2024 Master's in Communication Programs in Nebraska (Campus, Online)

Campus Programs in Nebraska
Online Programs in Nebraska
Directory of All Programs in Nebraska

There are currently three schools in Nebraska that offer a total of five master’s in communication programs, three of which are campus-based, and two of which are online. Students interested in earning their master’s in communication degree in Nebraska have several specialization options, including common concentrations such as interpersonal communication, technical communication, journalism, and health communication, as well more specialty focuses in conflict resolution, instructional communication, and integrated media communications. All the schools listed on this page are non-profit institutions of higher education that have been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Campus-Based Master’s in Communication Programs in Nebraska

The University of Nebraska Omaha’s School of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication with optional areas of specialization in Communication Law, Technology and Policy, Conflict Resolution, Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication, Instructional Communication and Training, New Media, Organizational Communication, Public Relations, Public and Political Communication, and Technical Communication. Regardless of their concentration, students of this program must complete the same core classes in quantitative and qualitative communication research, speech communication, and mass communication.

Students then choose electives according to their interests and chosen specialization, including courses in popular culture and mass media, global media communication, communication and social protest, family communication, communication in instructional settings, contemporary communication systems, and conflict mediation. As their final graduation requirement, students complete a three-part comprehensive examination that covers fundamental and advanced concepts in communication theory, research methodology, and concepts in their selected specialization.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) College of Journalism and Mass Communications offers a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications with specializations in Integrated Media Communications and Professional Journalism. This program allows students a measure of flexibility in the courses they select to fulfill their degree program. Students who select the Integrated Media Communications specialization learn fundamental skills in advertising and public relations, as well as the latest advancements in these areas. They take core classes in advertising strategies and issues, public relations research and advertising, and branding, after which they take graduate-level courses covering topics such as advertising and public relations, international marketing, consumer behavior, leadership communication, intercultural communication, rhetorical theory, and consumer behavior. Students in this specialization also complete an integrated media communications capstone course, during which they apply their knowledge and skills to a practical project that they present to faculty and peers.

Students of the Professional Journalism specialization learn how to apply journalism skills and strategies to digital media for a wide range of audiences. They take core classes in mass communication ethics and issues, entrepreneurial journalism, and multi-platform journalism, after which they can choose electives that cover advanced topics in journalism, advertising and public relations, media law and ethics, and mass communication. Examples of elective course topics include politics and the media, the literature of journalism, the impact of the media on ideas of race and gender (and vice versa), the history of mass media, mass media law, science writing, and mass media and society. Students of the Professional Journalism specialization take a professional capstone course that culminates in an applied project.

UNL’s Department of Communication Studies offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with areas of concentration in Interpersonal, Family & Health Communication, and Rhetoric & Public Culture. This program aims to introduce students to advanced scholarly methodologies and traditions in communication studies, and to prepare them for doctoral education in this field. Students in this program can take classes in instructional communication, political communication, gender and communication, media and culture, interpersonal communication theory, contemporary rhetoric, and organizational communication. As their final graduation requirement, students can select from three different options: a master’s thesis, a comprehensive exam, or an independent project. When selecting one of these options, students must obtain approval from their advisory and Supervisory Committee.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs for Residents of Nebraska

Residents of Nebraska who live far away from Omaha or Lincoln may want to consider an online program if they cannot or do not want to relocate for graduate school. (At this time, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Wayne State College, and Chadron State College do not offer master’s in communication programs.) Online programs may also be ideal for students who need the scheduling flexibility online programs often afford.

Currently, two schools in Nebraska offer master’s in communication programs online. Bellevue University has an Online Master of Arts in Business and Professional Communication program available through its College of Arts and Sciences. Students can pursue their degree in one of seven concentrations: Business, Computer Information Systems, Executive Coaching, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Transnational and Cross-cultural Communication, or Interdisciplinary Studies. The core curriculum is comprised of courses such as Leadership and Organizational Communication, 21st Century Communication Technologies, Conflict and Negotiation, Ethics and Decision Making, and Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication. Once they have completed their core coursework, students take courses specific to their area of focus. A final capstone project is also required for graduation, in which students must identify and attempt to solve a workplace communication issue.

UNL offers an Online Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications with specializations in Integrated Media Communications and Professional Journalism. This program is equivalent in course offerings and graduation requirements to its campus-based version, and incorporates both synchronous and asynchronous instruction using interactive online learning platforms.

In addition to these program options, there are a number of out-of-state schools that offer online master’s in communication programs that accept students from Nebraska. Prospective students should note that some of these online programs require students to attend on-campus intensives, or to complete program requirements in-person at the school’s main campus (or at a satellite location). Furthermore, not all out-of-state schools are authorized to accept students who are residents of Nebraska. For more information about online master’s degree programs in communication, their geographical restrictions, and campus visit requirements, please reference our Online Master’s in Communication Programs resource page.