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2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Communication & Media Studies

289 Colleges in the United States
4,541 Master's Degrees
$48,686 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on getting your master's degree in communication and media studies, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #43 in the country in terms of popularity. As a result, there are many colleges that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

College Factual reviewed 289 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for master's degree seekers in the field of communication and media studies. Combined, these schools handed out 4,541 master's degrees in communication and media studies to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Communication & Media Studies School for Your Master's Degree

Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Communication & Media Studies The communications master's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. We created our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Communication & Media Studies ranking to make it a little easier to choose the right one for you.

Being popular does not always equate to overall quality, but a school with a large number of communication and media studies students usually has them for a reason. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Associate Degrees in Communications
Bachelor's Degrees in Communications
Doctor's Degrees in Communications
Overall Popularity in Communications

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. Plus, you can view our other rankings for communication and media studies.

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in communication and media studies. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Communications Students Working on Their Master's

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289 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#2 Best Quality In CA

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at University of Southern California if you wish to pursue a master's degree in communication and media studies. Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in California.

There were approximately 289 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

Those communication and media studies students who get their master's degree from University of Southern California earn $11,714 more than the typical communications student.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from University of Southern California

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205 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IN
#1 Best Quality In IN

Any student pursuing a degree in a master's degree in communication and media studies has to look into Purdue University - Main Campus. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Indiana.

There were about 205 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent data year.

Communication & Media Studies master's degree recipients from Purdue University - Main Campus earn a boost of approximately $7,514 above the average earnings of communication and media studies majors.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Purdue University - Main Campus

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UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
141 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#1 Best Quality In FL

University of Florida is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in communication and media studies. UF is a fairly large public university located in the city of Gainesville. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Florida.

There were approximately 141 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available.

Those communication and media studies students who get their master's degree from University of Florida make $2,214 more than the typical communications graduate.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from University of Florida

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128 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
#1 Best Quality In MD

Every student pursuing a degree in a master's degree in communication and media studies needs to check out Johns Hopkins University. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Maryland.

There were about 128 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available.

Those communication and media studies students who get their master's degree from Johns Hopkins University make $17,414 more than the standard communications grad.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Johns Hopkins University

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120 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#4 Best Quality In AZ

Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit university located in the large city of Phoenix. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #4 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Arizona.

There were about 120 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at Grand Canyon University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Grand Canyon University

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119 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

ASU - Skysong is a very large public university located in the city of Scottsdale. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Arizona.

There were roughly 119 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Skysong in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Arizona State University - Skysong

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98 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#7 Best Quality In MA

Located in the city of Boston, Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Massachusetts.

There were approximately 98 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the communication and media studies major at Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network earn $10,214 more than the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network

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Clark crest
Clark University
Worcester, MA
95 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
#2 Best Quality In MA

Located in the city of Worcester, Clark is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Massachusetts.

There were about 95 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at Clark in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Clark University

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89 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In FL
#3 Best Quality In FL

Located in the suburb of Miami, FIU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Florida.

There were about 89 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the communications program report average early career wages of $48,100.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Florida International University

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87 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in New York.

There were approximately 87 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available.

Those communication and media studies students who get their master's degree from Columbia University in the City of New York receive $48,914 more than the average communications graduate.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Columbia University in the City of New York

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83 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#1 Best Quality In IL

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Illinois.

There were roughly 83 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

Communication & Media Studies master's degree recipients from Northwestern University get an earnings boost of around $25,614 above the average earnings of communication and media studies graduates.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Northwestern University

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The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
73 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In DC
#1 Best Quality In DC

Located in the city of Washington, The American University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in District of Columbia.

There were roughly 73 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent data year.

Those communication and media studies students who get their master's degree from American University earn $15,714 more than the typical communications student.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from American University

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Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
58 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#6 Best Quality In VA

Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Lynchburg. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Virginia.

