Master the art of communication and learn how to craft and share compelling messages that will cut through the noise to reach your target audience. Earn your MA in Communication at Johns Hopkins online or in D.C.

Degree Type:
Master of Arts
Entry Terms:
Fall, Spring, and Summer
Mode of Study:
On Campus, Online
Location:
Washington, D.C.
Requirements:
10 courses
Time to Complete:
12 – 24 months
Visa Eligible

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.

In-Depth Article

Forbes Issues Top Ranking for MA in Communication Program

News

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.

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.

Take the Next Step

Sharpen your skills and become the most effective communicator you can be.

Contact Us for More Information

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.

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