Many professionals may wonder why an online Master's in Media Communications would be a good choice for them if they are already working professionals. It's also a great choice for journalists who wish to branch out into other types of media work, such as public relations or politics. Traditional programs are still available, but the online format bodes well for professionals.
Online programs in media communication are a great choice for professionals because it gives them the flexibility to go back to school while also maintaining their career. Most courses in these programs are delivered asynchronously, meaning that students can take their education everywhere they go. Online programs are also more affordable which is the main reason why most professionals choose these highly-rated programs over their traditional counterparts.
Most Affordable Master's in Media Communications Online
Methodology
The research for this ranking was conducted to ensure that the best schools were considered for this ranking. The National Center for Education Statistics and its College Navigator database were the primary sources. From an initial pool of 30 schools offering online degrees, 10 were ultimately chosen for this ranking, which you can find below.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Ranking Low-cost Online Media Communications Master's
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Master's in Media Communications Degree?
An individual that earns an online Master's in Media Communications has so many options that it can be mind-numbing to think about. That's because this degree opens the professional up to nearly every single career option available in the industry.
For example, a professional can choose to go into public relations or marketing. This means they may work as specialists, consultants, managers, strategists, and more. They may also work for private clients or as part of a production firm who handles that client's entire campaign and branding initiative.
Another example is that of a content copywriter. Professionals who choose to become content writers may find themselves at the helm of a company's mission statement, working as a social media writer or manager, writing press releases, and generally taking care of any content writing that a client might need.
But these are just some of the jobs available to media communications professionals. Other options include:
Journalist
Communications Director
Speechwriter
Campaign Consultant
Nonprofit Marketing Director
Brand Content Strategist
Media Relations Consultant
News Anchor
Private Secretary
Media Planner
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The average salary range for this field is $40,000 to over $250,000. This is a large range and includes different career titles, work experience, advanced certification and credentials, professional associations, industries, and more. It also showcases the widest salary range possible for this field.
The lowest paid positions in the field are entry-level and can range from $40,000 to just over $50,000. This salary fluctuates depending on if a professional is working for themselves, a small company, or a large corporation. Smaller operations yield lower salaries but can be more creatively rewarding.
The highest paid positions are senior-level management positions; these can include artistic directors, producers, creative directors, and more. Depending on their reputation and portfolio, it is possible for these professionals to make in excess of $250,000. This salary, however, often takes years of hard work and dedication to obtain.
What are the Various Disciplines of Media Communications?
Media communications encompasses the disciplines of communication, media, filmmaking, journalism, reporting, storytelling, and more. It is a field that is concerned with reporting the news and also crafting narratives to keep certain audiences engaged in the story.
Media communications is also a large field, meaning that everything from public relations to media management to marketing is housed within the industry. Media communications can also be found in every sector of the country, from healthcare to banks to the film industry, meaning that depending on what industry a professional choose to work in, they will always find a place in that industry's communications field.
Why are Internships Strongly Encouraged in Media Communications Graduate Programs?
Internships, which are also known as practicums or field experiences, are nearly always encouraged by graduate programs in this field. This is because these work experiences, which take place in real-world settings, allow students to understand what their own career may look like after graduating from the program. They tend to last for one or two terms and often pair students with large and well-known corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.
These experiences are strongly encouraged by rarely required. This is because graduate schools know that most of their students are already working professionals and do not need more work experience; they are already contributing to the industry. Requiring a work experience would be redundant for in-service professionals.
Internships are most likely to be useful for pre-service professionals, or professionals who have no experience in the field. These students would benefit from having a work experience that is supervised by a preceptor and the department, which can give feedback on a student's performance and act as a sounding board for any concerns that a student may have. That's why many schools make the internship available for these students.
Why is the Online Master's in Media Communications a Good Choice for Media Professionals?
Media professionals who are already working in the field may question if earning a degree in this particular field is a good choice for them. After all, what can a graduate degree in their field really teach them that they don't already know?
An online master's degree is still a great choice, whether a professional is in service or will be after graduation. This is because although the field of media communications is simply the art of communicating an idea from one entity to another, the way in which communication happens now is quite different from how it was done even 10 years ago.
Graduate degrees in media communications provide pre-service professionals with something quite valuable: access to networking events. Even though these degrees are online, the school often provides information on networking events all over the country, making it easier than ever for students to connect with like-minded professionals.
However, if a professional has years of experience in the business, a graduate degree in media communications may not be for them. It is most useful if professionals wish to move into new media or another aspect of the field in which they have little experience in during the course of their career.
The media continues to play a large role in how Americans interact with the news, brands, and even the government, on a daily basis. It is a field that professionals must continually educate themselves in, whether through graduate programs or online courses. An online Master's in Media Communications, however, is still the best way forward for a professional, especially for those who have a specific area they wish to specialize in order to advance their career.
