The communications field offers a variety of opportunities for students interested in public relations, advertising, broadcasting, marketing, and other specialties. Undergraduate degree programs prepare students for entry-level careers in this field, but students who want to earn salary increases or promotions may need to enter one of the many communications masters programs available. A masters in communication program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the communications industry. Prospective students must meet a number of masters in communication admissions requirements before entering one of these programs. It is also possible to complete a masters in communication online instead of enrolling in a traditional campus-based program.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Although the admissions requirements for a masters in communication program vary from one school to the next, most schools have the same basic requirements. An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Many schools also require masters degree in communications applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination, also known as the GRE. The GRE tests reading comprehension, vocabulary usage, reasoning skills, and basic mathematical skills. Competitive masters degree in communications programs may require students to have high grade point averages. Applicants may also have to submit letters of recommendation or other supporting documents.
Master in Communications General Courses
A student pursuing a masters degree in communications typically takes courses related to interpersonal communication, media studies, and journalism. Core courses in this graduate program may cover topics such as cross-cultural communication, gender and communication, communications theory, mass communication, and organizational communication. Students enrolled in communications masters programs may also take courses related to communications in government and politics, giving them the opportunity to pursue careers in political science and public service. Once students complete their core courses requirements, they may move on to courses in their chosen specializations.
Communications Concentrations
Most schools allow students in communications masters programs to take upper-level courses in specific concentrations. Students may choose to concentrate in journalism, broadcasting, media and politics, public relations, sales, marketing, advertising, and other specialties. Many communications masters programs also require students to complete a closure project, which helps them demonstrate their knowledge of the communications field. The thesis is just one example of a closure project. Students may also choose to take comprehensive examinations or complete independent study projects to fulfill this requirement.
On-Campus vs. Online Programs
Many schools now offer online masters in communication degrees for students who cannot fit on-campus classes into their schedules. Online masters in communication programs are ideal for students who work full-time or have family obligations that prevent them from commuting to campus and participating in on-site courses. A student who wants to get a masters in communication online must meet several basic requirements before enrolling in this type of program. Most schools require online masters in communication students to have specific operating systems and browsers, which helps ensure that everyone can access the course materials.
Someone pursuing an online masters in communication should also have basic computer skills. Students should know how to use the Internet for research and basic word processing programs for preparing assignments. The online masters degree communications program is ideal for students who need to advance their education without having to take time off from work or give up other activities to attend traditional classes. Enrolling in an online masters degree communications program also decreases the cost of getting a graduate education, as students do not have to pay on-campus printing fees, laboratory fees, or parking fees.
Career Opportunities
Once a student completes an online masters degree communications program, there are a number of career opportunities available. Since students are able to concentrate on specific areas, one student may be qualified for some positions that other students are not. Students who concentrated on politics while enrolled in a masters in communication online program may choose to write speeches for political candidates or help candidates on the campaign trail. Students who focused on the field of public relations may find work as public relations specialists or press release writers. Broadcasting and journalism students may find work in the publishing industry, television news, radio news, and other related areas.
Communications Salaries
The salary for a masters in communication online program graduate depends on the graduate’s skills, area of concentration, geographic location, and work experience. Public relations specialists earn a median annual salary of $52,090. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes salary information for several broadcasting careers. The median hourly wage for a radio or TV producer is $28.05. Camera operators earn a median hourly wage of $18.50. General managers and operations managers earn a median hourly wage of $46.94 when they work in the radio and TV industries. Salaries tend to be higher for workers in urban areas with large radio and TV markets.