Communication Masters Degree for Military and Veterans

A Master’s Degree in Communications teaches students the theories and practices of communication. This graduate degree typically includes coursework in media studies, public relations, strategic communication, digital media, and interpersonal communication.

Earning a Communications Master’s Degree prepares graduates for jobs for higher-level positions in journalism, advertising, public relations, mass media, higher education, and various other fields

There is more than one type of Communications Master’s Degree. Students who earn a Master of Arts (MA) in Communication will work in the creative fields, whereas someone who earns a Master of Science (MS) will typically work in positions focused on theory and research. There are also Communications Degrees that focus on a particular industry.

Using the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance for a Master’s Degree in Communications

For those still on active duty who are interested in pursuing a Master's Degree in Communications and need help with tuition, the military tuition assistance program covers up to 100% of the cost-per-credit hour.

Each branch of the military operates a separate tuition assistance program with its own rules and regulations:

Army Tuition Assistance
Marine Corps Tuition Assistance
Navy Tuition Assistance
Air Force Tuition Assistance
Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
Space Force Tuition Assistance

For further application information, contact your Base Education Office. National Guard members and Reservists are also eligible.

The GI Bill assists veterans in transitioning into civilian life by offering them opportunities to further their education. It serves veterans of the Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Coast Guard and their eligible dependents. It covers school tuition and fees and offers a monthly housing allowance and money for books and supplies.

Careers With A Master’s Degree in Communications

Master’s Degrees in Communications prepare students for many different types of careers across all industries. Below are just a handful of positions available to degree holders:

Content Writer
Copywriter
Health Communication Specialist
Marketing Account Executive
Marketing Consultant
News Journalist
Speech Writer
Political Campaign Manager
Technical Communication Specialist
Web Producer

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that careers in media and communication will grow 6 percent by 2032, with about 114,300 jobs added each year. The average salary in 2024 will be about $66,320.

Master’s Degree Programs in Communications

A Communications Master’s Degree takes about two to three years to complete. Online master’s programs are shorter in that they take only one to two years to complete.

Some people will choose to earn this degree immediately after earning a Bachelor’s Degree, but those already working and seeking higher-level positions in their industry can also become graduate students.

Your Future with a Master’s Degree in Communications

Public Relations Manager: A PR manager builds and implements strategies to enhance an organization’s public image by managing media relations and overseeing communication campaigns.
Media Planner: Media planners analyze media and audience response to create effective advertising strategies and select the best platforms and times to reach target audiences.
Corporate Communications Director: A corporate communications director manages and organizes a company’s internal and external communication strategies, ensuring consistency in messaging.
Digital Marketing Manager: An individual in this role develops and executes online marketing campaigns, analyzes digital metrics, and uses social media, email marketing, and other tools to increase brand visibility and engagement.

What To Expect From a Military-Friendly Communications Master’s Degree Program

Master’s degree coursework emphasizes communication theory and strategy and typically emphasizes and may feature coursework in writing, verbal communication, mass media, and public relations. Every school is different and offers unique Master’s programs. Some are more generalized and provide overall theories, strategies, and practices. Others allow students to concentrate in one area as preparation for specialized work.

Additionally, programs incorporate hands-on learning experiences via internships, workshops, and collaborative projects with industry professionals, allowing students to build portfolios and gain real-world experience.

Select Yellow Ribbon Colleges with Communications Master’s Degree Programs

University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma offers a Master’s Degree in Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
Marist College: Marist College offers Master’s Degrees in Communication, General and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Troy University- Troy University offers a Master’s Degree in Communication, General.
Quinnipiac University: Quinnipiac University offers Master’s Degrees in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, and Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.

Select Military-Friendly Colleges with Communications Master’s Degree Programs

Sacred Heart University: Sacred Heart University offers Master's Degrees in Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Mass Communication/Media Studies, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Lasell University- Lasell University offers Master’s Degrees in Communications, Communication and Media Studies, Communication (General), Journalism, and Related Programs, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Emerson College: Emerson College offers a Master's Degree in Communication and Media Studies.
Concordia University Wisconsin: Concordia University Wisconsin offers a Master’s Degree in Communication, General.

Online Communications Master’s Degree Programs

National University: National University offers an online Master's Degree program in Strategic Communications.
The New School: The New School offers an online Master's Degree program in Communication & Media Studies.
Arizona State University Online: Arizona State University Online offers a Master's Degree in Technical Communication.
Syracuse University Online: Syracuse University Online offers Master's Degrees in Communications and Communications Management.

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