There were roughly 58 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the communications program report average early career earnings of $32,800.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Liberty University

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58 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WA
#2 Best Quality In WA

Wazzu is a fairly large public university located in the distant town of Pullman. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Washington.

There were about 58 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Wazzu in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's recipients from the communication and media studies degree program at Washington State University get $3,114 above the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Washington State University

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50 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AL
#2 Best Quality In AL

Located in the midsize city of Tuscaloosa, UA is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Alabama.

There were about 50 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from The University of Alabama

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46 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#4 Best Quality In TX

Located in the large city of Lubbock, Texas Tech is a public university with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #4 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Texas.

There were about 46 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Texas Tech in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the communications program report average early career wages of $40,000.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Texas Tech University

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Regent crest
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
44 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In VA
#7 Best Quality In VA

Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Virginia.

There were about 44 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at Regent in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's students who receive their degree from the communications program earn about $27,100 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Regent University

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43 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CO
#1 Best Quality In CO

DU is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Denver. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Colorado.

There were roughly 43 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at DU in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the communication and media studies degree program at University of Denver make $3,714 more than the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from University of Denver

19
39 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WV
#1 Best Quality In WV

WVU is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Morgantown. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in West Virginia. More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from West Virginia University

20
Walden University crest
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
38 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MN
#5 Best Quality In MN

Walden University is a very large private for-profit university located in the city of Minneapolis. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Minnesota.

There were approximately 38 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at Walden University in the most recent data year.

After graduating, communications master's recipients typically make about $42,100 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Walden University

20
38 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
#3 Best Quality In NC

Queens is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Charlotte. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in North Carolina.

There were approximately 38 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Queens in the most recent year we have data available.

Communication & Media Studies master's degree recipients from Queens University of Charlotte earn a boost of around $6,614 above the average earnings of communication and media studies majors.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Queens University of Charlotte

20
38 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#10 Best Quality In CA

Cal State Fullerton is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Fullerton.

There were about 38 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at Cal State Fullerton in the most recent data year.

Those communication and media studies students who get their master's degree from California State University - Fullerton make $6,814 more than the standard communications student.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from California State University - Fullerton

23
37 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In UT
#3 Best Quality In UT

Located in the city of Ogden, WSU is a public university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Utah.

There were roughly 37 communication and media studies individuals who graduated with this degree at WSU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Weber State University

24
36 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TN
#3 Best Quality In TN

ETSU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Johnson City. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Tennessee.

There were approximately 36 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at ETSU in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from East Tennessee State University

24
36 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#2 Best Quality In GA

Georgia State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Atlanta. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in communication and media studies in Georgia.

There were roughly 36 communication and media studies students who graduated with this degree at Georgia State in the most recent year we have data available.

Soon after graduation, communications master's recipients generally make an average of $33,600 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a master’s in communication and media studies from Georgia State University

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Lindenwood University crest
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO
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Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, MO
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Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Communication & Media Studies students that almost earned our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Communication & Media Studies award.

RankCollegeLocation
44George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA
44Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge, LA
44The University of Tennessee - KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN
44University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL
48University of GeorgiaAthens, GA
48Lynn UniversityBoca Raton, FL
48DePaul UniversityChicago, IL
48Boston UniversityBoston, MA
52Westminster College UtahSalt Lake City, UT
52University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL
52University of Cincinnati - Main CampusCincinnati, OH
52Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale, MI
52Villanova UniversityVillanova, PA
52Drake UniversityDes Moines, IA

Communication & Media Studies by Region

View the Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Communication & Media Studies for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 5 majors within the Communication & Journalism area of study, Communication & Media Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.

Communications Focus Areas

MajorAnnual Graduates
Speech Communication2,361
Communication & Media Studies921
Communications734
Other Communication & Media Studies525

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Public Relations & Advertising2,276
Radio, Television & Digital Communication1,872
Journalism1,391
Communication & Journalism (Other)471
Publishing185

Notes and References

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