree. An impressive capstone project could catch a recruiter’s eye while digging through applicants for a position. Let\u2019s explore the forms more in-depth below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thesis <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A thesis is a research paper a student prepares for extensively. Unlike normal research papers that are 20 to 35 pages, a thesis consists of more than 100 pages. Schools usually give students the option to do a rhetorical, qualitative or quantitative thesis paper. The paper is commonly started during the last half of their post-graduate education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thesis is a good option for students who may move on to getting their doctoral degrees because it prepares them for the PhD program and a potential career in academia. However, it is the most common form of capstone project regardless of a student\u2019s plans to pursue their doctorate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Publishable Papers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Individually, publishable papers are much shorter in length when compared with a thesis paper. However, once taken into account overall, your total published papers may be just as long as a thesis. They are often research-based like thesis papers. This is another good option for students planning to earn their PhD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Applied Project\/Praxis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This form of capstone project has a tangible final result such as a marketing plan, website, mobile app or a consultation. Typically, this project attempts to solve a problem with communication by using theories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students work with a faculty member to assist in developing an idea and for approval. This form of project is best for students who plan on going into the industry after they complete their master\u2019s degree. An applied project usually takes less time and effort than a thesis project. Because of this, some programs require additional work apart from the applied project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comprehensive Exam<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Comprehensive exams are composed of both oral and written components. There may be some questions pertaining to the students\u2019 interests after completing questions related to core courses. This means the exam is customizable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For students who do not have a lot of time to dedicate to a more time-consuming option, an exam may be the best choice. Students with jobs, internships or families typically opt for a comprehensive exam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Considering all of the above Master\u2019s Degree in Communications program elements, you may be wondering how long it will take to complete all your courses and how much it will set you back in terms of cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Program Length<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The length of a program depends on the student. Many online degree programs offer flexible course loads, so students can be either part-time or full-time learners. This allows many students to work while obtaining their degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most often, it takes about one to two years for someone to complete a master\u2019s in communications degree. There are anywhere from 30 to 45 required credits, which equates to about 10 to 12 courses on the degree plan. For most colleges, you must take four or five courses a semester to be considered a full-time student. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Average Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The cost of getting an online Master\u2019s Degree in Communications varies from college to college. Some schools may offer a discounted price for students who are in-state residents. However, most schools offer a flat rate per credit hour for every student. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is often financial aid available for students who are veterans, demonstrate financial need or qualify based on other factors. It is important to look at the school\u2019s financial aid page and policies before applying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Typically, you can expect to see schools charging anywhere from $400 to $600 per credit hour. Considering most programs are anywhere from 30 to 38 credit hours, the total tuition can be between $12,000 to $23,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the benefits of attending online programs is that they are typically cheaper than going on campus. Let\u2019s explore online learning benefits in more detail below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Taking Online Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting your Master\u2019s Degree in Communications online has its advantages, as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flexibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Because of its online nature, it is easier for students to fit classes into their schedule. Many students going to school for their master\u2019s degree are already employed and online classes make it easier to attend classes and do school work after completing their workday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Online students also do not worry about classes conflicting with their schedules because there are no set times or days for classes. This allows students to take the classes when it best suits them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cheaper Tuition<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Because online universities have fewer expenses to support students, they can offer cheaper tuition prices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
No Commute or Relocation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Because there is no specific location, students can take classes from their own home. There is no need to commute or move, saving thousands of dollars per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Master\u2019s in Communication Degree Job Prospects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n News broadcasters often major in communications.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"someone](\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/alvaro-reyes-qWwpHwip31M-unsplash.jpg\")
![\"man](\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fred-kearney-56XYfmP-NGs-unsplash.jpg\")
![\"man](\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/priscilla-du-preez-OEdkPaxYMXU-unsplash.jpg\")