Find your perfect college degree
Finding the right school that offers a master’s degree in Communications can be an arduous task. It was seemingly impossible when I began looking for universities to pursue my passion due to my financial constraints.
If you want to learn more about finding an affordable online master’s degree in communications as I was, continue to read, and I will tell you everything I discovered.
The Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Communications
While researching, I found many universities offering the same program and similar tuition. However, I have carefully selected a few that resonated with me and met my expectations based on a few critical criteria:
- Quality of the information
- Accuracy of the course’s curriculum
- Employment Outlook
- Length of the degree
- Professors’ qualifications
All these factors must be considered before determining the best affordable online master’s degree in communications. Ultimately, the degree’s usefulness counts even more than its price, as it will be the basis of your future professional career.
Missouri State University
Location: Springfield, Missouri
Tuition: The school’s fee is between $4,500 to $6,500.
Missouri State University (MSU) is a distinguished public institution that presents a dynamic opportunity through its online Master of Professional Studies and Applied Communication program. This comprehensive curriculum spans 33 credit hours, offering a flexible learning experience ideal for both part-time and full-time students.
MSU’s Master’s in Communication allows students to specialize in three crucial areas: organizational communication, conflict, and public relations. The degree boasts a faculty of esteemed instructors, ensuring an online education that mirrors the quality of on-campus learning. Other courses offered include applied communication research methods, rhetorical analysis, and quantitative analysis in communication research.
An integral component of the course, the fourth semester culminates in a capstone experience where students undertake a master’s thesis, engaging in independent research intricately connected with the thesis preparation. This multifaceted approach equips graduates with a well-rounded skill set, positioning them as adept communicators and critical thinkers in their chosen specialization.
East Carolina University
Location: Greenville, Carolina
Tuition: The tuition fee begins at $6,900.
East Carolina University stands out with its comprehensive and highly specialized online Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. This professional track prioritizes key areas within speech-language pathology and communication sciences, equipping students for immediate integration into public schools or clinical settings.
The curriculum combines coursework with a practical component, requiring students to complete 250 clinical clock hours, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Moreover, at ECU students can choose between strategic communication and health communication majors, ensuring that each student can model their future career based on their preferences.
In addition to being reasonably priced, the online master’s in communications prepares students for various careers in social media, public relations, organizational communication, professional communication, and politics. As an alternative, the focus on health communication explores interpersonal communication and how media influences health decisions.
Spring Arbor University
Location: Spring Arbor, Michigan
Tuition: The university’s tuition begins at $7,000.
The online Master of Communications program offered by Spring Arbor University is a reputable and affordable option that does not require the GRE or GMAT. This course is taught by experienced university professors and is highly flexible, having six start dates each year.
The academic program covers a wide range of topics related to communication, such as writing for results, group and public communication, mass communication—culture and technology, and communication as a vocation. The professors aim to teach a course that is as updated as possible to increase employment opportunities after graduation.
In the latest edition of Best Colleges, Spring Arbor was ranked as the 19th best value school and the 63rd-best regional university in the West, demonstrating its commitment to providing an outstanding education.
Minnesota State University
Location: Mankato, Minnesota
Tuition: The university’s tuition fee begins at $7,500.
Minnesota State University offers an exceptional and cost-effective online master’s in communications, earning its place as one of the most affordable options. Whether you choose the flexibility of online learning or prefer the on-campus experience, this program ensures quality education.
Designed to be completed in approximately two years for full-time students, the online curriculum mirrors that of its on-campus counterparts. The comprehensive courses delve into advanced intercultural pedagogy, perspectives in culture and communication, modern rhetorical criticism, communication pedagogy, and quantitative research methods.
The program not only provides a robust foundation in communication, but it also embraces the evolving landscape of the field. Additionally, Minnesota State University is famous for combining a theoretical approach with a hands-on method to provide its students with the best education possible.
Concordia University
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Tuition: Concordia’s tuition for the online Master’s program in Communication begins at $8,550.
The Concordia University’s Master’s in Communications program caters to long-distance learners and local students with its flexible online and blended formats. Ideal for busy adults seeking an advanced degree, this affordable course emphasizes logical analysis and strategic thinking to address contemporary challenges in the business world.
The curriculum spans seven weeks per course, covering essential topics like communication inquiry, conflict management strategies, intercultural communication, leadership communication, media strategies, and strategic communication management.
Admission prerequisites include official transcripts, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, a personal statement, and a resume. These prerequisites might be challenging to get in. However, it should only be a minor obstacle for determined students.
Liberty University
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Tuition: The tuition for this outstanding school is $8,500.
The online master’s in communication programs at Liberty University, Virginia, provide flexible and inexpensive educational options with a strong integration of Christian ideas into communication theory and practice.
This 33-credit program, designed for individuals seeking teaching positions or advanced study, ranks in the top four in affordable online communication options. Students build skills in leadership and participation across personal and professional spheres by delving into crucial areas such as conflict analysis, successful social media, and international communication.
Liberty University encourages students to achieve tremendous personal and professional success by emphasizing communication forces influencing interactions at all levels. This program, which can be completed in just one year, combines convenience and quality to create communicators for today’s varied world.
Sam Houston State University
Location: Huntsville, Texas
Tuition: The tuition at this great school lies at $7,800.
Sam Houston State University’s online Master’s in Communications program requires students to complete a minimum of 36 graduate-level credit units. With flexible start dates in Summer, Spring, and Fall, this program accommodates the diverse needs of potential candidates.
Tailored for aspiring Ph.D. scholars and industry professionals, the curriculum caters to a broad spectrum of individuals, irrespective of their primary focus within the communications field.
Course offerings include a variety of subjects such as risk communication, intercultural communication, advanced communication theory, communication studies methods, interpersonal and family communication, and computer-mediated communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Potential Career Benefits of Pursuing an Online Master’s in Communications on a Budget?
The main advantage of pursuing an online master’s in communications on a budget is saving on education costs and using those saved resources to find better job opportunities.
Additionally, once you are used to working from home, you can expand your job marketplace, potentially applying to positions across the globe if they offer great opportunities.
How Do I Find the Right University for an Affordable Online Master’s in Communications?
To find the right university for an affordable online master’s in communications, you should research reputable institutions with transparent fee structures, financial aid options for graduate students, and a curriculum that aligns with your career goals.
Additionally, it is essential to check if you are eligible for external financial aid that is accepted by that given university; this way, even a pricey university might become quite affordable.
Will an Affordable Online Master’s Degree Hold the Same Value as a Traditional One?
Yes, many online programs from accredited universities provide the same quality education and recognition as their on-campus counterparts. However, the price mustn’t be the only relevant factor in choosing an affordable master’s degree.
For example, credit hours, location, quality of the information, employment outlooks, and many other categories are highly relevant in the university selection.
Conclusion
Choosing a master’s while on a strict budget is not easy. However, this journey led me to discover many opportunities for accessible higher education.
In conclusion, even if it might be difficult, learning quality information on a budget can be possible for those seeking to advance their passion for communication without compromising financial stability.
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