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Master's in Communication (MA)
MA in Communication Program Overview
With more information available than ever before, creating powerful messages is no longer enough. You must cut through the noise to ensure people see, hear, retain, and act upon what you have to say.
Successful communication demands strong writing and presentation skills, strategic thinking, creativity, and an understanding of digital platforms, analytics, and audience engagement. The Master of Arts in Communication degree from Johns Hopkins University is designed for the workplace of today: a cutting-edge curriculum that integrates writing, research, technology, and strategy.
Study on Your Terms
Designed with working professionals in mind, this program offers you the flexibility to take classes online or on campus during evenings and weekends.
Communication Master’s Student Outcome
Core Communication Skills Gained in this Program
A master’s degree in communication helps you strengthen knowledge and skills in areas such as strategic communication, research, writing, digital media, persuasion, and audience engagement. The curriculum is designed to help students understand how communication strategies influence organizations, communities, and public audiences while developing the ability to create effective messaging across different platforms. Clear communication, information analysis, and strategic development are essential for organizations as they increasingly require professionals who can effectively support their goals.
You can also develop expertise in specialized areas such as health communication, corporate and nonprofit communication, political communication, public and media relations, and digital communication. Communication professionals must tailor messages for diverse audiences, assess communication challenges, and employ research-driven strategies to inform decision-making.
Communication Master’s Courses
Below are a few examples of communication master’s courses that you can take as part of our program. These courses will help you gain the skills you need to advance in your career and improve your abilities.
- Research and Writing Methods
- Changing Behavior through Communication
- Introduction to Storytelling
- Interactive Marketing and Advertising
- Public Policy Management & Advocacy
Explore the MA in Communication Program
In-Depth Article
Forbes Issues Top Ranking for MA in Communication Program
Forbes has announced their Best Online Communications Master’s Degree, and it is Johns Hopkins University’s MA in Communication program. In December 2025, Forbes evaluated 171 accredited institutions in the U.S. and ranked the JHU MA in Communication graduate degree as their No. 1 program.
Upcoming Master's in Communication Events
Alexandria Garfield MA in CommunicationJohns Hopkins is such an elite school, and I wanted to be a part of that. I loved the Communication program here out of all the programs I looked into. One of the things I wanted to perfect was my writing, and I definitely did that in this program. I am a writer at heart, and I love it. It is my favorite thing.
Why to Pursue an MA in Communication at Hopkins
Choosing Johns Hopkins for your on-campus or online master’s degree in communication has many benefits.
Learn From Top Communicators
Our faculty members are writers, authors, editors, publishers, strategists, analysts, and social scientists with decades of practical experience to share with you.
Specialize Your Studies: Six Areas of Concentration
Personalize your curriculum with an official Area of Concentration in public and media relations, applied research, political communication, health communication, digital communication, or corporate and nonprofit communication.
Choose From a Wide Range of Electives
Explore topics like communicating social change, speech writing, risk and crisis communication, media literacy, branding by motion picture, opinion writing, and managerial communication.
Expand Your Professional Network
Join a community of successful communication professionals. Our alumni have leadership roles in organizations of all kinds, from nonprofits and government agencies to global brands.
Complementary Credentials
Customize your communication studies by pursuing two credentials at once and you may find exactly the right educational focus to advance your career. In addition, this combination will help you to earn the credentials in less time than if pursued separately.
Communication News
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Sharpen your skills and become the most effective communicator you can be.
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Advanced Academic Programs Admissions
Master’s in Communication FAQs
Johns Hopkins University’s MA in Communication program is a 10-course, 30-credit professional master’s degree program – often completed within 12-24 months, though students have up to five years for degree completion. Courses are offered online, in-person at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., or through a combination of both modalities.
The admissions criteria for the MA in Communication program includes a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent international credential, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The application can be completed online and requires supporting materials, including resume, transcripts, and more.
Tuition and fees for the MA in Communication program currently range from $54,250 – $55,250 USD. The cost per course is $5,425. Students may be eligible to access federal loans, employer tuition assistance, military and veterans benefits, or partner-organization benefits to offset the cost of the degree. Learn more about financial aid options.
Students can pursue concentrations in one or two of six areas: Applied Research in Communication; Digital Communication; Political Communication; Corporate and Nonprofit Communication; Health Communication; and Public and Media Relations. Students may choose to complete an optional Practicum as a culminating experience.
Yes. This dual degree program was developed to provide essential skills needed for managers in public and media relations, advertising, crisis communication, organizational development, and risk communication. It uniquely positions graduates for leadership roles in communication and business.
Graduates with a master’s degree in communication may pursue careers in strategic communication, public relations, marketing communication, organizational communication, and media-related roles. Common communications-related job titles include:
- Communication manager
- Public relations specialist
- Content strategist
- Corporate communication specialist
- Media relations specialist
- Communication director
Depending on your interests and experience, you may opt for a wide variety of career paths.
Advanced communication education helps individuals advance into leadership positions focused on organizational messaging, public engagement, and communication strategy. Graduates can apply their skills in government agencies, nonprofits, associations, and corporations that prioritize effective communication.
Graduates in communication can find opportunities in almost every industry, as organizations across all sectors require professionals to manage messaging, relationships, and information sharing.
Some of the most common industries include:
- Healthcare
- Government
- Nonprofit organizations
- Technology
- Education
- Financial services
- Media
- Corporate environments
Communication professionals serve as strategic partners, helping organizations connect with employees, customers, and stakeholders. A master’s degree equips you with the skills needed to support diverse communication initiatives.