Communication can be a lucrative career path with impactful work in numerous areas, such as journalism, corporate communications, and politics.
Communicating on behalf of a company with external and internal audiences is a critical business need. Earning a Master of Arts (MA) in communication can build on the knowledge you gained in your bachelor鈥檚 degree programme, prepare you for more advanced roles, and even lead to higher salaries.听
Discover more about the MA in communication, what it takes to earn this graduate degree, and the roles you can explore after graduation.听
The Master of Arts in communication is an advanced degree you can pursue once you鈥檝e earned your bachelor鈥檚 degree and tends to focus on the theories, strategies, and practices of effective communication. However, some universities also emphasise media studies, given the close relationship between the two subjects. Institutions may offer this degree under different names, such as an MA in Mass Communication, Media and Communication, or Journalism and Mass Communication.
Depending on the university you're interested in attending, you may have the opportunity to enroll in a Master of Science in communication, which may focus more exclusively on communication strategy as it relates to management and leadership in business.
To decide which one is the right choice for you, take time to research various institutions offering an MA or MSc in communication; pay attention to the focus of each programme, as well as the coursework you'll be expected to complete; and consider how these parameters align with your larger educational and career goals.听
It typically takes two years to earn an MA in communication when you attend classes full-time, and the total costs can range from 鈧80,000 to 鈧3,00,000 per year []. However, you can explore several other options as well.
Part-time degrees: Part-time courses can be held in the evenings or during the weekends and can even be delivered online. When you want to continue working, enrolling in a part-time programme may be beneficial, although it will take longer to earn your degree.
Online degrees: Many students enjoy the flexibility of an online degree. For instance, rather than attending a scheduled class on campus, you can watch lectures when convenient. Online degree programmes often have several start dates, so you don鈥檛 have to wait to begin your education.
Dual degree programmes: Some universities bundle the bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees together in a five-year offering, reducing your education time by about one full year. In such cases, you would need to earn your master's while still working on your bachelor's and apply for your institution's dual degree programme, if available.听
Master鈥檚 level communication courses tend to involve the theory and strategy of communication as it applies to different settings, audiences, and needs. They also emphasise written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
While every institution has a unique set of coursework, you鈥檒l likely encounter classes that cover some of the following subjects:聽
Strategic communication
Media management
Digital media
Advertising and public relations
Film studies
Crisis communications
Audio and visual communication
Intercultural communication
While each programme will differ, you can expect to learn some of the fundamental communication skills below:
Cohesive writing聽
Active listening聽
Verbal and presentation skills
Selling and persuasion聽
Critical evaluation聽
Teamwork and collaboration
Analysing an audience
Synthesising content into a digestible format聽
Researching
Managing stress under pressure
Handling tight deadlines
Communicating with a diverse group of people
Unless you enroll in a dual degree programme, you鈥檒l often need a bachelor鈥檚 degree before applying for an MA in communication. Your bachelor鈥檚 can be in a subject other than communication. However, you may need to explain your interest in communication and why you鈥檙e interested in studying it at the graduate level.
You may also need to complete an entrance exam, which can be the institution鈥檚 own screening exam, achieve a minimum score, and provide letters of recommendation, a CV, a writing sample, and other materials. In many ways, applying to graduate school is similar to applying to an undergraduate programme.
An MA in communication is an opportunity to learn specific skills you can use in various communications work, like organisational management, media management, strategic planning, crisis communications, global communications, and public outreach. An MA in communication can be applied to the following industries:
Mass media聽
闯辞耻谤苍补濒颈蝉尘听
Corporate communications
Politics
Marketing
Speech communication
Higher education聽
Students seeking a master鈥檚 degree often strive for senior positions鈥攁nd they tend to earn more. According to the Payscale, master鈥檚 degree holders in India earn an average annual salary of 鈧7,26,000 []. Moreover, a master鈥檚 degree can signal to employers that you鈥檝e spent additional time and effort advancing your subject knowledge.听
There is demand for this type of degree as many industries require professionals who can communicate clearly, proactively, and efficiently.听
With a master鈥檚 in communication, you can explore many industries requiring effective communication.
Job title | Average annual salary* |
---|---|
Reporter | 鈧2,77,500 |
Graphic Designer | 鈧2,64,000 |
Technical Writer | 鈧8,00,000 |
Internal Communications Specialist | 鈧12,12,000 |
Brand Manager | 鈧13,00,000 |
Public Relations Manager | 鈧6,75,000 |
*Salary data source from Glassdoor India February 2025
An MA in communication can prepare you for a career in any field that values communication, public relations, or marketing skills. Enroll in an online course to see if studying communication is right for you. On 糖心vlog官网观看, you can take an individual course or a specialisation, like the University of Colorado Boulder鈥檚 Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation or Introduction to Public Relations and Media Specialisation. Get started with a free, 7-day trial today.
Study India. 鈥, https://www.studyindia.com/.鈥 Accessed 17 February 2025.
Payscale. 鈥, https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Master%27s_Degree/Salary.鈥 Accessed 17 February 2025.
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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.